Bible Interpretation by early Christians

These are quotes displaying the Bible interpretation methods of the early Christians.

Have you ever wondered what Jesus said to the disciples on the road to Emmaus (Luke 24:13ff)? Luke tells us that he "expounded to them in all the Scriptures the things concerning himself" (24:27)

What did he say? How did he explain the Old Testament Scriptures?

I believe the early Christians had some idea of what he said because the disciples passed it on to others. There was no part of Scripture that they could not handle aptly.

Whether you agree with me or not, these quotes will give you interesting insight into prophecies about Christ and the nature of prophecy in general.

Justin Martyr, c. A.D. 150

"The offering of fine flour, sirs," I said, "which was prescribed to be presented on behalf of those purified from leprosy, was a type of the bread of the Eucharist [i.e., communion or Lord's supper; Eucharist means thanksgiving]. (Dialogue with Trypho 41)

The prescription that the twelve bells [Ex. 28:33, though Scripture doesn't give the number of bells] be attached to the [robe] of the high priest, which hung down to the feet, was a symbol of the twelve apostles. They depend on the power of Christ, who is the eternal Priest, and it is through their voice that all the earth has been filled with the glory and grace of God and of his Christ. Therefore, David also say, "Their sound has gone forth into all the earth, and their words to the ends of the world" [Ps. 19:4]. (Dialogue with Trypho 42)