XIV. THE INTERPRETATION OF THE EARLY NARRATIVES OF THE OLD TESTAMENT

XV. PRACTICAL METHODS OF STUDYING THE OLD TESTAMENT

XVI. RELIGIOUS EDUCATION--THE FUNDAMENTAL PROBLEM OF TO-DAY





I


THE ECLIPSE AND REDISCOVERY OF THE OLD TESTAMENT

[Sidenote: _Jesus' study of the Old Testament_]

The opening chapters of the Gospels record only three or four meagre
facts regarding the first thirty years of Jesus' life. The real history
of those significant years ran so far beneath the surface of external
events that it completely escaped the historian. The history of the
mental and spiritual life of the Master is recorded in his mature
character and teachings. The fugitive hints, however, vividly illustrate
the supreme fact that he ever _grew stronger, becoming filled with
wisdom;--and the grace of God was upon him_ (Luke ii. 40). They reveal a
soul not only in closest touch with God and with human life, but also in
eager quest for the vital truth regarding God and man recorded in the
Scriptures of his race. It requires no imagination to picture the young
Jew of Nazareth eagerly studying in the synagogue, at the temple, and
alone by himself the sacred writings found in our Old Testament, for