Rethinking the New Testament: A Fresh Perspective on Its Purpose

After reading and rereading The New Testament, I’ve started thinking of it as The New Testimonies - of Our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Here's why:  


The original writers of the New Testament—those who gave us everything from Matthew to Revelation—did not initially set out to write “scriptures.” This is evident in how frequently they refer to “the scriptures” in their writings, which, at the time, pointed to the Torah, the prophetic books, and the historical writings of the Jews. Jesus Himself said, “If you believed Moses, you would believe Me, for he wrote about Me” (John 5:46). Paul’s statement in 2 Timothy 3:16 that “all scripture is God-breathed” also clearly refers to the Jewish scriptures.  


The New Testament writers, however, were primarily addressing specific needs of their time:  

- The Gospels (Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John): These are eyewitness testimonies or collected accounts meant to introduce Jesus to those who hadn’t seen or heard Him personally.  

- The Epistles (e.g., Paul, James, and Jude): These were letters addressing issues in local churches, offering guidance, encouragement, and sometimes correction.  


It’s humbling to consider that these writings, originally intended for immediate audiences, were later recognized as so rich in truth and revelation that they became part of the canon. That said, the distinction between scripture and testimony doesn’t diminish the New Testament’s value; rather, it helps us appreciate its purpose and power even more.  


In my reflections, I’ve broken down the New Testament (or testimonies) into five sections:

1. His Birth and Brotherhood: The Gospels (Matthew to John) recount His miraculous birth and how He lived in close fellowship with His disciples.  

2. His Works and Words: These same books highlight what Jesus did and taught, providing the foundation for our faith.  

3. His Influence and Impact: The book of Acts vividly portrays how Jesus’ disciples carried forward His mission, demonstrating His influence and their Spirit-empowered impact.  

4. His Followers and Faithfulness: Through the letters of Paul, Peter, James, and others, we see how faithfulness to Christ’s commands birthed more disciples and spread the gospel worldwide.  

5. His Family and Final Return: Revelation introduces us to the ultimate gathering of Christ’s family and the hope of His return, culminating in eternal fellowship with our King.  


This perspective doesn’t negate the importance of the New Testament but invites us to see it as a living testimony of Jesus Christ—His life, works, influence, and promises.  


I share these thoughts not as a definitive conclusion but as an invitation to discussion. What do you think? Does this reframing help you appreciate the New Testament in a new light, or does it raise questions about how we approach scripture? Let’s engage and grow together.



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