Prophets As Historians

The second mode or model of revelation and inspiration we will analyze in this chapter is the historical model. In this case, God inspires prophets to search for historical records, oral or written, and guides them in making the correct selection. The prime example in the Scriptures is the Gospel of Luke, often designated the “Lucan model” of inspiration.VOTS 61.1

Luke clearly states that his writings are not the result of visions or prophetic dreams, but of an investigation:VOTS 61.2

Many have undertaken to draw up an account of the things that have been fulfilled among us, just as they were handed down to us by those who from the first were eyewitnesses and servants of the word. Therefore, since I myself have carefully investigated everything from the beginning, it seemed good also to me to write an orderly account for you, most excellent Theophilus, so that you may know the certainty of the things you have been taught. (Luke 1:1-4).VOTS 61.3

Luke’s Gospel is not the only example of the historical model of inspiration found in the Bible. In the Old Testament there are several historical books, Kings and Chronicles for example, that also claim that their information came from historical documents and records. In the New Testament, the book of Acts is a combination of the historical and eyewitness models. The first part of the book is a historical summary by Luke dealing with the beginnings of the apostolic church. The second part of the book is the same author’s eyewitness reports as part of Paul’s evangelistic team.VOTS 61.4

Ellen White was also inspired by the Spirit to use the historical model in some of her books. She used various historical references from non-religious authors, especially in her works targeted to the general public. How should we understand these references from non-inspired historians when they form part of the text of an inspired book?VOTS 62.1