Why Read the Old Testament? 7 Biblical Reasons You Should

Many Christians focus almost entirely on the New Testament, but the Old Testament remains an essential part of God’s Word — revealing Jesus Christ, strengthening our faith, and providing timeless truth for our lives today.

In Short:

The Old Testament is not outdated or optional — it is a vital part of God’s Word that reveals His character, points directly to Jesus Christ, and provides instruction, encouragement, and warnings for believers today. Jesus and the apostles relied on it as Scripture, and it remains essential for understanding God’s full plan of redemption.

Key Takeaways

Key Scriptures

1 Corinthians 10:6, 11; Romans 15:4; Matthew 4:4; Luke 24:27; John 5:39; Acts 8:32–35; Acts 17:2–3; Galatians 3:24

Welcome to Original Pentecostal
Sermons and Bible Studies
by Pastor Jim Feeney, Ph.D.

Pastor Jim Feeney, Ph.D.

Brief Bio:  Pastor Jim Feeney, Ph.D., is a Pentecostal Bible teacher with more than 50 years of Spirit-filled ministry experience. His sermons and Bible studies are personally written and drawn from decades of service as a church planter, senior pastor, Bible college teacher and Dean, and as a trainer of ministers internationally in the Pentecostal tradition.

Many Christians Don’t Read the Old Testament; Why Should We?

Many Christians don’t read the Old Testament — but they should. Why? Because the Old Testament is not optional background; it is God’s foundational revelation that points directly to Jesus Christ and strengthens our walk with Him today.

1 Corinthians 10:6, 11  Now these things occurred as examples to keep us from setting our hearts on evil things as they did… [11] These things happened to them as examples and were written down as warnings for us.

Romans 15:4  For everything that was written in the past was written to teach us, so that through the endurance taught in the Scriptures and the encouragement they provide we might have hope.

Throughout the New Testament the writers quoted from the Scriptures. Which ones? Every single direct Scripture quote in the New Testament is quoted from the Old Testament — the only recognized books of the Bible to date in that first century, when the New Testament books were still being written.

These were the only recognized Scriptures in the days of Jesus and the apostles — the Hebrew Scriptures we now call the Old Testament.

I’ll repeat that all-important fact: Virtually every clear, direct Scripture quotation in the New Testament comes from the Old Testament of the Bible.

What Value Is it to Us to Read from the Old Testament?

As the apostle Paul (above) wrote to the Roman and Corinthian Christians, there is great value in the Scriptures of the Old Testament. Paul reminded the believers that the Hebrew Scriptures greatly help our walk with God as examples, instructions, encouragement, and warnings from God to bring us truth, hope, and trust in God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.

One simple example would be the well-known Old Testament story of David slaying the giant Goliath in 1 Samuel 17. Armed only with a slingshot, the young David approached the giant warrior Goliath and cried out to him: “You come against me with sword and spear and javelin, but I come against you in the name of the Lord Almighty” (vs. 45).

And David slew the giant! What does that story tell us? It is more than history — it is a living example of how God’s people overcome by faith in Him. The giant fought with natural weapons. But David understood that the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God (2 Corinthians 10:4). He attacked the giant “in the name of the Lord Almighty.”

The Old Testament David was an excellent prophetic example to us of the victorious New Testament exhortation: “And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus” (Colossians 3:17).

7 Biblical Reasons to Read the Old Testament

What Are Some Examples of Jesus Himself Quoting the Old Testament?

Matthew 4:4, quoting Deuteronomy 8:3  “It is written, ‘Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceeds from the mouth of God.’”

Mark 12:10-11, quoting Psalm 118:22-23  “Have you not even read this Scripture: ‘The stone which the builders rejected has become the chief cornerstone…’”

Luke 20:42-43, quoting Psalm 110:1  “Now David himself said in the Book of Psalms: ‘The LORD said to my Lord, “Sit at My right hand, till I make Your enemies Your footstool.”’”

John 6:31, quoting Psalm 78:24  “He gave them bread from heaven to eat.”

Matthew 4:10, quoting Deuteronomy 6:13  “For it is written, ‘You shall worship the LORD your God, and Him only you shall serve.’”

Mark 10:6-8, quoting Genesis 1:27; 2:24  “But from the beginning of the creation, God ‘made them male and female.’ … ‘For this reason a man shall leave his father and mother and be joined to his wife…’”

Jesus Himself constantly used the Old Testament. The apostles and others followed that same pattern.

What Are Some Other New Testament Writers Who Quoted the Old Testament?

Acts 2:17, Luke quoting Joel 2:28  “I will pour out of My Spirit on all flesh…”

Romans 1:17, apostle Paul quoting Habakkuk 2:4  “The just shall live by faith.”

Romans 4:3, apostle Paul quoting Genesis 15:6  “Abraham believed God, and it was accounted to him for righteousness.”

Romans 10:13, Paul quoting Joel 2:32  “Whoever calls on the name of the LORD shall be saved.”

1 Peter 1:16, apostle Peter quoting Leviticus 11:44  “Be holy, for I am holy.”  

Did the Early Church Use the Old Testament Scriptures to Preach Jesus?

Yes! They had the priceless treasures of the 39 books of the Bible’s Old Testament. And they used them actively to show that Jesus is the promised Messiah and Savior from God. Some examples:

Acts 8:32-35, Philip preaching about Jesus from Isaiah 53  “The place in the Scripture which he read was this: ‘He was led as a sheep to the slaughter…’ Then Philip… preached Jesus to him.”

Acts 17:2-3 (KJV), apostle Paul preaching to the Jews - And Paul, as his manner was, went in unto them, and three sabbath days reasoned with them out of the scriptures, opening and alleging, that Christ must needs have suffered, and risen again from the dead; and that this Jesus, whom I preach unto you, is Christ.

