Origins of OT - Dr Bill Fung

Dear All,

I believe that the previous message was a "POWER" one... in many ways... to many of us... Honestly, I am not able to do any notes for it cause it's really CHIM to me... But here is an email from Dr. Fung. He wanna to clarify a question that was asked then by... I forgot who... Anywayz, here it is... Pass it ON! :)

Hi Angela,

Greetings from Singapore Bible College!

Last time a brother asked a question during the "Canon of O.T." seminar. I like to supplement my answer a little bit more.

He asked where the Old Testament predicts about the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ with reference to Luke 24:45-48.
- NIV - Lk2445 Then he opened their minds so they could understand the Scriptures.46 He told them, "This is what is written: The Christ will suffer and rise from the dead on the third day,47 and repentance and forgiveness of sins will be preached in his name to all nations, beginning at Jerusalem.48 You are witnesses of these things.

My answer provided was that "what is written" need not refer to the OT, it could refer to the Gospel or written records of Jesus' teaching and ministry available when Luke wrote his Gospel around AD 60-70. The Gospel of Mark is considered to be the earliest Gospel written.

This is answering the question from the pespective of Luke. If one wants to answer the question from the perspective of Jesus, then "what is written" probably refers to the O.T. Where does the OT refers to the death and resurrection of the Messiah? We can cite Isaiah 53 concerning the suffering and exultation of the Messiah. One can also refers to Jonah inside the fish for three days and three nights (Jonah 1:17), which Jesus compared to his death and resurrection (Matt 12:40).

Hope this will clarify the question more. It would be nice if you could read this email to your fellowship group. Thank you!

Blessings!

Bill Fung

Coming this sunday (12OCT) will be another message by Dr. Michael Shen. :) Will see you guys then!

Cheers,
Angela