"WRITTEN FOR OUR INSTRUCTION"

Have the Hebrew Scriptures Been Replaced?

It is not uncommon today for textbooks to be replaced when new research becomes available or when popular opinion changes.  Did the Christian Greek Scriptures replace the Hebrew Scriptures in that way? No.

If Jesus had intended that the record of his ministry and the writings of his disciples replace the Hebrew Scriptures, he would surely have indicated this.  However, regarding Jesus  just before his ascension to heaven, Luke's account states:  "Commencing at Moses and all the Prophets [in the Hebrew Scriptures] he interpreted to [two of his disciples] things pertaining to himself in all the Scriptures."  Later, Jesus appeared to his faithful apostles and others.  The account continues:  "He now said to them:  "These are my words which  I spoke to you while I was yet with you, that all the things written in the law of Moses and in the Prophets and Psalms about me must be fulfilled.' "(Luke 24:27, 44) Why would Jesus still be using the Hebrew Scriptures at the end of his earthly ministry if they were out-of-date?

After the Christian congregation was established, Jesus' followers continued to use the Hebrew Scriptures to highlight prophecies that were yet to be fulfilled, principles from the Mosaic Law that taught valuable lessons, and accounts of ancient servants of God whose fine examples encourage Christian to remain faithful.  (Acts  2:16-24; 1 Corinthians  9:9, 10; Hebrews 11:1-12:1)  "All Scripture," wrote the apostle  Paul, "is inspired of God and beneficial." ( 2 Timothy 3:16)  How do the Hebrew Scriptures prove to be beneficial today?

Next time: OLD TESTAMENT OR HEBREW SCRIPTURES?

Watchtower, 2007