Acts 18:24, 29 - Apollos preaching Jesus to the Jews - And a certain Jew named Apollos, born at Alexandria, an eloquent man, [was] mighty in the scriptures … [29] For he mightily convinced the Jews, and that publicly, shewing by the scriptures that Jesus was Christ.

How do the Old Testament and the New Testament Work Together?

The Old and New Testaments are not separate messages — they are one unified revelation of God’s plan of redemption.

Galatians 3:24 (KJV)  Wherefore the law was our schoolmaster to bring us unto Christ, that we might be justified by faith.

The great Pentateuch (the first 5 books of the Old Testament) contains God’s grand revelation of His Law to Moses. 1,500 years later the apostle Paul clarifies a major reason why God gave that Law: “the Law was our schoolmaster to bring us unto Christ.”

The 39 books of the Old Testament have numerous narratives, histories, examples, and prophetic types and symbols pointing to Jesus Christ. Centuries later, the Son of God — Jesus Christ, the Lord and Savior — was more fully revealed in the 27 books of the New Testament after His death, resurrection, and ascension back to heaven.

The rich, beautiful narratives of the Hebrew Scriptures were dramatically revealed in fuller reality in the New Testament Scriptures. Jesus’ death on the cross and His resurrection brought us from the type and shadow of the Old Covenant to the rich reality of the New Testament and the once-for-all secured salvation for all who will come in repentance and faith to the crucified-and-resurrected Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

Speaking to the resistant Jewish leaders, Jesus declared (John 5:39): “You study the Scriptures diligently … These are the very Scriptures that testify about me.”

On the day of His resurrection, Jesus met two men walking down a road (Luke 24:13-35). Luke wrote that “beginning with Moses and all the Prophets, he explained to them what was said in all the Scriptures concerning himself (27). So we see the Gospel of Jesus Christ foreshadowed in the Old Testament and more fully revealed in the inspired accounts of the New Testament. The two testaments work together to give us a full, rich account of God’s revelation to us.

How Important Was the Old Testament to the New Testament Writers?

It is commonly estimated that 1 out of every 10 New Testament verses either quotes or clearly refers to the Old Testament. The New Testament authors in their writings were perfectly inspired and guided by the Holy Spirit. They saw and referred to the Old Testament as authoritative Scripture pointing to God’s redemptive plan in the person of the Savior and Lord, God’s Son Jesus Christ. The message of the New Testament focuses consistently on the saving Son of God whose redemptive ministry was so extensively foreshadowed in the Old Testament.

There is for you a treasure trove of truth in the Bible’s Old Testament. Read it for yourself, and you will find Jesus Christ revealed throughout its pages.

A Simple Way to View the Old and New Testaments

This truth has been summarized for centuries in a simple and powerful saying:

• The New is in the Old concealed; the Old is in the New revealed
• The New is in the Old contained; the Old is in the New explained

Frequently Asked Questions About Why We Should Read the Old Testament

What is the main reason to read the Old Testament?

The Old Testament reveals God’s character and plan of redemption and points directly to Jesus Christ. It lays the foundation for understanding the New Testament and strengthens our faith through examples, instruction, and prophecy.

Did Jesus use the Old Testament?

Yes. Jesus regularly quoted the Old Testament and referred to it as Scripture. He used it to teach truth, resist temptation, and show that it testified about Him.

Is the Old Testament still relevant for Christians today?

Yes. The Old Testament provides spiritual lessons, warnings, encouragement, and insight into God’s ways. It helps believers understand the full message of the Bible and grow in faith.

How does the Old Testament point to Jesus?

The Old Testament contains prophecies, types, and symbols that foreshadow Jesus Christ. These are fulfilled and more clearly revealed in the New Testament.

Why did the apostles preach from the Old Testament?

The apostles used the Old Testament Scriptures to prove that Jesus is the promised Messiah. It was the recognized Word of God at the time and provided the foundation for their preaching.

What Will You Do with Jesus, Who Died and Rose Again for You?

Perhaps some readers today have been touched by God in your hearts, and you’re not sure you know this wonderful Savior Jesus personally. If that’s you, I invite you from my heart to say the following prayer to God sincerely and with firm purpose. You will receive a spiritual “new birth” into the family of God Almighty and will become an heir of eternal life in the Lord Jesus Christ:

     A Prayer for Salvation:  “Dear God, I know that I am a sinner, and I need Your forgiveness. I turn away from my sins and turn to You with a sincere heart. I believe that Jesus Christ is Your Son. I believe that He died on the cross for my sins, and that You raised Him from the dead. Today I place my trust in Jesus as my Savior, and I confess Him as my Lord. Come into my life, forgive my sins, and make me a new person through your grace. From this day forward, I want to live for You. Guide my life and help me to do Your will. I pray this in the name of Jesus. Amen.”

-----------------

You might also enjoy our related sermon: "Why Read the Bible? Here's the #1 Reason"

-----------------

Subscribe (always free)

-----------------

Looking for more than Old Testament and Bible study sermons? Browse these major Bible teaching categories across the site:

Shortcuts to Major Topics:

Christian Living
Doctrine & Theology
Evangelism
Faith
Gifts of the Holy Spirit
Healing
Hearing from God
Holy Spirit | Pentecostal Topics
Jesus Christ
Ministry
Power of God
Prayer
Salvation
The Church
Various Topics Not Listed Elsewhere
Victory over the Devil
Word of God

Sharing is great!
BoysSharing
If you've enjoyed our
Bible verses and sermon on
Why Read the Old Testament?
please share it with your friends. It
might be life-changing for them.
Email them the browser link. Or
you can post the link on your social
media (Facebook, Twitter/X, etc.).
Thank you for sharing God's Word!

©2026, James H. Feeney.
Copyright statement.