Hebrew and Greek Scriptures
Throughout this text, the terms Old Testament and New Testament are minimized. It is the preference of the studies to use the terms Tanankh or Hebrew Scriptures for the first 39 books and Greek Scriptures for the last 27 books of the Bible. Too often, people have this idea that the Old Testament is no longer important and has been supplanted by the New Testament. This thought is counter to the very writings of Paul, who told Timothy in 2 Timothy 3:14:
14But continue thou in the things which thou hast learned and hast been assured of, knowing of whom thou hast learned them;
Paul told Timothy to continue in the things he has learned. This is referring to previous learnings up to this point in Timothy’s life. He was to do this and apply it to his future. Paul and Timothy had a special relationship as can be seen from statements similar to 1 Corinthians 4:17.
17For this cause have I sent unto you Timotheus, who is my beloved son, and faithful in the Lord, who shall bring you into remembrance of my ways which be in Messiah, as I teach every where in every assembly.
Paul considered Timothy his son in the faith, who was faithful. Paul was confident that Timothy would lead others in the way as he would have. Paul told the Philippians that there was no one as close to him as Timothy. Paul had declared that both he and Timothy were of one mind in Philippians 2:19-20.
19But I trust in the Lord Yeshua to send Timotheus shortly unto you, that I also may be of good comfort, when I know your state. 20For I have no man likeminded, who will naturally care for your state.
Paul said he had no one likeminded as Timothy. From the little stated above, it is obvious that Paul and Timothy had a special relationship. Their relationship went beyond just studying the Bible together. They shared a common bond in the faith, so much so that Paul stated that they were likeminded. Paul was confident that Timothy would teach the very things he taught. So if Paul told Timothy something, we should heed that direction.
On that basis, what was it that Paul was referring to in 2 Timothy 3:14 that he wanted Timothy to continue in? This is important because Paul was addressing his son in the faith, 2 Timothy 3:15.
15And that from a child thou hast known the holy scriptures, which are able to make thee wise unto salvation through faith which is in Messiah Yeshua.
This is one of those times, when the reader must be absolutely within the context of the scripture. There are those that have stated that this is referring to the New Testament. That could not be true, because the 27 books of the Greek Scriptures (the New Testament) had not been canonized when Timothy was a child. Further, in Acts 16:1-3.
1Then came he to Derbe and Lystra: and, behold, a certain disciple was there, named Timotheus, the son of a certain woman, which was a Jewess, and believed; but his father was a Greek: 2Which was well reported of by the brethren that were at Lystra and Iconium. 3Him would Paul have to go forth with him; and took and circumcised him because of the Jews which were in those quarters: for they knew all that his father was a Greek.
Timothy’s mother was Jewish. It does not take much insight to conclude that Timothy had studied the Hebrew Bible when he was a child. So when Paul wrote to Timothy to continue in what he had known, Paul was referring to the Tanakh or Hebrew Scriptures. When put in the proper perspective, we should shy away from those that tell us that the Old Testament, the Tanakh or Hebrew Scriptures, are nothing more than a history lesson. When one considers what Paul wrote in 2 Timothy 3:16-17.
16All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: 17That the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works.
Paul is telling us that the Tanakh is good for doctrine, to correct people and for instruction to teach us how to walk in righteousness, God’s ways. Further, it is what will furnish, or enable a person to do good works, the works of God.
One has to ask the question, how did Christianity ever get to the point that it allowed the Tanakh to be relegated to a position of lesser importance? It should be relatively easy to see Paul does not agree with the idea that all one needs is the Greek Scriptures, the New Testament.
Once it is understood that the Tanakh is essential to a believer’s growth, it makes it even more important that one places it in equal importance as the Greek Scriptures. The Hebrew Scriptures has understandings that will benefit believers today if they will take the time to study.
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