“For lack of wood the fire goes out, and where there is no whisperer, contention quiets down.” (Proverbs 26:20 NASB)

With Mr. Simpson gone for the week, giving his daughter to the hand of Marshall Harbour for marriage, we digress from the study of Old Testament quotations in the New Testament.  

“But they have done this in order that the word may be fulfilled that is written in their Law, ‘They hated Me without a cause.’ ” ( John 15:25 NAS)

Jesus, knowing the hour of His crucifixion was fast approaching, sought to prepare His apostles for events and circumstances that would come upon them after His exodus from the earth. 

“But when this perishable will have put on the imperishable, and this mortal will have put on immortality, then will come about the saying that is written, ‘Death is swallowed up in victory.’ ” 1 Cor. 15:54

One of the great messianic promises of the Old Covenant which is realized under the New Covenant is emphasized by the apostle as he is moved by the Spirit to encourage and admonish the Corinthian brethren. 

But the bystanders said, “Do you revile God’s high priest?” And Paul said, “I was not aware, brethren, that he was high priest; for it is written, ‘You shall not speak evil of a ruler of your people.’ ” Acts 23:4-5

Paul, having been taught by the renowned Jewish Rabbi of the apostolic period Gamaliel prior to his conversion to Christ, would be keenly aware of the Old Testament law. 

“…and thus all Israel will be saved; just as it is written, ‘The Deliverer will come from Zion, He will remove ungodliness from Jacob. And this is My covenant with them, when I take away their sins.’ ” Rom. 11:26-27

Here’s yet another quote from the Messianic prophet of the Old Testament, Isaiah, utilized by the Holy Spirit to instruct and encourage the Roman brethren. 

“…just as David also speaks of the blessing upon the man to whom God reckons righteousness apart from works: ‘Blessed are those whose lawless deeds have been forgiven, and whose sins have been covered. Blessed is the man whose sin the Lord will not take into account.’ ” Romans 4:6-8 (Part two)

This quote by the apostle Paul, as was mentioned last week, comes from Psalm thirty-two, verses one and two. 

“…just as David also speaks of the blessing upon the man to whom God reckons righteousness apart from works: ‘Blessed are those whose lawless deeds have been forgiven, and whose sins have been covered. Blessed is the man whose sin the Lord will not take into account.’ ” Romans 4:6-8 (Part one)

Paul, in his letter to the church at Rome, quotes David’s inspired utterances from the book of Psalms, “How blessed is he whose transgression is forgiven, whose sin is covered! How blessed is the man to whom the LORD does not impute iniquity, and in whose spirit there is no deceit!” (Ps. 32:1-2 NAS) 

“But even if you should suffer for the sake of righteousness, you are blessed. And do not fear their intimidation, and do not be troubled” 1 Peter 3:14 (NAS)

The passage that Peter cites in his first letter to “those who reside as aliens” (meaning Christians, those in the world but not of the world) is drawn from the inspired utterances of Isaiah. 

“But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for God’s own possession, that you may proclaim the excellencies of Him who has called you out of darkness into His marvelous light; for you once were not a people, but now you are the people of God; you had not received mercy, but now you have received mercy.” 1 Peter 2:9, 10 (NAS)

This is one of many  powerful present positive affirmative passages in the New Testament that communicate the Lord’s perception and intentions regarding His covenant people, the church.

“The wisdom which none of the rulers of this age has understood; for if they had understood it, they would not have crucified the Lord of glory; but just as it is written, ‘Things which eye has not seen and ear has not heard, And which have not entered the heart of man, all that God has prepared for those who love Him.’ ” 1 Corinthians 2:8-9

The apostle Paul is moved by the Spirit to quote from the book of Isaiah in his discourse on the wisdom of God versus man’s wisdom, in particular the wisdom of those who had crucified the Lord of glory, the Roman Governor in unison (some would say by manipulation) with the Jewish religious leadership.