Introduction to the New Testament

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). Relationship Between the Testaments

Attributes of Deity God’s eternal existence Perfect holiness Unity of Godhead Unlimited power Rule over the nations Principles of righteousness 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 Old Testament Reveals

Promise Prophecy Type Shadow Christ’s resurrection Future rewards and penalties God’s universal provisions by grace Atoning blood of Christ Justification of all mankind Fundamental Truths - OT

Coming of Christ Perfect example of holiness Death for our sins His resurrection and justification Ascension Our King and High Priest Establishment of the church Relationship with Christ Purchased with His blood Signs confirming the gospel Fundamental Truths - NT

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. Testament and Covenant

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 New-Testament 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 Religious 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 Political 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. Cultural Background

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. Social Conditions

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. Trade and Commerce

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! Final Thoughts