Tip 011 – Read the New in Light of the Old
How to Read the New Testament with the Old in View
The Bible is one story, not two. While the New Testament may seem more familiar or accessible, it stands on the foundation of the Old. Jesus Himself constantly referenced the Law, the Prophets, and the Psalms. If we want to understand His words—and the writings of the apostles—we need to recognize the Old Testament threads woven throughout the New. Below are five simple ways to keep the Old Testament in view so you can understand the Bible more fully and accurately.
1. Pay Attention to Old Testament Quotes
The New Testament is filled with direct quotations from the Old Testament, often used to show how Jesus fulfilled prophecy or how God's plan has been consistent. Watch for those moments. Slow down, look up the reference, and read the surrounding passage. Understanding the context of the original quote adds depth to what you're reading in the New. </p>
2. Follow the Story of Israel
Jesus didn’t enter a blank stage—He came as the Messiah of Israel. The entire Old Testament tells the story of that nation, their covenant with God, their failures, and their hope. Knowing Israel’s story helps you understand the significance of Jesus’ life, death, and resurrection, and what it means that He is the true Israelite who fulfilled the covenant. </p>
3. Understand the Promises Fulfilled
Many New Testament events are fulfillment of promises God made centuries earlier. From the promise to Abraham to the covenant with David, each step forward in the New is a step deeper into promises already made. Seeing those connections builds trust in God's faithfulness and helps you read with greater awe and clarity. </p>
4. Recognize the Role of the Law and Prophets
When the Bible says, “the Law and the Prophets,” it’s summarizing the entire Old Testament. Jesus said He came not to abolish them but to fulfill them. Reading the New without understanding the function of the Old can lead to confusion. Study what the Law taught and what the Prophets called people to—it will make the teachings of Jesus and Paul more vibrant.
5. Don’t Skip the Genealogies
Those long lists of names are often skipped, but they’re vital. They prove that Jesus is rooted in the story of Israel and connected to the promises made to Abraham and David. Genealogies show God’s hand at work through generations, pointing to Jesus as the fulfillment of it all.
Explore More Bible Study Tips
If you found this post helpful, check out our other Bible Study Tips like [Tip 009: Digging into Word Studies](https://www.pastorryanlovett.com/blog/word-studies-in-the-bible) to build more tools for deeper understanding as you read.