Old Testament References in the Gospel of Matthew

Below is a comprehensive list of Old Testament references-both direct quotations and clear allusions-found in the Gospel of Matthew, as compiled from Reformed theological resources^8^4. This list includes the Old Testament source for each reference and the corresponding passage in Matthew.

This list continues throughout the Gospel, with Matthew making approximately 60–68 references to the Old Testament, either by direct citation, paraphrase, or clear allusion^6. The above covers the major references through the first half of the Gospel; for a complete list, Reformed resources such as the Reformation Study Bible or commentaries by Reformed scholars (e.g., D.A. Carson, R.T. France) provide thorough verse-by-verse documentation.

Key Observations:

• Matthew often uses the formula “that it might be fulfilled…” to highlight prophecy fulfillment^5.
• He draws from the Law, Prophets, and Writings, showing Jesus as the fulfillment of Israel’s Scriptures^7.
• Some references are explicit quotations, while others are allusions or thematic echoes.

For further study, consult Reformed commentaries or resources like the Reformation Study Bible and Reformed academic journals for a complete verse-by-verse breakdown^8.

Old Testament References in the Gospel of Mark

The Gospel of Mark weaves Old Testament quotations and allusions throughout its narrative. Mark’s use is often subtle, embedding references into the story rather than explicitly citing them. Below is a list of the most significant Old Testament references in Mark, focusing on direct quotations and major allusions as identified in Reformed theological resources.

Direct Quotations and Major Allusions

Key Observations from Reformed Resources

• Mark’s opening (1:2-3) is a composite citation, blending Exodus 23:20, Malachi 3:1, and Isaiah 40:3, to show that Jesus’ arrival is the fulfillment of God’s promise to return to his people^3.
• Many Old Testament allusions are deeply woven into the story, especially in the passion narrative (Mark 14–15), where language from Psalms 22, 38, and 69 is used to narrate Jesus’ suffering^5.
• Mark’s references often serve to identify Jesus with Yahweh, Moses, David, and other Old Testament figures, showing him as the fulfillment of Israel’s hopes and Scriptures^3^8.
• Mark’s style is to absorb Old Testament material into the narrative, so that only attentive readers or hearers will recognize the depth of scriptural fulfillment^5.

Summary

Mark’s Gospel contains numerous Old Testament quotations and allusions, both direct and subtle. The above list highlights the most explicit references, but scholars note that there are well over 100 allusions and echoes, especially in the later chapters^5. Mark’s use of the Old Testament is foundational for understanding his presentation of Jesus as the Messiah, the Son of God, and the fulfillment of God’s promises to Israel.

Old Testament References in the Gospel of Luke

Luke’s Gospel is deeply rooted in the Old Testament, employing both direct quotations and numerous allusions to show that Jesus fulfills God’s promises to Israel^3^6. Below is a list of the major Old Testament references in Luke, as documented by Reformed theological resources. This includes explicit quotations and significant allusions, especially those noted in the opening chapters and throughout Jesus’ ministry^1^5.

Summary of Luke’s Approach

• Luke contains more than thirty explicit Old Testament quotations and hundreds of allusions^3.
• He often prefers allusion and echo over direct citation, creating a “narrative world thick with scriptural memory”^5.
• The Gospel emphasizes fulfillment of God’s promises, especially liberation and the coming of a new covenant^3^5.
• Key sections (e.g., Luke 24:27, 44) highlight that Jesus fulfills “all the Scriptures”-the Law, Prophets, and Writings^3.

For a more exhaustive verse-by-verse listing, consult Reformed commentaries or resources such as the Reformation Heritage Bible Commentary: Luke and scholarly articles on Luke’s use of the Old Testament^2^5.

Old Testament References in the Gospel of John

The Gospel of John contains both direct quotations and numerous allusions to the Old Testament, all serving to demonstrate that Jesus fulfills Israel’s Scriptures. Below is a comprehensive list of the main Old Testament references in John, including both formal citations and significant allusions, as identified in Reformed theological resources^1^3.

Key Observations

• John’s Gospel contains about 16 formal Old Testament quotations, but many more allusions and typological references^1^3.
• Major typological themes include Moses, the Passover, the serpent in the wilderness, manna, living water, and the shepherd motif^2^4.
• John often uses the formula “that the Scripture might be fulfilled” to highlight prophetic fulfillment, especially in the Passion narrative^1.
• Some references are direct quotations, while others are thematic or typological allusions, requiring familiarity with the Old Testament’s narrative and imagery^2^4.

For deeper study, consult Reformed commentaries such as those by D.A. Carson or the Reformation Study Bible, which provide verse-by-verse analysis of these references.