‘But the righteousness based on faith speaks thus, “Do not say in your heart, ‘Who will ascend into heaven?’ (that is, to bring Christ down), or ‘Who will descend into the abyss?’ (that is, to bring Christ up from the dead). But what does it say? The word is near you, in your mouth and in your heart– that is, the word of faith which we are preaching” ’ Romans 10:6-8

The apostle Paul, in his letter to the Roman church, has just finished pouring out the concern of his heart for his Jewish brethren who still haven’t come to grips with the truth of faith in the LORD’s Messiah, Jesus Christ.

“Then Jesus said to them, ‘You will all fall away because of Me this night, for it is written, “I WILL STRIKE DOWN THE SHEPHERD, AND THE SHEEP OF THE FLOCK SHALL BE SCATTERED.”’ ” Matthew 26:31

This quote from the Old Testament by Jesus about Himself and His disciples, is found in the thirteenth chapter of the book of Zechariah, verse seven. 

“Do not think that I came to bring peace on the earth; I did not come to bring peace, but a sword. For I came to SET A MAN AGAINST HIS FATHER, AND A DAUGHTER AGAINST HER MOTHER, AND A DAUGHTER-IN-LAW AGAINST HER MOTHER-IN-LAW; AND A MAN’S ENEMIES WILL BE THE MEMBERS OF HIS HOUSEHOLD.” Matthew 10:34-36

This Old Testament quote by our Lord comes from the book of Micah, chapter seven. 

‘And again Isaiah says, “There shall come the root of Jesse, and He who arises to rule over the Gentiles, in Him shall the Gentiles hope.” ‘ Romans 15:12

The apostle Paul, as he was moved by the Holy Spirit, quotes in part from another great Messianic passage in the scroll of Isaiah. 

‘And working together with Him, we also urge you not to receive the grace of God in vain– for He says, “At the acceptable time I listened to you, and on the day of salvation I helped you”; behold, now is “the acceptable time,” behold, now is “the day of salvation” ‘ 2 Cor. 6:1 & 2

The quote by the apostle Paul above is from the inspired text of Isaiah the prophet, the Messianic prophet of the Old Testament. 

“…as it is written in the Law of the Lord, ‘Every first born male that opens the womb shall be called holy to the LORD.’ ” Luke 2:23

This New Testament citation of an Old Testament quote in the inspired record of Luke comes most likely from Exodus 13:2: “Sanctify to Me every first-born, the first offspring of every womb among the sons of Israel, both of man and beast; it belongs to Me.” (NAS). 

“And our fathers were unwilling to be obedient to him, but repudiated him and in their hearts turned back to Egypt, saying to Aaron, ‘Make for us gods who will go before us; for this Moses who led us out of the land of Egypt– we do not know what happened to him.’ ” Acts 7:39-40

Ok, Ok, so we’re making our third trip to the well spring of Old Testament quotes from the inspired sermon of Steven. Just can’t help it, brethren. 

“And he said, ‘Hear me, brethren and fathers! The God of glory appeared to our father Abraham when he was in Mesopotamia, before he lived in Haran, and said to him,’ “Depart from your country and your relatives, and come into the land that I will show you.”  Acts 7:3

In our ongoing study of Old Testament quotes found in the New Testament, we’re going to look again this week at Steven’s defense before the Council (San Hedrin) and build upon last week’s installment. 

“However, the Most High does not dwell in houses made by human hands; as the prophet says: ‘Heaven is My throne, and earth is the footstool of My feet; what kind of house will you build for Me?’ says the Lord; ‘Or what place is there for My repose? Was it not My hand which made all these things?’ ” Acts 7:48-50

Old Testament quote after Old Testament quote found in the New Testament. 

“And Jesus entered the temple and cast out all those who were buying and selling in the temple, and overturned the tables of the moneychangers and the seats of those who were selling doves. And He said to them, “It is written, ‘My house shall be called a house of prayer’; but you are making it a robbers’ den.” Matthew 21:12, 13 (Part two)

Jesus knew the Scripture. This is verified by the accounting of events by the four gospel writers.