The Presbyter's Argument: One God, Two Testaments, and the Integrity of Scripture

The relationship between the Old and New Testaments has been a subject of ongoing discussion, particularly in the context of Jewish-Christian relations. Early Christian thinkers grappled with how to interpret the Hebrew Scriptures in light of the emerging Christian faith. One perspective, articulated by a presbyter who was a disciple of the apostles, offers valuable insights into this complex issue, rejecting the notion of separate divine origins for each testament.

One God, Creator of All

This presbyter argued forcefully for the unity of God as the creator of all things. He refuted the idea that the world was made by angels or any other power besides the one God. (Source: Document: 1739749258570-eotm94-anf01.txt)

For [he maintained] that there was no other God besides Him who made and fashioned us, and that the discourse of those men has no foundation who affirm that this world of ours was made either by angels, or by any other power whatsoever, or by another God. (Source: Document: 1739749258570-eotm94-anf01.txt)

This perspective is crucial because it establishes a foundation for understanding the relationship between the two testaments. If there is only one God, then both testaments must originate from the same divine source.

The Harmony of Scripture

The presbyter emphasized the importance of reading the Scriptures with the guidance of those who hold the apostolic doctrine, specifically presbyters in the Church. This ensured a consistent and accurate interpretation of the texts. (Source: Document: 1739749258570-eotm94-anf01.txt)

And then shall every word also seem consistent to him, if he for his part diligently read the Scriptures in company with those who are presbyters in the Church, among whom is the apostolic doctrine, as I have pointed out. (Source: Document: 1739749258570-eotm94-anf01.txt)

This approach highlights the importance of communal reading and interpretation within a tradition, preventing individual or subjective readings that could lead to distortion.

The Purpose of the Old Testament

The presbyter clarified that the Old Testament was not given "without reason, or to no purpose." (Source: Document: 1739749258570-eotm94-anf01.txt) Instead, it served several crucial purposes:

1. Subduing to the Service of God: The Old Testament guided people to serve God. (Source: Document: 1739749258570-eotm94-anf01.txt)
2. Exhibiting a Type of Heavenly Things: It foreshadowed heavenly realities, preparing people for a deeper understanding of God. (Source: Document: 1739749258570-eotm94-anf01.txt)
3. Foreshadowing Images: It contained images of things that would later exist in the Church, strengthening faith. (Source: Document: 1739749258570-eotm94-anf01.txt)
4. Prophecy of Things to Come: It revealed God's foreknowledge, demonstrating His control over history. (Source: Document: 1739749258570-eotm94-anf01.txt)

Rejecting Alternatives

The presbyter's argument directly contradicts any notion that the Old Testament is irrelevant or superseded. It also challenges any interpretation suggesting that the God of the Old Testament is different from the God of the New Testament. By affirming the unity of God and the purposeful nature of the Old Testament, he provided a framework for understanding the continuity between the two testaments.

Conclusion

The presbyter's perspective provides a valuable lens for understanding the relationship between the Old and New Testaments. His insistence on one God as the author of both testaments, coupled with his emphasis on the Old Testament's purposeful role in preparing humanity for the New Covenant, offers a strong foundation for a more integrated and respectful approach to both Jewish and Christian scriptures. This perspective continues to be relevant in contemporary discussions about the relationship between Judaism and Christianity, urging for a unified, rather than a replacement-based, understanding of their shared scriptural heritage.