Curso Biblico Nuevo Testamento EP 1A

Introduction to the New Testament

Overview of the New Testament

• The New Testament is described as a fascinating world, contrasting with the Old Testament which requires understanding various cultural contexts.

• Familiarity with the Gospels is noted, as they are more accessible compared to the historical complexities of the Old Testament.

Importance of Context and Language

• Understanding context in the Old Testament is crucial; knowing historical backgrounds contributes significantly to comprehension.

• In contrast, Greek language emphasizes concepts over context, making theological understanding essential for interpreting the New Testament.

Comparative Analysis: Old vs. New Testament

Metaphor of Flight

• The speaker compares studying both testaments to a flight experience—initially unclear at night but becoming clearer during daylight.

• This metaphor illustrates how Jesus Christ illuminates history, allowing for better understanding of events within God's plan.

Key Transition Point

• A Spanish theologian's perspective highlights that both testaments begin with significant declarations: creation in Genesis and Mary's acceptance in Luke.

• Mary’s "yes" symbolizes a pivotal moment that activates God’s plan through Jesus' incarnation.

Thematic Connections Between Testaments

Promises and Fulfillment

• The Old Testament narrates Israel's history while the New Testament depicts God's visitation and fulfillment of promises made to His people.

• Understanding this relationship between promise and fulfillment is key to reading and interpreting the New Testament effectively.

Prophetic Insights

Prophetic Fulfillment in Jesus Christ

The Role of Prophets and Their Messages

• The concept of a prophet is introduced, emphasizing that a prophet is someone awaited by the people. The discussion references Psalm 22 and Isaiah 52, highlighting how they describe the suffering and death of Jesus Christ without explicitly naming Him.

• Isaiah 7:14 is cited, mentioning the prophecy about a virgin conceiving. This prophecy's fulfillment in Mary is noted as an example of precision in prophetic messages from 800 years prior.

• Daniel 7 introduces the "Son of Man" coming on clouds, indicating His divine authority. This title emphasizes Jesus' identity as fulfilling this prophecy.

• Jesus frequently refers to Himself as the "Son of Man," reinforcing His connection to Daniel's prophecy and underscoring His role in fulfilling Old Testament scriptures.

• Zechariah’s prophecy about looking upon the one who was pierced is mentioned, along with Micah’s prediction regarding Bethlehem as the birthplace of a shepherd for Israel, illustrating how various prophecies converge in Jesus.

The Significance of Prophecy Fulfillment

• The speaker reflects on how many prophets longed to witness what those present were experiencing—an acknowledgment of the profound nature of these fulfilled prophecies within one individual (Jesus).

• The Old Testament serves as a legacy for God's people, while the New Testament represents the realization of all promises made by prophets throughout Israel's history culminating in Christ.

Historical Context and Cultural Intersection

• A historical overview highlights Egypt, Assyria, Persia, and their roles leading up to New Testament times. These empires set the stage for significant cultural interactions.

• The encounter between two distinct worlds—the Jewish world and Greco-Roman culture—is emphasized as unique; it marks an unprecedented moment in history that shaped early Christianity.