Connections to New Testament Theology

Introduction

The Old Testament wisdom and poetic books — Psalms, Proverbs, Job, and Ecclesiastes — occupy a unique space in Scripture. They wrestle with fundamental questions of human existence: How should one live? What is justice? How do we understand suffering? What is the meaning of life? These books shape Israel’s faith not through law or historical narrative but through reflection, poetry, and lived experience.

The New Testament writers inherited this tradition and frequently drew upon it. Themes of worship, justice, suffering, and human purpose — already central in wisdom and poetry — reappear in the Gospels, Paul’s letters, and Revelation. Moreover, Christ himself is portrayed as the embodiment of divine wisdom (1 Cor. 1:24).

This lesson explores the major connections between Old Testament wisdom/poetry and New Testament theology. We will trace intertextual echoes, theological continuities, and new developments.

Psalms and New Testament Theology

Christological Reading of Psalms

The Psalms provided the vocabulary for the early church’s Christology.

• Messianic Psalms: Ps. 2 (“You are my son”) and Ps. 110 (“Sit at my right hand”) are quoted extensively (Acts 13:33; Heb. 1:13).

• Passion Narratives: Jesus’ suffering is framed by Ps. 22 (“My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?”).

• Resurrection Hope: Ps. 16 is cited as prophecy of Christ’s resurrection (Acts 2:25–28).

Psalms in Christian Worship

The Psalms shaped early Christian prayer. Hymns and doxologies in the New Testament echo psalmic patterns (Luke 1–2; Rev. 4–5). The Psalms’ themes of lament, praise, and trust continue to undergird Christian liturgy.

Proverbs and New Testament Theology

Wisdom Christology

Proverbs personifies Wisdom as a woman calling out (Prov. 8). The New Testament applies this imagery to Christ:

• 1 Corinthians 1:24: “Christ the power of God and the wisdom of God.”

• Colossians 1:15–20: Christ as the image of the invisible God echoes Wisdom’s role in creation.

• John 1:1–14: The Logos parallels Wisdom’s preexistence and role in creation.

Ethical Instruction

Proverbs’ practical wisdom finds continuity in New Testament exhortations.

• Themes of speech (Prov. 12:18; James 3).

• Diligence in work (Prov. 6:6–11; 2 Thess. 3:10).

• Justice and generosity (Prov. 14:31; Luke 6:38).

The “fear of the Lord” as the beginning of wisdom resonates with the call to discipleship and reverence in Christ.

Job and New Testament Theology

The Innocent Sufferer

Job anticipates Christ as the ultimate righteous sufferer. Job’s laments foreshadow Jesus’ cry from the cross (Job 30:20; Matt. 27:46). Both embody protest against unjust suffering yet remain within faith.

Divine Sovereignty

God’s whirlwind speeches stress human limitation before divine wisdom. Paul echoes this in Rom. 9–11: “Who has known the mind of the Lord?” (Rom. 11:34). Job’s theology helps frame Paul’s reflections on divine sovereignty and human humility.

Perseverance in Suffering

The New Testament often cites Job as a model of endurance: “You have heard of Job’s perseverance” (James 5:11). Job’s story provides encouragement for communities facing persecution.

Ecclesiastes and New Testament Theology

Vanity and Transience

Qoheleth’s refrain “vanity of vanities” is echoed in the New Testament’s recognition of life’s transience. James writes: “You are a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes” (James 4:14).

Time and Eternity

Eccl. 3:11 speaks of God placing eternity in human hearts. Paul echoes this in Rom. 8:18–25, describing creation’s groaning for redemption and humanity’s longing for consummation.

Joy as Gift

Qoheleth commends joy in daily gifts (Eccl. 2:24). Paul similarly encourages thanksgiving and contentment (Phil. 4:11–13; 1 Tim. 6:6–10).

Wisdom Literature and Christ

Christ as Wisdom Incarnate

The New Testament identifies Christ as the embodiment of divine wisdom:

• Matthew 12:42: Jesus claims superiority over Solomon’s wisdom.

• John 1: The Logos is the eternal Word, reminiscent of Wisdom’s role in creation.

• Colossians 2:3: In Christ are “hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge.”

This Christological application reframes wisdom not as abstract principle but as personal relationship with Christ.

Ethical Implications

Wisdom literature emphasizes righteousness, justice, and humility. The Sermon on the Mount (Matt. 5–7) echoes wisdom traditions in its practical, ethical instruction for daily life.

The Cross as Reversal of Wisdom

Paul stresses that the cross subverts worldly wisdom: “The message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us… it is the power of God” (1 Cor. 1:18). Job and Ecclesiastes prepare the way for this paradox by exposing the limits of human wisdom and affirming the mystery of God’s ways.

Eschatological Hope

Wisdom literature acknowledges suffering, injustice, and mortality but rarely resolves them. The New Testament introduces eschatological hope: resurrection and new creation. Christ fulfills the questions of Job and Ecclesiastes, offering ultimate meaning in God’s future.

Contemporary Relevance

• Worship: Psalms shape Christian liturgy and prayer.

• Justice: Proverbs informs Christian ethics of generosity and integrity.

• Suffering: Job prepares believers for endurance and trust.

• Meaning: Ecclesiastes anticipates Christian realism about transience, fulfilled in resurrection hope.

Together, these connections enrich Christian theology and discipleship.

Suggested Assignments

1. Exegetical Essay: Analyze how Ps. 110 is used in the New Testament (Acts 2, Heb. 7). Write 3,500 words.

2. Research Project: In 4,000 words, explore how Proverbs 8 and John 1 present Wisdom/Logos.

3. Comparative Study: Compare Job and the passion narratives in a 3,500-word essay. How does Job anticipate Christ?

4. Theological Reflection: Write 3,000 words on how Ecclesiastes’ realism informs Christian hope in resurrection.

5. Creative Assignment: Compose a 2,500-word sermon manuscript drawing connections between Psalms and New Testament worship.

References

Crenshaw, J. L. (1981). Old Testament wisdom: An introduction. Westminster John Knox.
Fox, M. V. (1989). Qohelet and his contradictions. Sheffield Academic Press.
Longman, T. (2017). The fear of the Lord is wisdom: A theological introduction to wisdom in Israel. Eerdmans.
Newsom, C. A. (2003). The Book of Job: A contest of moral imaginations. Oxford University Press.
Seow, C. L. (1997). Ecclesiastes: A new translation with introduction and commentary. Doubleday.
Wright, N. T. (1992). The New Testament and the people of God. Fortress Press.