[Sidenote: _Points of likeness and contact between the two Testaments_]

While there are many superficial points of difference in language,
literary form, background, and point of view between the Old and the New
Testaments, these are insignificant in comparison with the essential
points of likeness and contact. Each Testament is but a different
chapter in the history of the same divine revelation. The one is
the foundation on which the other is built. The writers of the New
constantly assume the historical facts, the institutions, and the
teachings of the Old. Although in Greek garb, their language and idioms
are also those of the Old. On many themes, as, for example, man's duty
to society, Jesus said little, for the teachers of his race had fully
developed them and there was little to add. Repeatedly by word and act
he declared that he came not to destroy the older teachings, but simply
to bring them to full perfection. The Old Testament also tells of
the long years of preparation and of the earnest expectations of the
Israelitish race; the New records a fulfilment far transcending the
most exalted hopes of Hebrew seers. The same God reveals himself through
both Testaments. One progressively unfolding system of religious
teachings, one message of love, and one divine purpose bind both
together with bonds that no generation or church can break.




V

THE INFLUENCES THAT PRODUCED THE NEW TESTAMENT