1. Bibliographic Information
Title: The Works of John Owen, Volume 16
Author: John Owen (1616–1683)
Publisher/Edition: Various printings exist; most modern reproductions follow the Banner of Truth Trust’s 16-volume set (originally edited by William H. Goold and published by Johnstone & Hunter, 1850–53).
Year: First compiled in the mid-17th century; definitive modern reprints in the late 20th century.
Length: Volume 16 generally spans around 500–600 pages (depending on the edition), covering multiple treatises—the portion on Scripture, which is our focus here, occupies a significant section toward the latter half of the volume.
Note: This review discusses only the major treatises concerning Scripture in Volume 16 (e.g., “Of the Divine Original of the Scriptures,” “The Integrity and Purity of the Hebrew and Greek Text,” etc.), rather than the entire content of the volume (which also includes material on church polity, censures, and other topics).
2. Overview / Introduction
Main Purpose/Thesis
In the Scripture-focused treatises of Volume 16, Owen defends the divine origin, authority, and self-evidencing power of the Holy Scriptures, as well as their preservation in the original Hebrew and Greek texts. He zeroes in on two broad concerns:
- Why and how the Bible is to be received as God’s Word—a question of authority.
- How and to what extent Scripture has been reliably preserved—a question of textual integrity.
In an era (the 17th century) rich with controversy—both from Roman Catholic apologists who questioned the sufficiency of Scripture alone and from more rationalistic “free-thinkers” who attacked its inspiration—Owen aimed to uphold a solidly Reformed view: that Scripture is the supreme authority in matters of faith and practice and that it stands firm against charges of corruption.
Context
This portion of Volume 16 arises amid intense theological debates over church traditions, biblical canon, textual criticism, and the Reformation principle of sola Scriptura. Owen is particularly concerned about (1) protecting the church from arguments that appealed to an alleged corruption of biblical manuscripts, and (2) defending the internal, self-authenticating witness of the Scriptures, confirmed by the Holy Spirit’s operation in the hearts of believers.
Author Background
John Owen—a leading English Puritan divine—was a prolific theologian, pastor, and academic administrator at Oxford. Deeply committed to the Reformed tradition, he wrote extensively on the nature of atonement, the person of Christ, the Holy Spirit, and the life of the church. His high regard for Scripture as the inspired, inerrant Word of God, and his thorough academic engagement with the biblical text, set him apart among 17th-century theologians.
3. Chapter-by-Chapter (or Thematic) Summary
Below is a thematic rather than a strict “chapter” breakdown, focusing on the sections explicitly addressing Scripture.
A. “Of the Divine Original of the Scriptures”
Foundation of Authority
- Owen argues the Bible carries ultimate authority because it proceeds from God, not merely human authorship. He emphasizes that Scripture is God-breathed (2 Timothy 3:16).
- He repudiates any notion that church councils or traditions confer authority upon the Bible. Rather, they merely recognize the authority inherent in it.
Internal and External Evidences
- Internal excellencies (purity, harmony, majesty) provide self-evidencing light and power.
- External testimony—church history, miracles, etc.—is supportive but not the final ground for faith.
Work of the Holy Spirit
- Owen repeatedly underscores that the Holy Spirit testifies within believers to confirm Scripture’s divine authorship.
- This is not “enthusiasm” but the Reformed doctrine of the internal testimony of the Spirit.
B. “The Integrity and Purity of the Hebrew and Greek Text”
Preservation of the Autographs
- While original manuscripts (autographs) perished long ago, Owen teaches that faithful transmission in copies and manuscripts ensures we still possess Scripture in its essential purity.
- He refutes claims that Jewish scribes (Masoretes) or others corrupted the text so extensively that reliance on the original Hebrew or Greek is futile.
Variants and Providence
- Owen acknowledges minor textual variants but insists none affect any doctrine of faith or practice.
- God’s providential care guarantees an effectively preserved text. He defends studying original languages for accurate exegesis—thus showcasing both piety and scholarship.
Limits of Human Authority
- Reiterates that no synod, pope, or human assembly has final say on the text; the church’s role is to recognize (not confer) canonicity and textual reliability.
C. Practical and Polemical Points
- Owen consistently warns against overreliance on “the authority of men” (church councils, philosophers, textual critics) to confirm Scripture. True faith rests on God’s word, ratified internally by the Spirit.
- He admonishes believers to be diligent in reading Scripture in the original tongues if so called—pastors especially—to guard against drift into doctrinal error.
4. Strengths
Rigor and Thoroughness
- Owen’s argumentation reflects deep scholarly engagement with philology, church history, and theology. He painstakingly counters critics—Catholic apologists, Socinians, and others—showing an impressive breadth.
Balanced Approach to External Evidence
- While unequivocally holding that Scripture’s authority is self-evident, Owen does not dismiss external aids (manuscripts, versions, patristic witnesses) but integrates them as supporting data.
High View of God’s Providence
- His discussion of the textual transmission underscores a robust doctrine of providence: God, who inspired Scripture, also preserves it through centuries of scribal labor.
Pastoral Focus
- Although academically dense, these treatises point Christians to practical devotion: read the Word with confidence, rely on the Spirit, and trust the Scriptures’ power to sanctify.
5. Weaknesses
Dense, 17th-Century Prose
- Readers unfamiliar with Puritan rhetoric may find Owen’s style (lengthy sentences, scholastic structure) challenging, requiring patience or guided reading.
Complex Polemics
- He tackles contemporary controversies (e.g., over the Masoretic points, interactions with Catholic critics) that can feel distant to modern readers. More contextual footnotes might help clarify the climate he wrote in.
Occasional Redundancy
- Owen repeats certain arguments—understandable for thoroughness, but at times the flow can bog down.
Minimal Modern Textual Criticism
- Owen’s perspective predates later developments in manuscript discovery (e.g., Dead Sea Scrolls). Some of his conclusions about variants, while theologically robust, would benefit from modern textual scholarship. Still, the core principle remains intact.
6. Conclusion / Final Assessment
Overall Impression
John Owen’s Scripture treatises in Volume 16 stand as a testament to classic Reformed confidence in the Bible as God’s unerring Word. He meets both Roman Catholic and skeptical objections with exegetical precision and fervent pastoral concern, making a scholarly and faith-filled argument that Scripture is both self-authenticating and providentially preserved.
Key Takeaways
- The Word of God inherently carries divine authority, independent of human sanction.
- The Spirit’s internal testimony is crucial for a believer’s unshakable conviction that the Bible is God’s true Word.
- Manuscript variants and other historical details do not undermine the substance of faith or the trustworthiness of Scripture.
Recommended For
- Pastors and seminarians eager to dive into historical Reformed teaching on Scripture.
- Theology students grappling with debates on inspiration and textual purity.
- Lay readers seeking a serious (though somewhat demanding) treatment of why the Bible stands alone as God’s Word.
Rating (Optional)
- For historical and doctrinal depth, it is unparalleled; for readability, it demands dedication. Overall: 4.5/5 for the serious reader.
Final Note: Though Owen’s Volume 16 contains other significant writings (e.g., on church polity and censures), this review confines itself strictly to the portion dealing with the divine origin, authority, and textual integrity of Scripture. Readers desiring a deeper exploration of Owen’s teaching on ecclesiology and related topics can find that in the other treatises contained in this same volume.
