Finding the Trinity in the New Testament
The Trinity appears in the O.T; it was obscure and difficult for ancient peoples to understand. When Jesus, the Son of God, appeared on earth their concept of the Trinity began to take shape.
Finding the Trinity in the New Testament
Kevin Probst
7/31/2025
The Trinity in the New Testament
We find the Trinity in the Old Testament. There are hints. What seems to be very clear to modern Christians must have been obscure to the early Christians. So, the Trinity is there in the Old Testament, but it is concealed. What is concealed in the Old Testament is revealed in the New Testament. It was certainly easier to wrap your mind around the Doctrine of the Trinity when Jesus, the Son of God, was walking upon the earth.
Baptism of Jesus
Matthew 13:16-17 “When Jesus was baptized, he went up immediately from the water. The heavens suddenly opened for him, and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove and coming down on him. And a voice from heaven said, “This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well-pleased.”
Jesus was baptized, the Holy Spirit descended from heaven to minister to him, and the voice of the Father was heard expressing his pleasure in the Son.
The Trinity is being taught in scriptures, even though the word ‘trinity’ is not specifically used in the Bible
The Resurrection of Jesus
The Father in the Resurrection
Acts 13:29-30 “...they took him down from the tree and put him in a tomb. 30 But God raised him from the dead.”
What a joy for the Father to raise his Son from death to life.
The Son in the Resurrection
John 2:19 “Destroy this temple, and I will raise it in three days.”
John 10:17-18 “This is why the Father loves me, because I lay down my life so that I may take it up again. No one takes it from me, but I lay it down on my own. I have the right to lay it down, and I have the right to take it up again. I have received this command from my Father.”
The Holy Spirit in the Resurrection
Romans 8:11 “And if the Spirit of him who raised Jesus from the dead lives in you, then he who raised Christ from the dead will also bring your mortal bodies to life through his Spirit who lives in you.”
The Great Commission
Matthew 28:19 “Go, therefore, and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and the Holy Spirit.”
Benedictions
2 Corinthians 13:14 “The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ and the love of God and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with you all.”
Jude’s Exhortation
Jude 1:20-21 “But you, dear friends, as you build yourselves up in your most holy faith, praying in the Holy Spirit, keep yourselves in the love of God, waiting expectantly for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ for eternal life.”
Spiritual Gifts
1 Corinthians 12:4-6 “Now there are different gifts, but the same Spirit. There are different ministries, but the same Lord. And there are different activities, but the same God works all of them in each person.”
There is a common understanding of a running pattern through the New Testament where the word “Lord” refers to the Son, Jesus, and the word “God” refers to the Father. In these verses, the Spirit, the Lord (Jesus), and God (the Father) are the same. Same Spirit, same Lord, same God.
Call to Unity
Paul is urging the Ephesians to pursue unity in the Spirit. We are to live our lives in a way that reflects the love and humility of Christ and joyfully enjoy the peace that accompanies those who practice such virtues. We are to make every effort to avoid conflict and keep unity in the Spirit.
How is this done? I think Paul points to the Trinity as an example of how unity is achieved:
Ephesians 4:4-6 “There is one body and one Spirit — just as you were called to one hope at your calling — one Lord, one faith, one baptism, one God and Father of all, who is above all and through all and in all”
Who is above all, God the Father. How is God through all and in all? This is done through the Holy Spirit, who dwells within believers. How do we know this is true? Jesus said so.
John 14:17 “He is the Spirit of truth. The world is unable to receive him because it doesn’t see him or know him. But you do know him, because he remains with you and will be in you.”
The Trinity is taught in the Old Testament and even more clearly in the New Testament.
Thank you for your teaching on the Trinity, very enlightening! I appreciate every one to which I listen. I only get 100 emails a day!!😫 I save the ones I think important. But then the day comes that THAT list gets long and I just blindly delete! How does the whole world get my email address 😂. I throughly enjoy all your teachings.