Letters from James, John, Paul, and Peter brought inspiration, devotion,
instruction, and correction [p. 25] to the believers of the first century as
well as to Christians of all ages. However, in the framework of the dynamics of
inspiration, epistles confront us with new dilemmas: first, how to handle
personal letters now made public through their insertion in the Biblical canon;
second, how to understand inspiration when the prophet writes greetings, names,
circumstances, or even common things that do not require a special revelation.
Surely Paul never imagined that his letters to Timothy, Titus, and Philemon
would become public domain. But the Lord planned those letters to be part of the
canon to bring inspiration, instruction, and comfort to many young ministers and
believers confronting similar circumstances.
Likewise, Ellen White never imagined that her personal letters, especially
those addressed to her husband and children, would become public domain. In
deciding to make these available, the White Estate board of trustees considered
two principles: first, Ellen White herself stated that testimonies that had been
directed to a single individual to instruct, correct, or encourage that person
in a particular situation would be helpful to others also.[7]
Second, if the Lord allowed Paul's personal letters to be in the Bible to serve
a wider audience, why should He not do the same with a later prophet?
Paul's correspondence with the Corinthians reveals his emotions--feelings of
discouragement and even repulsion for the heavy sins allowed in the church. The
Holy Spirit did not enter the scene with a special revelation or vision. Rather,
the Spirit inspired God's servant to express himself with his own feelings and
sentiments. But in case some believers would consider this message only a letter
coming from a concerned pastor, the apostle reminded them that whatever he
preached or taught--or even wrote--was the result of the teachings of the Spirit
(1 Cor. 2:1-13).
Ellen White's personal letters show the prophet corresponding with her
audience, expressing her burdens and feelings. Many times there is no "I
saw" at the beginning of the letter. But this does not mean that she is
writing only her personal feelings or opinions. She is well aware of the divine
source of her writings.[8]
[7] Testimonies,
vol. 5, p. 660.
[8] Ibid., p. 67.