Old Testament Types and Antetypes of Christ's Work and Mission
Old Testament Types and Antetypes of Christ's Work and Mission
The concept of Old Testament types and antetypes is rooted in the biblical text itself, where certain events, figures, and institutions are seen as foreshadowing or prefiguring Christ's work and mission. The apostle Paul explicitly states that Adam is a "type of the one who was to come" (Romans 5:14), establishing a typological connection between the Old Testament figure and Christ [1].
In the Old Testament, various individuals and events are considered types or prefigurations of Christ. For instance, Abel's sacrifice is seen as a type of Christ's sacrifice, as Hebrews 12:24 notes that Abel's blood "speaks a better word than that of Abel" [1]. Abraham is also considered a type of Christ, as his actions and experiences prefigure Christ's role as the father of many nations (Genesis 17:5; Ephesians 3:15). Other Old Testament figures, such as Aaron and David, are also seen as types of Christ, with their priestly and kingly roles foreshadowing Christ's dual office [1].
The Old Testament also contains various institutions and events that are considered types of Christ's work. The Passover, for example, is seen as a type of Christ's sacrifice, as the Israelites' deliverance from slavery prefigures the redemption brought about by Christ [1]. The brazen serpent, lifted up in the wilderness, is another type of Christ, as Jesus himself notes in John 3:14-15. The ark of the covenant, containing the law and representing God's presence among his people, is also seen as a type of Christ, who embodies the law and is the presence of God among his people [1].
The early Christian tradition continued to develop and expand on these typological connections. The Antiochian School, represented by theologians such as John Chrysostom, emphasized the literal and historical meaning of Scripture while also recognizing the typological significance of Old Testament events and figures [2]. The Presbyterian tradition, as represented by Jamieson, Fausset, and Brown, also emphasizes the importance of typology in understanding Christ's work and mission [5, 6].
In interpreting the Old Testament types and antetypes, various Christian traditions have emphasized different aspects. The Baptist/Reformed tradition, represented by John Gill, highlights the connection between the Old Testament types and Christ's work, seeing them as prefigurations of his sacrifice and redemption [4]. The Nonconformist/Puritan tradition, represented by Matthew Henry, emphasizes the prophetic nature of the Old Testament, seeing the types and antetypes as part of a larger narrative that points to Christ [7].
The use of Old Testament types and antetypes to understand Christ's work and mission is not without its challenges and complexities. Different traditions have understood the relationship between the Old Testament types and Christ's work in varying ways, reflecting their distinct theological and hermeneutical commitments. Nonetheless, the concept remains a vital part of Christian theology, highlighting the continuity and coherence between the Old and New Testaments.
The typological connections between the Old Testament and Christ's work and mission are rooted in the biblical text itself and have been developed and nuanced throughout Christian tradition. As such, they continue to provide a rich and multifaceted understanding of Christ's role and significance [1, 3].
Sources
- Torrey's Topical Textbook “Torrey's Topical Textbook: Types of Christ — Adam -- Ro 5:14; 1Co 15:45. Abel -- Ge 4:8,10; Heb 12:24. Abraham -- Ge 17:5; Eph 3:15. Aaron -- Ex 28:1; Heb 5:4,5; Le 16:15; Heb 9:7,24. Ark -- Ge 7:16; 1Pe 3:20,21. Ark of the Covenant -- Ex 25:16; Ps 40:8; Isa 42:6. Atonement, sacrifices offered on the day of -- Le 16:15,16; Heb 9:12,24. Brazen serpent -- Nu 21:9; Joh 3:14,15. Brazen altar -- Ex 27:1,2; Heb 13:10. Burnt offering -- Le 1:2,4; Heb 10:10. Cities of refuge -- Nu 35:6; Heb 6:18. David -- 2Sa 8:15; Eze 37:24; Ps 89:19,20; Php 2:9. Eliakim -- Isa 22:20-22; Re 3:7. First-fruits -- Ex 22”
- CCEL/NPNF (Eastern Orthodox) “John Chrysostom, Homilies on Matthew: et seq. 2 Stephens St. Chrysostom , p. 31; comp. pp. 27–32, on Diodorus. On the Antiochian School, see Schaff , Church History , III. pp. 935–7; Reuss History of the New Testament , II., pp. 542–6, American edition. 3 Reuss , History New Testament , p. 544, American edition.”
- Matthew (Protestant academic) “Tyndale House on Matthew 21:4: 21:4-5 The Old Testament fulfillment here emphasizes the Messiah’s non-violent, humble, and saving work (see 11:28-30; Isa 62:11; Zech 9:9-10).”
- Acts (Baptist/Reformed) “John Gill on Acts 3:20: And he shall send Jesus Christ,.... Or "that he may send Jesus Christ", as the Syriac and Arabic versions render it: not in person, for this regards neither his first, nor his second coming, both which might be terrible to the awakened Jews; the former, because he had been sent, and was come, and was gone again; and therefore might fear there was no hope for them, who had denied him, and crucified him; the latter, because they might conclude he would be sent, and come to take vengeance on them, when they should look upon him whom they had pierced with horror and trembli”
- Revelation (Presbyterian) “Jamieson, Fausset & Brown on Revelation 2:19: The oldest manuscripts transpose the English Version order, and read, "faith and service." The four are subordinate to "thy works"; thus, "I know thy works, even the love and the faith (these two forming one pair, as 'faith works by love,' Gal 5:6), and the service (ministration to the suffering members of the Church, and to all in spiritual or temporal need), and the endurance of (that is, shown by) thee (this pronoun belongs to all four)." As love is inward, so service is its outward manifestation. Similarly, faith and persevering endurance, or "”
- Revelation (Presbyterian) “Jamieson, Fausset & Brown on Revelation 1:2: bare record of--"testified the word of God" in this book. Where we would say "testifies," the ancients in epistolary communications use the past tense. The word of God constitutes his testimony; Rev 1:3, "the words of this prophecy." the testimony of Jesus--"the Spirit of prophecy" (Rev 19:10). and of all things that, &c.--The oldest manuscripts omit "and." Translate, "whatsoever things he saw," in apposition with "the word of God and the testimony of Jesus Christ."”
- 2 Peter (Nonconformist/Puritan) “Matthew Henry on 2 Peter 1:19: In these words the apostle lays down another argument to prove the truth and reality of the gospel, and intimates that this second proof is more strong and convincing than the former, and more unanswerably makes out that the doctrine of the power and coming of our Lord Jesus Christ is not a mere fable or cunning contrivance of men, but the wise and wonderful counsel of the holy and gracious God. For this is foretold by the prophets and penmen of the Old Testament, who spoke and wrote under the influence and according to the direction of the Spirit of God. Here no”