Naked Bible 418: Paul’s Use of the Old Testament Series: Malachi and Romans
Mar 27, 2022
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Dive into the crucial yet often overlooked book of Malachi and its surprising influence on Paul's writings. Discover how this minor prophet shapes messianic themes and challenges traditional views of Israel’s identity. Explore the significant link between covenant loyalty and redemption through Christ, and how Paul's reinterpretation opens the door for Gentile inclusion in God's family. The discussion reveals the intricate connections between the Old and New Testaments and highlights the importance of Israel in the divine narrative.
Malachi significantly influences Paul's writings by encapsulating Israel's failures and setting the stage for the messianic expectations found in Romans.
The concept of election discussed in Malachi emphasizes Israel's corporate identity, highlighting God's intention to bless nations through them.
Malachi critiques Israel's priesthood, underscoring the necessity for a new priestly figure, which Paul identifies in Jesus as the fulfillment.
Deep dives
The Significance of Malachi
Malachi plays a crucial role in shaping the Messianic profile that Paul utilizes in his writings. It presents an overview of the problems faced by Israel, particularly concerning their failure in their priestly and covenantal roles. The book is not minor in its significance; rather, it encapsulates themes and vocabulary that resonate throughout the Old Testament, setting the stage for the New Testament. By examining Malachi, one can recognize how the text propels the biblical narrative forward and underscores the need for a Redeemer.
Understanding Election and Covenant
Malachi addresses the concept of election by emphasizing that it pertains to nations rather than individuals, specifically focusing on Israel's corporate identity. The text discusses God's love for Jacob (Israel) contrasted with His disdain for Esau, symbolizing nations rather than individuals. This corporate election reflects God's intent to use Israel as a means to bless the nations, despite their repeated failures. The understanding of election as national vocation highlights a significant theme that Paul would later expand upon in his theology.
The Role of the Priests
Malachi offers a strong critique of Israel's priesthood, depicting their failure to uphold their covenant with God. The priests are portrayed as guiding the people astray and failing to honor God's name through sincere worship, which leads to divine disapproval. Their corruption and inadequacies highlight the need for a new kind of priesthood that can restore Israel's calling as a light to the nations. This theme of divine justice and the failure of human leadership sets up the anticipation for a Messianic figure who will redeem and fulfill the priestly role.
The Messenger and Messianic Expectations
Malachi introduces the concept of a coming Messenger, foreshadowing a divine figure who will prepare the way and restore God's covenantal relationship with His people. This Messenger is associated with refining and purifying the Levites, suggesting a fulfillment of priestly duties that Israel had failed to uphold. The text anticipates a transformative event where God's name will be glorified not just within Israel but among all nations. As such, this expectation links to the New Testament portrayal of Jesus as the ultimate fulfillment of these promises and roles.
Connecting Malachi to Paul's Theology
Paul's writings, particularly in Romans, build upon themes established in Malachi, connecting the failure of Israel to God's redemptive plan through the Messiah. He interprets the Old Testament through a Christological lens, identifying Jesus as the fulfillment of the covenant and the true Israel. The relationship between Israel's corporate election and the inclusion of Gentiles is integral to Paul's argument, revealing how the Abrahamic covenant extends beyond ethnic lines. Ultimately, Paul's theology resonates with Malachi, portraying God's unwavering commitment to redeem His people and fulfill His promises through Christ.
The book of Malachi closes our English Old Testament. Because of its position and status as one of the “minor prophets,” this book is one of the more neglected in the Bible. What possible relevance could it have for the messianic profile discussed in preceding episodes of this series? How does it relate to Paul? Surprisingly, Malachi is the perfect set up for what Paul does with the Old Testament in his writings. Listen to find out how!
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