it is my understanding that when scripture is mentioned in the New Testament- in my mind it has to be referring to the Old Testament because at the time of the New Testament writings, the New Testament was not yet “ put together “My thought process: The first writings of the New Testament to be written come from around the year 50 after Christ, and many scholars consider those to be letters of St. Paul. The Oldest Gospel is considered to be the Gospel of St. Mark from around the years 65-70 AD, followed by the gospels of St. Luke and Matthew (80-90AD) and finally the Gospel of St. John from around 90-100AD.

I'm not denying the New Testament is scripture but when the New Testament references scripture it is referencing the Old Testament. otherwise, you're referencing "yourself"

thanks

The full New Testament was written by AD 70 as none mention the single most relevant event of the Judeo Christian world in the first century, the destruction of the second temple.

While, and most importantly, Jesus predicted it no new testament author would write "see He told you so".

The scripture referred to in the new testament was the Torah which was compiled and completed some 500 years earlier during the Babylonian captivity. There are many verbatim old testament quotes throughout the new. Jesus Himself would expound on it in many of his "you have heard it said" passages. Paul would do so as well.

When the new was started is debated but Luke most certainly had to be early, 40-50, as his most certainly involved first hand accounts by Mary. And the book of Acts is undoubtedly the sequel to that or book of Luke part two. The synoptic gospels also point to collaboration or cross referencing by still living witness authors not a retelling by second generation hearers.

So the New Testament is an eye witness accounting done during the lifetime of the disciples.

The final compilation and canonization would take time though with the ultimate determination being which books were undoubtedly written by eyewitness testimony or known disciples.

OP, yes, when the early Christians referred to the scriptures, they were referring to the OT.

Lol, I appreciate the short direct answer to the original post!

I also appreciate the "extra' information warrior added.


It is woth noting that nearly all of the New Testament authors were martyred for their faith, the fact that they all stood by there accounts to the point of death further validates their accounts.