One of my favorite things about studying the Bible is when one piece of Scripture is quoted in another place in the Bible. This means that one Biblical author knows, believes, interprets, and applies one Bible passage to another part of life. And therefore, we have one “idea” in God’s Word being used in multiple places. This is very cool! Cool from 2 angles. One because it is written by different men in different time periods. Two because God inspired it all and is therefore the author behind all of it. And I use the word cool because the Christian reader is so blessed and encouraged by it. The unity of truth is impactful!
I plan to use a few blog posts here in a row showing you what I am talking about.
Here is an example. Early in God’s Word in Genesis 2:24 God says (Moses writes):
“Therefore a man shall leave his father and his mother and hold fast to his wife, and the two shall become one flesh.”
There is a lot to be said about this verse. That will be saved for another time. The point I want to make is this= That awesome statement that has been shaping Biblical view of marriage for thousands of years is quoted 4 times in the New Testament by three different authors.
1. Matthew 19:5 “and (Jesus) said “Therefore a man shall leave his father and his mother and hold fast to his wife, and the two shall become one flesh”
2. Mark 10:7-8 “Therefore a man shall leave his father and mother and hold fast to his wife, and the two shall become one flesh.”
3. 1 Corinthians 6:16 “For as it is written, the two will become one flesh.”
4. Ephesians 5:31 “Therefore a man shall leave his father and mother and hold fast to his wife, and the two shall become one flesh.”
Studying the Bible is great. Being able to recognize and pick-up on themes like this one is so encouraging and enlightening.
The Bible has authority. You really begin to see this authority when one verse from Genesis 2 is remembered and then used again by Matthew, Mark and Paul in the New Testament.
Which of God’s truths show up in your life over and over again? Which are shaping you like they shaped Matthew, Mark and Paul?
Start reading the Bible and taking notice of what ideas repeat themselves!