INPUT/OUTPUT

Input/Output

David said, “My cup runs over” (Psa. 23:5b). As writers, we need input to overflow in output. Our writing genre will, of course, help dictate input for subsequent output. Even writing from imagination requires prior imbibement for the cup to overflow.

From prison the Apostle Paul made a request to Timothy, “Bring the cloak that I left with Carpus at Troas when you come—and the books, especially the parchments” (2 Tim. 4:13). We would be speculating as to whether the cloak was Paul’s “preaching gown”, as in something like the cloak or mantle that Elijah passed on to Elisha (2 Kings 2:13), or simply a garment to keep him warm, and whether the books and parchments contained Old Testament writings and/or Paul’s other epistles. However, we do know that, not only did Paul quote from other Bible writers, but he also quoted from pagan writers.

Paul, for example, quotes the Cretan poet Epimenides and the Cilician poet Aratus (as well as Cleanthes) where he writes, “For in Him we live and move and have our being, as also some of your own poets have said, ‘For we are also His offspring’ (Acts 17:28). He cites Epimenides again, “One of them, a prophet of their own, said, ‘Cretans are always liars, evil beasts, lazy gluttons.’” (Titus 1:12). And lifts a line from the Greek poet Meander, “Do not be deceived: ‘Evil company corrupts good habits.’” (1 Cor. 15:33).

Not missing the fact that pieces of pagan poetry have now become Holy Writ, we see that Paul was well read.

As an empty inkwell is to writing, so an empty bookcase is to inspiration. Output needs input. Being well versed can help one to verse well. Therefore, try to read widely.