Old Testament

Definition

The Old Testament is a collection of sacred writings in Christianity that serves as the foundational scripture of Judaism, consisting of texts composed before the birth of Jesus Christ. It includes historical narratives, laws, poetry, and prophetic writings, which collectively convey themes of creation, covenant, and redemption that are essential to both faith traditions. Its influence extends to various aspects of early Christian art and funerary practices, particularly in how biblical stories are depicted.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The Old Testament is divided into several sections: the Pentateuch (the first five books), Historical Books, Wisdom Literature, and the Prophets.
2. Many early Christian sarcophagi incorporated scenes from the Old Testament to convey theological messages about resurrection and eternal life.
3. Key stories from the Old Testament, such as Noah's Ark and the Exodus, became popular subjects for artists depicting early Christian themes.
4. The Old Testament is foundational for understanding the typology in Christian art, where figures like Moses or David are seen as prefiguring Christ.
5. Many early Christians viewed the Old Testament as a source of moral instruction and prophetic foreshadowing of Jesus' life and mission.

Review Questions

• How does the concept of covenant in the Old Testament relate to early Christian beliefs depicted in sarcophagi?
  • The concept of covenant in the Old Testament establishes a foundational relationship between God and His people, which early Christians interpreted through their own belief in Jesus as the new covenant. This relationship is often represented in sarcophagi through imagery that emphasizes themes of promise and fulfillment. For instance, scenes illustrating figures like Abraham or Moses are common, reflecting how these biblical figures foreshadow Christ's role in salvation history.
• In what ways did artists use Old Testament narratives to communicate theological concepts on early Christian sarcophagi?
  • Artists utilized Old Testament narratives on early Christian sarcophagi to express core theological concepts such as resurrection and eternal life. By illustrating stories like Jonah being swallowed by a whale or Daniel in the lion's den, artists drew parallels to Christ's own resurrection. These depictions served not only as decorative elements but also as visual sermons that reinforced faith for those who might not be literate.
• Evaluate the significance of Old Testament figures in shaping Christian iconography during Late Antiquity.
  • Old Testament figures significantly shaped Christian iconography during Late Antiquity by serving as prefigurations of Christ and embodying virtues that resonated with early Christian communities. Artists often portrayed figures such as Adam and Eve, Moses, and David on sarcophagi to create a visual narrative that linked them to New Testament themes. This practice helped solidify the continuity between Judaism and Christianity while affirming theological ideas such as sin, redemption, and hope for resurrection, making these figures central to both worship and artistic expression.

Related terms

Covenant: A solemn agreement between God and the people of Israel, often highlighted in the Old Testament as a central theme that establishes the relationship between the divine and humanity.

Apocrypha: A collection of texts not included in the canonical Old Testament, often considered significant for understanding early Jewish and Christian thought.

Prophet: Individuals chosen by God to deliver messages and warnings to the people, playing a vital role in the narratives of the Old Testament.