While the people cynically questioned God’s justice and longed for his intervention, in Malachi 2:17-3:5, God told them he would be coming in judgment after his messenger prepared the way. In the New Testament, we learn who that messenger was and what God did when he showed up, which was a shock to all.
In his greeting, Paul previewed coming attractions in the rest of the letter, including the main event of Christ’s humiliation and exaltation.
Jesus announced that the hour had come for him to be glorified, but his glorification would begin with a cross.
Jesus fulfilled the entire Old Testament by suffering, rising from the dead, and having forgiveness preached to all the nations.
