I enter here where angels fear to tread.
When you quote words of Jesus in this post, I believe that He is referring to the Scriptures of the Old Testament— i.e., “have you not read what David did?”. (in the the Old the New is contained, in the New the Old is explained).
As for John 1:1-—”and the Word became flesh and dwelt among us.” I believe, of course, that the Word referred to here is God Himself. The New Testament words of God were written after his Redemptive suffering and death. But—in the beginning—He was always the Word.
I am absolutely no theologian, so I understand that I have put myself on hallowed ground here. Still, it seems very uncomplicated to me that the Bible as we know it today was not what carried the first generation of believers.
We read in Acts that they met in community, read the Scriptures, prayed together and broke the Bread. The Scriptures that they read, as I understand it, were those from the Old Testament that revealed that Emmanuel had come and was Jesus the Lord, who suffered and died for us and sent us the Holy Spirit. The Gospels were not yet written for two generations. If, by Scriptures, one would think this means the letters of Paul, Peter, Jude, and Titus-—they were letters at that time, and not canonically part of the New Testament.
I’m just inquiring.
I have a great love and hunger for the Sacred Scriptures, but don’t approach it with a theological background or with the intent of exegesis. I just let it nourish my soul day by day.
That says it all doesn't it. Very well put. Some seem to disregard the OT, or at least say, "but that is the OT, you must follow the New." It's all one beautifully woven story - you can't have one without the other.
We read in Acts that they met in community, read the Scriptures, prayed together and broke the Bread.....The Gospels were not yet written for two generations.
Of course that is true but before the Gospels, before His Advent they were instructed by God, to meet on His Sabbath's, Feast Days. There the priests read His Word, as I understand it, all day. Even if the Hebrews could not read they would still be taught His plan, His law and about His love.
God wanted us to hear His Word, not man's and I believe that is why Jesus said, "Ye do err, not knowing the scriptures, nor the power of God.
I have a great love and hunger for the Sacred Scriptures, but don’t approach it with a theological background or with the intent of exegesis. I just let it nourish my soul day by day.
That exactly sums up how I feel and approach His Word. I do feel nourished by it and see by the tone of your post that His light shines in you.
Thank you.......Ping