The Bible is composed of two main sections – the Old Testament and the New Testament. While both are the inspired Word of God, there are some key differences between the two that are important to understand.
Authorship
The Old Testament was written over a span of hundreds of years by numerous authors. Prominent authors include Moses, David, Solomon, Isaiah, Jeremiah and others. God inspired these writers to record His words and actions in history. The Old Testament contains 39 books covering history, poetry, prophecy and law.
The New Testament was written within approximately a 70 year time span in the first century AD. The authors include the apostles Matthew, John, Paul, as well as Luke and Mark who were companions of the apostles. The New Testament contains 27 books including the four gospels, the book of Acts, the epistles, and the book of Revelation.
Timeframe
The Old Testament covers a time period from the creation of the world until approximately 400 years before the birth of Jesus Christ. The history and laws contained in the Old Testament laid the foundation on which the New Testament rests.
The New Testament picks up starting with the birth of Christ and provides a history of His life and ministry, the beginnings of the Christian church, and the letters of instruction sent to new believers in the first century AD. The New Testament concludes with the book of Revelation and the prophetic vision of the end times.
Covenants
The Old Testament details the covenants God made with His chosen people, Israel. Some of the major covenants include:
- The Abrahamic Covenant (Genesis 12:1-3) – God promised Abraham land, descendants and blessing if he followed the Lord.
- The Mosaic Covenant (Exodus 19-24) – God gave Moses and Israel the Law to follow at Mount Sinai after delivering them from Egypt.
- The Davidic Covenant (2 Samuel 7:8-16) – God promised David an everlasting kingdom.
The New Testament institutes the new covenant in Christ’s blood which delivers redemption from sin and new life in Christ to all who believe. God writes His law on the hearts of those who receive Christ as Savior (Jeremiah 31:31-34).
Focus
While containing some historical records and prophecy, the Old Testament focuses largely on establishing the law and covenant that God gave Israel. God promised severe punishment for disobedience but blessing for obedience.
The New Testament focuses on redemption through Jesus Christ who fulfilled the law and the prophets of the Old Testament (Matthew 5:17). It reveals the mystery of the gospel that salvation is available to both Jews and Gentiles by grace through faith alone.
Sacrifices and Ceremonial Laws
To atone for sin and restore fellowship with God, the Old Testament required animal sacrifices and ceremonies such as the Passover meal, Day of Atonement, Sabbath observance, dietary restrictions, etc. These symbols pointed to Christ and were required of Israel until the coming of the Messiah (Hebrews 10:1).
In the New Testament, animal sacrifices are no longer required because Christ offered Himself as the perfect, once-for-all sacrifice to atone for sin (Hebrews 10:10). The ceremonial aspects of the Law were fulfilled in Christ.
Holy Spirit
In the Old Testament, the Holy Spirit would come upon certain individuals to empower them for service, such as prophets, priests, and kings (1 Samuel 10:10, Judges 6:34). However, the indwelling of the Holy Spirit in all believers as a guarantee and seal did not occur until New Testament times (Ephesians 1:13).
At Pentecost, God poured out His Spirit on the early church. The Holy Spirit now permanently lives within those who put their faith in Christ (Acts 2:1-21). He empowers believers to live godly lives and preach the gospel to all nations.
Geography
The geography of the Old Testament centers around Israel and the Middle East. As God interacts with His chosen people, stories unfold in locations such as Egypt, Assyria, Babylonia, and Persia. The ministry of the prophets largely took place within Israel.
In the New Testament, the geography expands as the gospel begins to spread beyond Israel to surrounding regions and the world. Locations like Galilee, Samaria, Asia Minor, Macedonia, Achaia, Italy and islands of the Mediterranean are mentioned.
Salvation
In the Old Testament, salvation came through faith in God’s promise of a coming Messiah who would redeem mankind from sin (Genesis 3:15, Isaiah 53, Zechariah 9:9-10). Righteousness and salvation was not achieved by good works or Law keeping (Galatians 3:11).
The New Testament reveals Jesus as the promised Messiah and Lamb of God who takes away the sins of the world (John 1:29). Salvation is received freely by grace through faith in the completed work of Christ on the cross (Ephesians 2:8-9). Good works are the result of salvation, not the cause.
Prophecy and Fulfillment
A key difference between the Old and New Testaments is prophecy and its fulfillment. The Old Testament contains hundreds of prophecies about the Messiah. Details of His birth, life, ministry, death and resurrection were foretold (Isaiah 53, Micah 5:2, Psalm 22).
