Jesus and Scripture: The Impact of Jesus's Use of the OldTestament in the Non-Pauline Epistles

Tom Parker's book "Jesus and Scripture" explores how the New Testament writers used the Old Testament scriptures and the teachings of Jesus as sources of authority and influence,how they related to each other,and how the Jesus tradition influenced the way they processed the Old Testament.

Format: Hardback
Length: 224 pages
Publication date: 29 February 2024
Publisher: James Clarke & Co Ltd

The New Testament writers drew significant inspiration and authority from the Old Testament scriptures and the teachings of Jesus. When these influences are examined together, they can enhance our understanding of both Jesus and the interpretations of the New Testament writers. In his book "Jesus and Scripture," Tom Parker explores how Hebrews, James, and 1 and 2 Peter navigate these two distinct sources of authority, their relationship with each other, and the historical and theological developments that have shaped their writings. Parker approaches the four epistles systematically, examining how each writer incorporates the Hebrew scriptures into their work. Through his analysis, Parker convincingly demonstrates that the nascent Jesus tradition, particularly through oral transmission, exerted a profound influence on the way these various New Testament writers interpreted the Old Testament.

The Old Testament scriptures provided the New Testament writers with a rich tapestry of historical, cultural, and religious context. They served as a foundation for understanding the origins of the Jewish people, their customs, and their beliefs. The teachings of Jesus, on the other hand, offered a fresh perspective on God's love, forgiveness, and redemption, which resonated with the New Testament writers and shaped their understanding of the gospel.

When the New Testament writers considered the Old Testament scriptures alongside the teachings of Jesus, they saw a harmonious convergence of ideas and themes. They recognized that the Old Testament prophecies foretold the coming of a Messiah and the establishment of a new covenant between God and his people. They saw Jesus as the fulfillment of these prophecies and the embodiment of God's love and grace.

The New Testament writers also drew on the Old Testament scriptures to support their arguments and teachings. They used the stories, laws, and prophecies of the Old Testament to illustrate the principles of Christianity and to demonstrate the relevance of Jesus to the lives of their readers. For example, they used the story of Moses to teach about the importance of obedience and the power of God's grace, and they used the law of Moses to emphasize the need for moral purity and the consequences of sin.

In addition to their use of the Old Testament scriptures, the New Testament writers also incorporated the teachings of Jesus into their writings. They saw Jesus as the ultimate teacher and the source of all wisdom and truth. They emphasized his teachings on love, forgiveness, and redemption, and they saw his death and resurrection as the ultimate expression of God's love and power.

The New Testament writers' understanding of the Old Testament scriptures and the teachings of Jesus was not without its challenges. They faced criticism and opposition from both within and outside the Christian community, and they had to navigate complex theological and philosophical issues. However, their commitment to the authority of the Bible and their willingness to engage with other religious and cultural traditions helped to shape the development of Christianity as a global religion.

In conclusion, the Old Testament scriptures and the teachings of Jesus were key sources of authority and influence for the New Testament writers. When these influences are considered together, they can deepen our understanding of both Jesus and the New Testament writers' interpretations. Tom Parker's book "Jesus and Scripture" provides a valuable exploration of how these two sources of authority were dealt with by Hebrews, James, and 1 and 2 Peter, and how they influenced the way the Old Testament was processed by these writers. The New Testament writers' understanding of the Old Testament scriptures and the teachings of Jesus was a product of their commitment to the authority of the Bible and their willingness to engage with other religious and cultural traditions. Their work continues to shape our understanding of Christianity and its place in the world today.

Weight: 496g
Dimension: 159 x 237 x 24 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780227179833