Old Testament vs. New Testament: Size
Number of Books
The Old Testament has 39 books in Protestant Bibles and 46 books in Catholic Bibles. The New Testament has 27 books in all Christian Bibles. The difference in book count comes from the Apocrypha, a set of writings included in Catholic and Orthodox traditions but not in Protestant versions.
Word Count and Length
The Old Testament is three times longer than the New Testament. It contains more historical records, laws, poetry, and prophecies. The New Testament is shorter because it focuses on the life of Jesus, the early church, and letters to believers.
Old Testament vs. New Testament: Organization
Sections in the Old Testament
The Old Testament is divided into four main parts:
- The Law (Torah or Pentateuch) – Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers, and Deuteronomy contain laws and the history of early Israel.
- Historical Books – Joshua to Esther describe Israel’s rise, exile, and return.
- Poetic and Wisdom Books – Job, Psalms, Proverbs, Ecclesiastes, and Song of Solomon focus on worship and wisdom.
- Prophetic Books – Isaiah to Malachi contain messages from prophets about God’s judgment and future restoration.
Sections in the New Testament
The New Testament has four divisions:
- The Gospels – Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John focus on Jesus’ life, death, and resurrection.
- Acts – A historical record of the early Christian church.
- Epistles (Letters) – Romans to Jude contain teachings for Christians.
- Revelation – A prophetic book describing the end times.
Old Testament vs. New Testament: History
Time Period Covered
The Old Testament covers more than 1,000 years of history, beginning with creation and ending about 400 B.C. The New Testament covers a much shorter period, from Jesus’ birth to the end of the first century A.D.
Historical Context
The Old Testament is set in ancient Israel, Egypt, Mesopotamia, and Persia. It details God’s covenant with the Jewish people. The New Testament is centered around Jesus and the spread of Christianity throughout the Roman Empire.
Jesus in the Old and New Testaments
Foreshadowed in the Old Testament
The Old Testament points to Jesus through prophecies, symbols, and figures. Passages like Isaiah 53 describe a suffering servant who takes on the sins of others. The Passover lamb in Exodus symbolizes Jesus as the sacrificial Lamb of God.
Fulfilled in the New Testament
The New Testament presents Jesus as the fulfillment of the Messianic prophecies. He is called “the Word made flesh” in John 1:14. The Gospels provide eyewitness accounts of his life, death, and resurrection, proving he is the Messiah foretold in the Old Testament.
God in the Old and New Testaments
God’s Nature in the Old Testament
The Old Testament emphasizes God’s holiness, justice, and power. He is the Creator in Genesis, the Lawgiver in Exodus, and the Righteous Judge in the Prophets. His actions include flooding the earth, giving the Ten Commandments, and sending prophets to warn Israel.
God’s Nature in the New Testament
The New Testament reveals God’s love and grace through Jesus Christ. John 3:16 states that God sent his Son to save the world. Jesus teaches about forgiveness, mercy, and eternal life. The Holy Spirit is introduced as God’s presence living within believers.