Time Period: The Old Testament, also known as the Hebrew Bible, covers the period before the birth of Jesus Christ and contains the religious texts and traditions of ancient Israel. It spans a long period of time, from the creation of the world to around 400 BC. The New Testament, on the other hand, focuses on the life, teachings, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ and the early Christian Church. It covers the period from around 4 BC to the first century AD.

Religious Context: The Old Testament is primarily associated with Judaism and forms the sacred scripture of Judaism. It contains the foundational stories, laws, prophecies, and poetry that shaped the Jewish faith. The New Testament, in contrast, is specifically Christian in nature. It documents the life of Jesus Christ and provides instructions, teachings, and narratives important to Christian belief and practice.

Content and Themes: The Old Testament consists of several books divided into various genres, including historical accounts, laws, poetry, wisdom literature, and prophetic writings. It includes familiar stories such as the creation of the world, the Exodus from Egypt, the Ten Commandments, and the lives of biblical figures like Adam and Eve, Abraham, Moses, David, and many others. The New Testament contains four Gospel accounts (Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John) that narrate the life and teachings of Jesus, as well as the Acts of the Apostles, letters (Epistles) written by early Christian leaders like Paul, Peter, and John, and the apocalyptic book of Revelation.

Relationship to Jesus: The Old Testament contains prophecies and promises that anticipate the coming of a Messiah, a savior figure who would deliver God's people. The New Testament presents Jesus Christ as the fulfillment of these Old Testament prophecies, emphasizing his birth, ministry, crucifixion, and resurrection as central to Christian belief. It also highlights the teachings of Jesus and the significance of his sacrificial death for the forgiveness of sins and salvation.

Covenant: The Old Testament establishes the covenant (a solemn agreement) between God and the Israelites, centered around the Mosaic Law given to Moses on Mount Sinai. It outlines the rules and regulations for the Israelites' religious and moral conduct, as well as their relationship with God. The New Testament introduces the new covenant through Jesus Christ, emphasizing a shift from the external observance of the law to a focus on faith in Jesus and the indwelling of the Holy Spirit.

While the Old and New Testaments are distinct in content, religious context, and time period, they are also interconnected. The New Testament references and builds upon the teachings, prophecies, and moral principles of the Old Testament, showing the continuity and progression of God's relationship with humanity.