Old Testament vs. New Testament
The Old Testament (39 books) covers creation through the centuries before Christ, centered on God's covenant with Israel and the Law of Moses; the New Testament (27 books) covers the life of Jesus Christ and the birth and growth of the early church, centered on the New Covenant in His blood.
Point by Point
Old Testament
New Testament
Number of books
39 books, written mostly in Hebrew (with some Aramaic).
27 books, written in Greek.
Central covenant
The Mosaic covenant given at Sinai.
The New Covenant established through Christ's death and resurrection.
Time span
From creation through roughly 400 BC (the last Old Testament prophets).
Covers roughly AD 4 (Jesus's birth) through the late first century AD.
Central figures
Patriarchs, judges, kings, and prophets awaiting a coming Messiah.
Jesus Christ and the apostles, proclaiming the Messiah has come.
Scripture References
The Law Came by Moses, Grace and Truth by Jesus Christ
John 1:1717 For the law was given by Moses, but grace and truth came by Jesus Christ.
Summarizes the shift in emphasis between the two Testaments in a single verse.
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