Whereas the Gospels of Matthew and John result from a "witness"
model, Mark's and Luke's come from what we might describe as a "historian"
model of inspiration. Luke tells us candidly that his story of Jesus did not
come through visions and dreams, but through research. "Inasmuch as many
have taken in hand to set in order a narrative of those things which have been
fulfilled among us . . . it seemed good to me also, having had perfect
understanding of all things from the very first, to write to you an orderly
account, most excellent Theophilus" (Luke 1:1-3).
In the historian model, God inspires the prophet to look [p. 23] for
information in sources such as historical records, eyewitness accounts, and oral
or written recollections. We may be assured that He leads His servants to go to
reliable persons, to ask the right questions, and to quote from the proper
sources.
Apart from Mark and Luke, books such as Acts, Exodus, Joshua, Ezra, and
Esther illustrate how some historical records, including travel diaries, became
part of the inspired writings. Neither Moses nor Luke needed a special
revelation to record the history of the Exodus or the apostolic church. However,
the Lord knew those narratives would not only encourage His people at later
times but also counsel and warn them. Consequently, He inspired His servants to
record those travels and circumstances surrounding God's people.
The historian model of inspiration also allows us to better understand why
Ellen White included historical records--many times from secular sources--within
her inspired writings. A secular quotation becomes an integral part of an
inspired writing not because of an alchemistic change in substance, but because
of the freedom God allows the prophet to use whatever source he or she considers
necessary to make the final text of the message clear and complete.
The historian model of inspiration helps us to understand the use of
religious sources other than visions and prophetic dreams. Just as Luke went to
religious people in search of information about the story of Jesus, Ellen White
went to religious books looking for expressions and literary figures that would
allow her to give "a ready and forcible presentation of the subject"
she had been inspired to present.[5]
[5] The Great
Controversy, p. xii.