When does the New Testament start in the Bible? This is a question that often puzzles both new and long-time readers of the Christian scriptures. The New Testament, which follows the Old Testament, is a collection of books that primarily focuses on the life, teachings, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ. Understanding where the New Testament begins is crucial for comprehending the chronological order and theological themes that unfold in these sacred texts. Let’s delve into the origins and the starting point of the New Testament in the Bible.
The New Testament is traditionally considered to start with the book of Matthew, which is the first book in the Christian Bible. Matthew, also known as the Gospel According to Matthew, is one of the four Gospels that narrate the life of Jesus Christ. The dating of the Gospels is a subject of debate among scholars, but most agree that Matthew was written around the year 80 AD, several decades after the death of Jesus.
The reason why Matthew is often seen as the beginning of the New Testament is due to its theological and historical context. Matthew was written to a primarily Jewish audience, aiming to demonstrate that Jesus was the promised Messiah prophesied in the Old Testament. The book begins with a genealogy tracing Jesus’ lineage back to Abraham, emphasizing his Jewish heritage and fulfillment of Old Testament prophecies.
However, some scholars argue that the New Testament may have started with the book of Acts, which is the sequel to the Gospel of Luke. Luke-Acts, written by the same author, depict the early church and the spread of Christianity. The book of Acts begins with the ascension of Jesus and the descent of the Holy Spirit upon the apostles, marking the birth of the Christian church. If Acts is considered the starting point, then the New Testament would encompass both the Gospels and the early church’s accounts of Jesus’ followers.
Another perspective is that the New Testament might have started with the letters of Paul, who was a key figure in the spread of Christianity. Paul’s letters, also known as epistles, were written to various Christian communities to provide guidance, instruction, and theological teachings. The book of Romans, for instance, is often seen as one of the foundational texts of the New Testament due to its comprehensive presentation of Christian doctrine.
In conclusion, while the traditional starting point of the New Testament is the book of Matthew, there are different viewpoints on where the New Testament truly begins. Some argue for the book of Acts, while others emphasize the letters of Paul. Regardless of the starting point, the New Testament is a rich collection of texts that offers profound insights into the life and teachings of Jesus Christ, as well as the formation and growth of the early Christian church. Understanding the origins and chronological order of the New Testament is essential for interpreting its contents and appreciating its significance in Christian theology and history.
