What Paul himself taught about Scripture?

What Paul himself taught about Scripture in the New Testament, and whether he believed in a “perfect text” of the Old Testament in the way some later groups (like KJV-onlyism or VPP) claim.

1. Paul’s Teaching on Scripture

Paul’s letters consistently affirm that Scripture is:

Inspired by God

“All Scripture is God-breathed and useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness” (2 Tim 3:16).

Paul emphasizes divine origin, not the perfection of any one manuscript.

Sufficient for salvation and spiritual growth

“...which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus” (2 Tim 3:15).

The OT Scriptures (the only “Bible” Timothy had) were enough to point him to Christ.

A witness to Christ

“For whatever was written in former days was written for our instruction, that through endurance and through the encouragement of the Scriptures we might have hope” (Rom 15:4).

Paul saw the OT as instructive and Christ-centered, not as a text to be idolized for its exact form.

Living and authoritative

Paul quotes the OT frequently, but often in Greek (Septuagint, LXX), sometimes paraphrased, and sometimes with adaptations under the Spirit’s inspiration (e.g., Rom 10:6–8 citing Deut 30:12–14).

  This shows he trusted the message of Scripture, not a “perfect textual form.”

2. What Paul Actually Used

Paul primarily used the Greek Septuagint (LXX) when writing to Gentile churches, even though it differed from the Hebrew Masoretic Text in places.

He occasionally quoted from the Hebrew text or Aramaic Targums when needed.

His inspired writings freely mix these traditions, showing no anxiety about preserving a single “perfect” edition.

This demonstrates Paul did not subscribe to the later idea of a “perfect Old Testament text” (whether Masoretic, TR, or otherwise).

3. Did Paul Teach a Doctrine of Perfect Preservation?

No evidence: Paul never taught that God preserved a single perfect manuscript or translation.

What he taught instead: God inspired Scripture and ensured its message was trustworthy, sufficient, and Christ-centered.

He emphasized faith in Christ through the Word, not textual perfection.

4. Contrast with Later Doctrines

KJV-only / VPP claims: That God preserved one perfect text (TR or KJV).

Paul’s actual teaching: God inspired Scripture, but he himself used different textual traditions without hesitation.

If Paul demanded a “perfect text,” he could not have used the Septuagint so freely, since it often differs from the Hebrew.

Conclusion

St. Paul affirmed the divine inspiration and sufficiency of Scripture, but he did not subscribe to the idea of one perfect textual edition of the Old Testament. His use of multiple versions shows he trusted the message of God’s Word, not a flawless manuscript tradition.