In Front | Typology

Typology is a correspondence between people, places, events and institutions in the Old and New Testament. This correspondence creates anticipation for the New Testament anti-types. Babylon is a type of arrogant city that defies God. In Revelation, Babylon likely refers to Rome (Rev 17–18). The Exodus is a type that corresponds to future liberations (called “Second Exodus” traditions) from bondage predicted by the prophets and described in the Gospels. Jesus is the ultimate anti-type in the New Testament. As a person, He is Second Adam (Rom 5), New Moses (Heb 3), Temple (John 2), Priest after Melchizedek (Heb 7) and Sacrificial Lamb (John 1). His baptism was like the crossing of the Jordan by Israel. His teaching was like that of Moses. His miracles were like those of Elijah and Elisha. Some of His behavior, such as calming the storm and forgiving sin, corresponds directly to God Himself. Although typology has a prophetic element to it, it is not so much predictive as it is an analogical lens that highlights “typical” qualities that connect like dots to a final climax.