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[NNN]

Historically, when did the labels of "Old" and "New" Testament occur, instead of just saying "Scripture"?

[jimwalton]

Jesus used the term "New Testament" in Lk. 22.20 ( = 1 Cor. 11.25), Paul used it in 2 Cor. 3.6, and the author of Hebrews used it in Heb. 8.6-13, 9.15 & 12.24.

Historically, the first extant occurrence of it of which I am aware is in Irenaeus. He uses the term "Old Testament" in his "Against Heresies 3" chapter 6. That was in about AD 200.

Tertullian used "New Testament" in "Prescription Against Heretics" chapter 4. That was also around AD 200.

From the way Irenaeus and Tertullian use the term, however, it doesn't sound like they are coining it, but they are using a term with which the Church would be familiar, but I'm not aware of an earlier record of the term. The problem is that most of the 2nd century writings just didn't survive.

Athanasius uses the terms "Old Testament" and "New Testament" in AD 367 in his "39th Festal Epistle," items 4 & 5 (http://www.bible-researcher.com/athanasius.html).

I hope that helps.

[Righteous One]

Luke 22:20 uses the Greek word διαθήκη (diatheke).

Most occurences of that word in the Greek texts are typically translated into English as 'covenant' (except that the KJV used the word 'testament' in those places).

Do you know, for each of Irenaeus, Tertullian, and Athanasius, was he referring to the old and new covenants (i.e. the relationship between God and some set of people)? Or was he referring to the sets of texts?

[jimwalton]

"Testament" is just the Latin word for "covenant."

Athanasius was referring to the set of texts. "There are, then, of the Old Testament, twenty-two books in number; for, as I have heard, it is handed down that this is the number of the letters among the Hebrews; their respective order and names being as follows. The first is Genesis, then Exodus, next Leviticus, after that Numbers, and then Deuteronomy. Following these there is Joshua the son of Nun, then Judges, then Ruth. And again, after these four books of Kings, the first and second 1 being reckoned as one book, and so likewise the third and fourth 2 as one book. And again, the first and second of the Chronicles are reckoned as one book. Again Ezra, the first and second 3 are similarly one book. After these there is the book of Psalms, then the Proverbs, next Ecclesiastes, and the Song of Songs. Job follows, then the Prophets, the Twelve [minor prophets] being reckoned as one book. Then Isaiah, one book, then Jeremiah with Baruch, Lamentations and the Epistle, one book; afterwards Ezekiel and Daniel, each one book. Thus far constitutes the Old Testament. Again, it is not tedious to speak of the books of the New Testament. These are: the four Gospels, according to Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John. After these, The Acts of the Apostles, and the seven epistles called Catholic: of James, one; of Peter, two, of John, three; after these, one of Jude. In addition, there are fourteen epistles of Paul the apostle, written in this order: the first, to the Romans; then, two to the Corinthians; after these, to the Galatians; next, to the Ephesians, then, to the Philippians; then, to the Colossians; after these, two of the Thessalonians; and that to the Hebrews; and again, two to Timothy; one to Titus; and lastly, that to Philemon. And besides, the Revelation of John."

Irenaeus: "Chapter VI-The Holy Ghost, Throughout the Old Testament Scriptures, Made Mention of No Other God or Lord, Save Him Who is the True God."

Tertullian: "Chapter 4. Warnings Against Heresy Given Us in the New Testament. Sundry Passages Adduced. These Imply the Possibility of Falling into Heresy."

So they are definitely speaking of the sets of texts, not of the covenant relationship.