I have been studying and researching the references of the Old Testament used by the writers of the New Testament. It is really important to remember that the Early Church did not have the complete bible, but only the Hebrew Scriptures. The apostle Paul wrote to Timothy about the importance of the “sacred writings” that “lead to salvation.” You, however, continue in the things you have learned and become convinced of, knowing from whom you have learned them, and that from childhood you have known the sacred writings which are able to give you the wisdom that leads to salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus (2 Timothy 3:14–15).
The Early Church, Jewish and Gentile believers were encouraged to continue to study the sacred writings to obtain the wisdom and understanding that leads to salvation. Even Jesus Christ spoke about the Scriptures testifying about Him. You search the Scriptures because you think that in them you have eternal life; it is these that testify about Me (John 5:39).
The disciples were confused about the death and crucifixion of Jesus and it was through a deeper understanding of the Scriptures that they could understand the plan of God. Now He said to them, “These are My words which I spoke to you while I was still with you, that all things which are written about Me in the Law of Moses and the Prophets and the Psalms must be fulfilled.” Then He opened their minds to understand the Scriptures (Luke 24:44–45).
Today, in the same manner it is through our love for the Word of God that we can ask the Holy Spirit to give us a deeper understanding of the Scriptures.
“The Bible is the Word of God: supernatural in origin, eternal in duration, inexpressible in valor, infinite in scope, regenerative in power, infallible in authority, universal in interest, personal in application, inspired in totality. Read it through, write it down, pray it in, work it out, and then pass it on. Truly it is the Word of God. It brings into man the personality of God; it changes the man until he becomes the epistle of God. It transforms his mind, changes his character, takes him on from grace to grace, and gives him an inheritance in the Spirit. God comes in, dwells in, walks in, talks through, and sups with him.” ― Smith Wigglesworth
Luke 2:30-33; 4:17-21
Luke 24:25-27; 32-33
1 Timothy 4:13
Isaiah 9:2; 42:6; 49:6; 51:4; 60:1-3