The Unity of the Bible

MEMORY VERSE: “Think not that I am come to destroy the law, or the prophets: I am not come to destroy, but to fulfill.” —Matthew 5:17

DEUTERONOMY 26:5-9; ACTS 13:17,23

ONE manner in which the unity of the Bible is displayed is by the wonderful harmony which exists between the Old Testament and the New. This harmony is seen in our lesson by the fact that historical facts of the Old Testament are confirmed in the New. Deuteronomy 26:5-9 relates the deliverance of the children of Israel from their bondage in Egypt, and in Acts 13:17 Paul, preaching at Antioch, confirms this great event.

Paul traces God’s dealings with the Israelites after their deliverance from Egypt to the time of David, and of him he says, “Of this man’s seed hath God according to his promise raised unto Israel a Savior, Jesus.”—vs. 23

This in turn is confirmed by the angel in his message to Mary, the mother of Jesus. He said, “Fear not, Mary: for thou hast found favor with God. And, behold, thou shalt conceive in thy womb, and bring forth a Son, and shalt call his name JESUS. He shall be great, and shall be called the Son of the Highest: and the Lord God shall give unto him the throne of his father David: and he shall reign over the house of Jacob forever; and of his kingdom there shall be no end.”—Luke 1:30-33

LUKE 24:25-27

The unity of the Bible is also seen in the Old Testament’s many prophecies and promises of the coming of a Messiah, and the wonderful manner in which so many of these promises were fulfilled in the ministry, death, and resurrection of Jesus. The disciples were aware of some of these. They know that it was in the divine plan for the Messiah to establish a powerful government in the earth, and through that government stamp out evil and establish universal peace.

These promises, foretelling the glory of the Messiah, appealed to them, and they visualized themselves as participating with Jesus in the glory of his kingdom. They believed that this kingdom would first manifest its authority and power in Jerusalem, freeing the Israelites from the yoke of bondage which had been fastened upon them by the Romans.

With these expectations in mind, it is not surprising that they became greatly perplexed when Jesus surrendered himself to his enemies and let them put him to death. To them it seemed impossible that a dead Messiah could establish a government which would eventually control all the peoples of earth. After Jesus’ death two of the disciples journeyed by foot to Emmaus. They had heard rumors that Jesus had been raised from the dead, but they were not convinced that this was so.

Apparently they were discussing the situation as they walked, and the resurrected Jesus joined them, although they did not recognize him. Jesus asked them the cause of their sadness, and in reply they explained what had occurred; that the one they believed would deliver Israel had been crucified. Their answer indicated that they now had serious doubts as to whether Jesus was indeed the Messiah.

Jesus’ reply was, “O fools, and slow of heart to believe all that the prophets have spoken: ought not Christ to have suffered these things, and to enter into his glory?” (Luke 24:13-26) Later Peter wrote concerning the testimony of the prophets, that through them the Holy Spirit had testified concerning the sufferings of Christ, and the glory that should follow.—I Pet. 1:11

Luke writes, “Beginning at Moses and all the prophets, he [Jesus] expounded unto them in all the scriptures the things concerning himself.” (Luke 24:27) The disciples knew of the messianic promises of glory, but had failed to notice that his suffering and death had also been foretold. When they realized this their faith was restored and they rejoiced.

Our memory verse helps us to appreciate more fully the unity of the Scriptures. Jesus did not come to destroy the law and the prophets, but to fulfill. Thus we see that the Old and New Testaments are two parts of one revelation of the divine plan as it is centered in Jesus, the Redeemer and promised Messiah.

QUESTIONS

What point of biblical harmony is set forth in Deuteronomy 25:5-9 and Acts 13:17, 23?

What important lesson is taught by the resurrected Jesus to the two disciples walking to Emmaus?

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