“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. 

“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 one)

The statement by Jesus as recorded by saint Matthew is a quote from two separate Old Testament passages. 

But to each one of us grace was given according to the measure of Christ’s gift. Therefore it says, “When He ascended on high, He led captive a host of captives, and He gave gifts to men.” Ephesians 4:4-8

Here, brethren, is another Old Testament quote concerning the Christ and His church. 

“Or what agreement has the temple of God with idols? For we are the temple of the living God; just as God said, ‘I WILL DWELL IN THEM AND WALK IN THEM; AND I WILL BE THEIR GOD, AND THEY SHALL BE MY PEOPLE.’ ” 2 Corinthians 6:16 (NAS)

We press on in our continuing study of Old Testament quotes appearing in the New Testament considering this week the above text penned by the apostle Paul, one of the men “moved by the Holy Spirit spoke from God” (2 Peter 1:21b)

And the high priest said to Him, “I adjure You by the living God, that You tell us whether You are the Christ, the Son of God.” Jesus said to him, “You have said it yourself; nevertheless I tell you, hereafter you shall see the Son of Man sitting at the right hand of power, and coming on the clouds of heaven.” Matt 26:63-64

Remember the old commercial, “When E. F. Hutton speaks, people listen.” That was a great catch phrase, wasn’t it?

“For this reason it says, ‘Awake, sleeper, and arise from the dead, and Christ will shine on you.’ ” Ephesians 5:14 (NAS)

Here is another quote from the Old Testament found in the New. That’s what it means when Paul, through the Holy Spirit wrote, ‘for this reason it says”.

“Now in those days John the Baptist came, preaching in the wilderness of Judea, saying, “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.”  For this is the one referred to by Isaiah the prophet, saying, “The voice of one crying in the wilderness, ‘Make ready the way of the Lord, make His paths straight!'” Matt. 3:1-3

After a brief (seven week) detour to take a more intent look at the prophecies concerning Jesus being called a Nazarene and His church as the sect of Nazarenes, we return to a general study of Old Testament passages quoted in the New Testament.