What role does the Old Testament play in understanding Jesus, as seen in Acts 28:23? Setting the Scene in Rome “ So they set a day to meet with Paul, and many people came to the place he was staying. He expounded to them the kingdom of God, testifying about Jesus from the Law of Moses and the Prophets, from morning till evening.” (Acts 28:23) Paul’s Method: Showing Jesus in the Old Testament • Paul’s entire day is devoted to one task: opening the Hebrew Scriptures and pointing out Jesus. • “From the Law of Moses and the Prophets” is shorthand for the whole Old Testament. • The New Testament writers consistently follow this pattern (Luke 24:27; Acts 17:2-3). The Law of Moses: Foreshadowing the Messiah • Seed Promise – Genesis 3:15 introduces the coming Deliverer who will crush the serpent. • Passover Lamb – Exodus 12 paints a picture of substitutionary sacrifice fulfilled in Christ (1 Corinthians 5:7). • Bronze Serpent – Numbers 21:9 prefigures Jesus lifted up for salvation (John 3:14-15). • Day of Atonement – Leviticus 16 anticipates the once-for-all atonement at the cross (Hebrews 9:11-12). The Prophets: Promises Fulfilled in Christ • Virgin Birth – Isaiah 7:14 comes alive in Matthew 1:22-23. • Divine Child and Eternal King – Isaiah 9:6-7 matches Luke 1:31-33. • Suffering Servant – Isaiah 53 is mirrored in the passion narratives (Acts 8:32-35). • New Covenant – Jeremiah 31:31-34 is ratified in Luke 22:20 and Hebrews 8:6-13. • Righteous Branch – Jeremiah 23:5-6 and Zechariah 6:12 anticipate Jesus’ royal priesthood. • Pierced One – Zechariah 12:10 is quoted in John 19:37 and Revelation 1:7. Unified Testimony: One Story, One Savior • Scripture speaks with a single voice; Jesus is its central figure (John 5:39). • The Old Testament provides: – Historical context for the incarnation. – Prophetic credentials verifying Jesus’ identity. – Theological categories (sacrifice, covenant, kingdom) that explain His mission. • The New Testament, far from replacing the Old, reveals its fullest meaning (Romans 15:4). Practical Takeaways for Today • Read the Old Testament expectantly; look for Christ in every genre—law, history, poetry, prophecy. • Let fulfilled prophecy strengthen confidence in the reliability of Scripture. • Use Paul’s approach when sharing the gospel with those who respect the Old Testament. • Embrace the continuity of God’s plan: what He promised, He accomplished in Jesus, and what He accomplished, He applies to us. |
    |