God Gives Credit, Plagiarists Do Not

“For the prophecy came not in old time by the will of man: but holy men of God spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost.” 2 Peter 2:21.

Why is there a book called Jeremiah? Why do we have a book called Isaiah and entire bodies of work in the Bible with the names of different writers? The Bible doesn’t have God’s book number 1, God’s book number 2, God’s book number 3, and so on. It has the names of people attributed to each book, such as Joshua, Ruth, Samuel, Job, Daniel, Peter, Job, Hosea, John, Micah, Joel and others. Isn’t it God’s word? Of course it is. But God gives credit to those who do His work.

Plagiarizers say, “Who cares who writes the story? Who cares who did the work? Who cares if we give people credit?” Well, God cares. In fact, God acknowledges people for their contributions to His work. He gives credit to those who wrote His word and He recognizes those who preach His message. Notice how Jesus, who is our example, quoted from the Holy Scriptures and cited the humble instruments that penned His word:

“When ye therefore shall see the abomination of desolation, spoken of by Daniel the prophet, stand in the holy place.” Matthew 24:15.

“That it might be fulfilled which was spoken by Esaias the prophet.” Matthew 8:17.

“For had ye believed Moses, ye would have believed me.” John 5:6.

Jesus gave credit to Daniel. He gave credit to Isaiah and Moses. People ask, “What would Jesus do?” Well, He gave credit where credit was due. The body of work that these men wrote was the word of God, inspired by the Holy Spirit. The Author was God. That is clear, and all credit goes to God. We agree. But it is also true that those who wrote the biblical narratives and delivered the messages to the people received credit for their work from God.

Then there’s the early church, when Christ’s disciples gave credit and appreciation to the efforts of others. Take note of what Peter stated:

“As our beloved brother Paul also according to the wisdom given unto him hath written unto you; As also in all his epistles.” 2 Peter 3:15, 16.

Peter, a biblical author, gives credit to Paul, another biblical author, for his work. Not only did Peter know Paul’s work, but so did the rest of the early church. Despite the fact that the early church recognized it was God’s word, not Paul’s, they still acknowledged the humble instruments God used to communicate His message. This is in accordance with God’s will.

Do you want a Bible with no names, no faces, and no idea who penned each book? Do you want to read “Pharaoh, Let my People Go” and have no idea who God used to convey that message? Do you wish to erase God’s messengers and remove them from the message they deliver?

This isn’t to say that the messenger takes precedence above the message. God’s word is, without a doubt, the most important. However, God does not just send messages; He also sends messengers to communicate His message. And God will acknowledge them if they are true to their commission and accomplish their work.

Plagiarizers don’t understand this. The concept that says “who cares about people’s work, who cares about giving them credit” is incompatible with the word of God. It is also inconsistent with the instructions given to us for society:

“For this cause pay ye tribute also: for they are God’s ministers, attending continually upon this very thing. Render therefore to all their dues: tribute to whom tribute is due; custom to whom custom; fear to whom fear; honour to whom honour.” Romans 13:6, 7.

This is talking specifically about civil society. God does not only want us to acknowledge those who minister in the family of God, but also in civil society. God expects us to respect leaders, kings, and people in general so that we can all live peaceably. Giving fear and honor means recognizing the work they do, appreciating their efforts, giving credit where credit is due, obeying those in authority, paying taxes, not cheating people, not defrauding one another, or engaging in dishonest and disreputable practices.

“Honour all men. Love the brotherhood. Fear God. Honour the king.” 1 Peter 2:17.

This command to honor men certainly sounds strange, but this simply means that there is a measure of respect that we must have for each other. Plagiarizers honor only themselves. “Who cares who gets the credit,” they exclaim, while ensuring that they are the only ones who do.