The Genesis of the New Testament: A Historical and Theological Examination

The question of where the New Testament begins in the Christian Bible is not as straightforward as it might appear. Unlike the Old Testament, which is primarily accepted as a series of ancient religious texts, the New Testament's beginnings and its relationship with the Old Testament have been a subject of debate among Christian scholars.

Historical Context and Misconceptions

Historically, some radical groups, such as the Nazis, believed that the New Testament commences with the first verse of the first chapter of the book of Matthew. This view was based on their hostility towards the Jewish community and their interpretation of the Christian Bible, which they refer to as the New Testament, and the Jewish Bible as the Old or Outdated Testament. It is crucial to dispel such misconceptions and recognize the historical and theological significance of the New Testament in its entirety.

The Current Arrangement of the Christian Bible

The Christian Bible is traditionally divided into two major sections: the Hebrew Scriptures (also known as the Old Testament) and the New Testament. The New Testament consists of 27 books, beginning with the Gospel of Matthew, which immediately follows the Old Testament. This division highlights the continuity and development of religious and spiritual thinking throughout history.

Theological Interpretations and Challenges

Interpretations of the New Testament's beginning are not limited to historical events or ecclesiastical traditions. Some Christians argue that the preface of the Four Gospels (Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John) should acknowledge that Jesus, the ultimate testator, is still present. They propose that the New Testament officially begins when Christ ascended to heaven, symbolizing the fulfillment of the testament as described in Hebrews 9:16-17:

“For where a testament is, there must also of necessity be the death of the testator. For a testament is of force after men are dead: otherwise it is of no strength at all while the testator liveth.”
Holy Bible, King James Version (KJV), Hebrews 9:16-17

According to this view, the New Testament is not a series of texts written about Jesus but rather a series of documents revealing the implications of his life and teachings. Some suggest that the preface should have been moved to the Book of Acts, specifically to the event of Pentecost, where the 12 apostles received the Holy Spirit, symbolizing the birth of the Christian church.

Theological and Symbolic Continuities

The beginnings of the New Testament also reflect theological and symbolic continuities with the Old Testament. The Israelites' journey through the desert in the Old Testament serves as a parallel to the early Christian church's understanding of covenantal relationships. Just as only one original person, Joshua, entered the Promised Land after all others perished in the desert, the New Testament offers an interpretation where the true covenant is established with those who have faith in Christ.

This analogy can be extended to contemporary theological discussions about the end times. Some Christians interpret the book of Revelation and other New Testament apocalyptic writings as predicting that a future covenant will begin officially with the death of two witnesses, followed by the resurrection of the false messiah. This event is seen as a fulfillment of biblical prophecy, paralleling the crucifixion and resurrection of Jesus Christ.

Conclusion

The debate over the beginnings of the New Testament reflects deeper theological and historical questions about the nature of Jesus' teachings and the development of Christian doctrine. The traditional placement of the New Testament directly after the Old Testament is not purely arbitrary but reflects the continuity of religious thought across different eras. Understanding these complexities is crucial for a comprehensive theological and historical examination of Christian scriptures.