Where in the Holy Bible does it say, "sola Scriptura?"

The phrase “Sola Scriptura” never appears in the Bible — not in Hebrew, Greek, or any translation. It is a 16th-century Reformation slogan, not a biblical quotation. Scripture DOES contain passages that Protestants use to supporting this principle. It also contains passages that Catholics and the Orthodox point to as contradictions. Below is the clearest breakdown. If you wish to comment in agreement or opposition to this post, I invite you to Substack to your post comments. Thanks for your participation in a good-faith philosophical debate! We are all here to learn the Truth.

1. What Bible verses are commonly used by Protestants to defend sola Scriptura? 

• 2 Timothy 3:16–17 — “All Scripture is God-breathed … that the man of God may be complete.” Protestants argue this implies Scripture’s sufficiency.
• Matthew 4:4 — Jesus responds to Satan with “It is written,” emphasizing Scripture’s authority.
• Proverbs 30:5–6 — “Do not add to His words.”
• 1 Corinthians 4:6 — “Do not go beyond what is written.”

These verses show Biblical authority, but none say Scripture is the ONLY authority.

2. What Bible verses are commonly used to contradict sola Scriptura?

How did the faithful practice their faith before the Bible? Catholics argue that both apostolic tradition (the church before the Bible) form AND Scripture form the deposit of faith. Catholics and the Orthodox point to these passages to defend authoritative oral tradition.

• 2 Thessalonians 2:15 — “Hold fast to the traditions you were taught, whether by word of mouth or by letter.” This explicitly includes oral apostolic teaching which came from the lips of the apostles who walked with Jesus.
• 1 Timothy 3:15 — The Church is “the pillar and foundation of truth.” 
• John 21:25 — Not everything Jesus did was written down.

The Bible did not appear all at once. It emerged gradually over centuries. Different parts were written, collected and formally approved at authorized and official events by those closest to Jesus. 

3. A Christian timeline from scrolls to Bibles. Below is a cursory list of biblical development. Last is the appearance of Protestant bibles. If you disagree, please post your comments in Substack. In your comments, please provide documented and linked evidence to educate. 

• 1200-100 BC: Hebrew Scriptures were written. These formed the Old Testament books.
• 2nd-3rd century BC: The Septuagint was created. These were Greek translations of the Old Testament and the scrolls used by Jesus and the Phariseess.
• Jesus came, ministered to sinners, was crucified and rose from the dead. 
• 50-100 AD: New Testament books were composed by the apostles. These books were Gospels, letters, and the book of Revelation.
• 1st-2nd century AD: Early Christians circulated these writings. No fixed New Testament existed at this time.
• In 393 AD, at the Council of Hippo; the Church fathers recognized a 73-book Bible. The Old Testament contained 46 chapters & the New Testament had 27.
• Early 4th century AD: New Testament 27 books are widely reaffirmed by church leaders.
• Later 4th century AD: Old and New Testaments are reaffirmed and recognized together and are issued as the Christian Bible worldwide. Scripture becomes the final, infallible authority for Christian faith and practice--not the only authority--but the highest one.
• 16th century: Reformation slogans (1504) appear in theological pamphlets and again at Leipzig (1519) and Worms (1521).
• 1521: The concept but not words, "sola Scripture" appear in the writings of Catholic priest Fr. Martin Luther. 
• 1522: Martin Luther removes 7 Old Testament books and places them at the end of the approved Bible. He lists them as "Aprocrypha:" Tobit, Judith, Wisdom, Sirach, Baruch and 1 & 2 Maccabees. In addition, he adds sections to Daniel & Esther which are not in the approved Bible, recognized as above.
• 1522: Martin Luther removes 4 New Testament books calling them "less apostolic": Hebrews, James, Jude, Revelation and places them at the end. 
• 1525: Fr Luther marries a Cistertian nun. This symbolizes his official break with the Catholic Church. 
• 1534-1647: Martin Luther and reformers print "bibles" without the approved 73 books. These "bibles" include self-altered texts of Daniel and Esther.

4. From where do the words “sola Scriptura” arrive?

In the 16th century, sola Scripture concepts appeared in early Reformation proposals, as written by Mr. Luther, Mr. Calvin and associates. It is unclear by whose authority or approving council are changes made. It was not approved by bishops, cardinals or the pope.  Mr Luther et al offer concepts and definitions that are self-coined — and not connected to Jesus preachings. Allegedly, the first printed resource containing the words "sola Scripture" appears here. If you have supporting evidence to the contrary please show me? In closing, I repost the Bible verses Protestants use above; to defend sola Scriptura, that IMHO, contradict himself. 

• 2 Timothy 3:16–17 — “All Scripture is God-breathed… that the man of God may be complete.” 
• Proverbs 30:5–6 — “Do not add to His words.”
• 1 Corinthians 4:6 — “Do not go beyond what is written.”
• Matthew 4:4 — Jesus responds to Satan with “It is written.”

If sufficient, why did Mr. Luther remove chapters, revise and add sections to Daniel and Esther?

5. Conclusions

• If the Bible is the highest authority, then the Catholic Magisterium or canon must be historically reliable. It is the only canon with continuous, universal Christian use from the 4th century onward. This is why many historians — even non-Catholics — acknowledge that the Catholic canon is the original Christian Bible. This means the Protestant canon is a 16th-century revision of a 4th-century canon.
• However, Mr. Luther himself said; no one should alter Scripture. Ironically, he removes books and adds sections. This contradiction is historically documented.Please do not take my word, look up f events for yourself. 

With all due respect, what is your position?

Resources: 

Catechism of the Catholic Church. 1997. Catechism of the Catholic Church. Libreria Editrice Vaticana. Email link: https://www.vatican.va/archive/ENG0015/_INDEX.HTM (vatican.va in Bing)

Council of Trent. 1546. Decree Concerning the Canonical Scriptures. In The Canons and Decrees of the Council of Trent. Translated by H. J. Schroeder. TAN Books. Email link: https://www.ewtn.com/catholicism/library/council-of-trent-1526 (ewtn.com in Bing)

Denzinger H & Rahner K. 1957. Enchiridion Symbolorum: A Compendium of Creeds, Definitions, and Declarations on Matters of Faith and Morals. Herder. Email link: https://denzinger.patristica.net

Herbermann CG. 1913. The Catholic encyclopedia vol. 3. Robert Appleton Company. Email link: https://www.newadvent.org/cathen

Société des Bollandistes. 1867. Acta Sanctorum vol. 3. Société des Bollandistes. Email link: https://www.bollandistes.org/acta-sanctorum (bollandistes.org in Bing)