New Testament Development of Old Testament Themes

Book excerpt: This is that which was spoken by the prophet. As the Apostle Peter spoke these words on the day of Pentecost, he began not only the first public proclamation of the gospel, but also a controversy which has occupied Christians to the present. While many scholars study the Old Testament in light of its fulfillment in the New Testament, others deny the possibility of any continuity between the two.F. F. Bruce holds the former view, although he is careful to avoid going too far in finding countless New Testament events foretold in the Old. Rather, it is his purpose here to examine a few of the major themes, motifs, and images which are used as vehicles of revelation in the Old Testament and consider how the New Testament writers continue to use them to present the perfected revelation of Christ. He has selected in particular those which relate to the rule of God, the salvation of God, the people of God, and the servant of God.