What does "prima scriptura" mean?

WHAT DOES THE BIBLE SAY?

Prima scriptura means “Scripture first.” The “Scripture first” idea began to surface during the later Middle Ages as some theologians argued that the Bible should be the ultimate standard even for the Church’s teaching. Thinkers like Thomas Aquinas and William of Ockham affirmed that nothing binding in faith could contradict Scripture, though they still viewed Church tradition as a necessary interpreter. Unfortunately, the Roman Catholic Church ultimately formalized the view that Scripture and tradition have coequal authority. This led to the Reformers’ cry of sola scriptura—“Scripture alone,” the belief that the Bible is the only infallible authority for faith and practice.

The formal phrase prima scriptura appeared much later, mainly in Anglican and Wesleyan circles, to describe a system in which Scripture remains supreme, but other sources, such as tradition, reason, and experience, may also inform belief, though always under Scripture’s judgment.

The Bible teaches that while creation reveals God’s power (Romans 1:20) and conscience His moral law (Romans 2:15), only Scripture is “breathed out by God” and sufficient (2 Timothy 3:16–17). For that reason, all truth claims—whether from history, reason, or tradition—must ultimately be tested by the Word of God, which alone carries divine authority.

FROM THE OLD TESTAMENT

• The Old Testament shows that God’s Word is supreme, fully authoritative, and sufficient for guiding His people. In Deuteronomy 8:3, God fed Israel with manna and said, “man does not live by bread alone, but by every word that comes from the mouth of the LORD.” God’s spoken Word sustains and guides life.
• Psalm 19:7–8 says, “The law of the LORD is perfect, reviving the soul; the testimony of the LORD is sure, making wise the simple.” The law and testimonies of God provide complete guidance and wisdom.
• God declares that His Word “shall not return to me empty, but it shall accomplish that which I purpose” (Isaiah 55:10–11). His Word alone achieves His will, showing its ultimate authority over human reasoning or tradition.

FROM THE NEW TESTAMENT

• The New Testament acknowledges that God may reveal aspects of His will beyond the written text. Creation testifies to His power (Romans 1:20), conscience bears witness to His moral law (Romans 2:15), and the Holy Spirit gives wisdom and guidance (John 14:26; Ephesians 1:17). God’s providence and miracles likewise confirm His truth (John 10:38; Acts 14:17). Yet none of these sources carries the authority or permanence of Scripture.
• Scripture alone is “breathed out by God” and able to make His people “complete, equipped for every good work” (2 Timothy 3:16–17).
• After seeing Jesus transformed, Peter declared that “we have the prophetic word more fully confirmed,” meaning that his experience did not trump Scripture but confirmed it (2 Peter 1:19). He also noted that “no prophecy was ever produced by the will of man, but men spoke from God as they were carried along by the Holy Spirit” (2 Peter 1:21).
• Jesus identified God’s Word as truth (John 17:17), and the Bereans tested all teaching by the Scriptures (Acts 17:11).

IMPLICATIONS FOR TODAY

Until the 70s, the U.S. operated under the “gold standard,” i.e., our money was backed by gold. Christianity’s gold standard is the Bible—i.e., our beliefs are backed by Scripture. And it is, indeed, precious. In the Bible, God has given us everything we need to know who God is, what His will is for creation, and how to live in a way that pleases Him. We don’t need to look elsewhere for additional revelation or secret insights.

What do we do, then, when we read about an unfamiliar Church tradition or someone presents arguments about “scientific progress” to refute miracles? We examine all claims against Scripture. If their conclusions conform to Scripture’s plain teaching, they’re valid. If they do not, we must reject them.

UNDERSTAND

• Prima scriptura means “Scripture first,” above all other sources.
• God’s Word alone is fully sufficient for truth, faith, and life.
• All claims must be tested against God’s Word.

REFLECT

• How do you test ideas, traditions, or advice against Scripture before accepting them as true?
• Where might you be relying more on human reasoning or experience than on God’s Word for how to live?
• How are you challenged or encouraged by God’s Word being the ultimate authority?

ENGAGE

• How do we discern the difference between helpful insights from tradition, reason, or experience and teachings that contradict Scripture?
• Why is it important for us to keep Scripture as the ultimate authority in faith and life?
• How does understanding prima scriptura affect the way we respond to claims or cultural trends that challenge biblical truth?