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Introduction to the New Testament. Relationship Between the Testaments. The Old Testament sets forth a system of doctrine and duty. Historical record of facts Involving and demonstrating the will of God in heaven Man’s duty toward God Man’s duty to himself and his fellowman.
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Relationship Between the Testaments • The Old Testament sets forth a system of doctrine and duty. • Historical record of facts • Involving and demonstrating the will of God in heaven • Man’s duty toward God • Man’s duty to himself and his fellowman
Relationship Between the Testaments • New Testament is not independent of the OT history; it is a sequel to it. • Human redemption was in God’s mind before the creation (1 Peter 1:18-20; Ephesians 3:8-11). • Plans and provisions not known or understood during OT times • Revealed to man by Holy Spirit in the NT
Relationship Between the Testaments • Old Testament is the New Testament concealed; the New Testament is the Old Testament revealed. • The two constitute the whole of divine revelation. • They complement each other. • Both have distinct unity. • In the OT, God’s eternal purpose is a mystery; it is revealed in the NT (1 Corinthians 2:6-13; Ephesians 3:1-7).
Old Testament Reveals • Necessity of holiness to receive blessings • Final consequences of sin • Eternal life as reward for faithfulness • Romans 15:4 • Hebrews 11 • Hebrews 3 and 4 • Attributes of Deity • God’s eternal existence • Perfect holiness • Unity of Godhead • Unlimited power • Rule over the nations • Principles of righteousness
Fundamental Truths - OT • Christ’s resurrection • Future rewards and penalties • God’s universal provisions by grace • Atoning blood of Christ • Justification of all mankind • Promise • Prophecy • Type • Shadow
Fundamental Truths - NT • Establishment of the church • Relationship with Christ • Purchased with His blood • Signs confirming the gospel • Coming of Christ • Perfect example of holiness • Death for our sins • His resurrection and justification • Ascension • Our King and High Priest
Testament and Covenant • Old Testament - God’s covenant agreement with His people • Confirmed by the sprinkling of animal blood • Ratified by agreement of the people • Exodus 19:7,8 • Deuteronomy 5:27
Testament and Covenant • New Testament - God’s covenant agreement with His people today • Sanctified by Christ’s blood • Ratified by the people’s obedience to His commands • Provisions of God’s grace • Faith must be active and obedient.
New-Testament Background • Conditions of the times • Principles of righteousness are eternal. • Remain the same despite the circumstances • Principles and applications affected by exact situations • Effects on the writers
Religious Background • Jews and the history between Babylonian captivity and reign of the Herods • The synagogue worship continued until NT times. • Rebuilding • Greek (Hellenistic) influence • 100 years under Egypt
Religious Background • Maccabean Period broke the Syrian rule, and the temple was rededicated. • Jerusalem and Palestine remained under Roman government. • Herod dynasty • Herod the Great—Kings of the Jews • Slaughter of young children • Murder of John the Baptist
Religious Background • Agrippa—the last of the Herods • Pontius Pilate sentenced Jesus to death. • The Jews were scattered in every place. • The Law standard of ethical conduct • Septuagint increased the influence of the Jewish religion. • Synagogues built • Pharisees and Sadducees
Political Background • Rome dominated the entire civilized world. • Emperor rule • After the battle of Carthage, Rome won control over the Italian peninsula. • Under the Caesars, Rome persecuted the Christians. • Palestine’s dual form of government • Jewish government headed by Herod • Roman government headed by Pilate
Cultural Background • Greece, in a real sense, captured the world with its culture. • Greek became the universal language. • Greek customs and culture pervaded, even in Rome. • Koine Greek - language of NT • Gnostic influences • Emphasized philosophy and learning • Widespread immorality • Skepticism was the order of the day.
Social Conditions • Army officers and politicians became very rich. • 85 million people—7 million in Rome • 6 million slaves • Freedom could be purchased for a price. • Freedmen were a large class. • No middle class in Roman society • Nobility highly extravagant • There were organized trade guilds.
Trade and Commerce • The door of commercial opportunity was open to the Roman Empire. • Egypt grew grain for the empire. • Roman ships sailed the seas. • Wonderful highways encouraged travel. • Drinking houses filled with immorality • Alexandria had a great library. • Athens had its temples and culture. • Under Greek rule, the Jews were shown kindness.
Final Thoughts • Representatives of all 12 tribes still existed. • Scattered throughout the known world(Acts 2:6-11) • Wherever the gospel spread, the people were acquainted with God through OT Scriptures. • In the beginning, Christianity was planted between great mountains of Jewish prejudice and heathen philosophy!