In the New Testament, we see the fulfillment of these messianic prophecies in the person of Jesus Christ. What was promised and foreshadowed in the Old Testament becomes reality in the Gospels and the letters that follow as the Christian faith is birthed.
Promised Messiah
As the Old Testament progresses, the promise of a coming Messiah emerges. God makes a covenant with David that his heir will establish an everlasting kingdom (2 Samuel 7:16). Isaiah speaks prophetically of the suffering servant who will bear the sins of many (Isaiah 52:13-53:12).
The New Testament reveals Jesus to be this promised Messiah. It becomes evident that the prophecies of the Old Testament are fulfilled in Christ who came to save His people from their sins (Matthew 1:21-23). Jesus is the fulfillment of the messianic promises.
Religious Leadership
In the Old Testament, priests and Levites served at the tabernacle/temple, offering sacrifices according to the Law of Moses. Prophets would arise and speak on behalf of God, confronting Israel for covenant unfaithfulness.
The New Testament establishes Jesus as the great High Priest (Hebrews 4:14). Animal sacrifices are replaced by Christ’s ultimate sacrifice. Leadership in the church consists of apostles, elders/overseers, deacons and pastors who shepherd local bodies.
Genre
The Old Testament contains history, poetry, prophecy and law. Major sections include the Pentateuch, the Historical Books, Poetry and Wisdom Literature, and the Prophetic Books.
The New Testament contains history, letters and prophecy. The major sections are the Gospels, Acts, the Epistles, and Revelation. The different types of genres allow the Bible to be understood from various perspectives.
Law
The Old Testament provides the foundation of God’s Law in books like Leviticus and Deuteronomy. The Ten Commandments and other ceremonial, civil and cultural laws guided Israel’s worship and society.
The principle behind God’s law is carried into the New Testament. Jesus affirmed the greatest commandment is to love God and love your neighbor (Matthew 22:36-40). The strict requirements of the law are fulfilled in Christ.
Covenants
The Old Testament highlights God’s covenants with His people. The Abrahamic covenant established Israel as God’s chosen people. The Mosaic Covenant at Sinai gave them God’s law. The Davidic Covenant promised an heir to establish God’s eternal kingdom.
In the New Testament, Jesus mediated the new covenant in His blood which established the church and offered redemption to all who believe. This new covenant was promised in the Old Testament (Jeremiah 31:31-34).
Inclusion of Gentiles
The Old Testament centers around God’s interaction with Israel as His chosen nation. Gentiles could convert to Judaism and worship Israel’s God, but overall, their participation was limited.
The New Testament includes Gentiles as equal partakers in the covenants of promise through faith in Christ. The gospel and membership in the church is expanded to believers from every nation (Ephesians 2:11-18).
Language
The Old Testament was written primarily in Hebrew with some Aramaic portions. A small number of passages were written in Greek.
The New Testament was written entirely in Greek which was a widely used language at the time, allowing for the spread of the gospel across the Roman empire and the known world.
Audience
God directed the Old Testament message specifically to Israel as His chosen nation. Prophets arose to confront Israel for breaking covenant and called them to repentance.
The New Testament audience broadens to include both Jews and Gentiles. The epistles are written to churches and individuals to instruct them in Christian doctrine and living.
Interpretation
The Old Testament must be interpreted in light of progressive revelation and how later Scripture interprets earlier prophecy/law. Practices tied directly to Old Testament ritual law are no longer normative.
The New Testament offers direct application as it represents the fullness of God’s revelation in His Son, Jesus Christ. Doctrines and moral law revealed in the New Testament remain authoritative and applicable today.
Purpose
The Old Testament provides the history and foundation leading up to the coming of the Messiah. The Law reveals God’s holiness and exposes human sinfulness and need for redemption.
The New Testament fulfills the promises and typology of the Old Testament. It completes God’s full revelation to man in Jesus Christ and the birth of the Christian church.
Unity
While different in some key aspects, an overarching unity connects the Old and New Testaments. Together they reveal God’s redemptive plan to save fallen humanity through His Son, Jesus Christ. He is the anticipated Messiah of the Old Testament and the revealed Lord of the New Testament.
Complementary in nature, both testaments are essential to understanding the complete revelation of God and His dealings with mankind. Seen together, they offer a richer, fuller picture of who God is and His loving purpose to redeem a people for Himself.
