Matthew 5:17 - “Don’t think that I came to destroy the law or the prophets. I didn’t come to destroy, but to fulfill.
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What does "Matthew 5:17" mean?
This verse, Matthew 5:17, is a cornerstone of understanding Jesus' relationship to the Old Testament law and prophets. Let's break it down:
"Don't think that I came to destroy the Law or the Prophets..."
This addresses a potential misconception. Some might have thought Jesus was discarding the Old Testament, which encompassed the Law (Torah, the first five books of the Bible containing moral and ceremonial rules) and the Prophets (books containing messages from God through figures like Isaiah, Jeremiah, etc.).
Jesus clarifies he didn't come to negate or abolish these foundational texts. He recognized their authority and significance.
"...I didn't come to destroy, but to fulfill."
This is the crucial part. The Greek word translated as "fulfill" has a rich meaning. It doesn't simply mean to "do" or "obey." It means something closer to:
To complete: Jesus brought the Law and Prophets to their intended conclusion. He revealed their deeper meaning and purpose. Think of it like the blueprint for a house (the Law) and the actual house being built (Jesus fulfilling it).
To fill full: He filled the prophecies with their promised reality. Many of the prophecies pointed to the coming Messiah, and Jesus embodies that fulfillment.
To give the true meaning: He revealed the true, spiritual intent behind the Law, moving beyond mere outward observance. He emphasized the internal motivations and principles of love and righteousness.
In simpler terms:
Jesus is saying: "I didn't come to get rid of the Old Testament. Instead, I came to show you what it really means. I'm the one the Law and the Prophets were pointing to all along. I'm bringing everything to its perfect completion."
Implications:
Continuity: Jesus is presented as being in continuity with the Old Testament. He didn't discard it but built upon it.
Deeper Meaning: Jesus challenged a superficial understanding of the Law. He emphasized the importance of inward transformation and love, rather than just outward adherence to rules.
Jesus as the Messiah: The verse implies that Jesus is the promised Messiah who fulfills the prophecies of the Old Testament.
A New Covenant: While fulfilling the Law, Jesus also inaugurated a new covenant, based on grace through faith in him, which superseded the old covenant's emphasis on strict adherence to the Law for righteousness.
Important Note: The debate about how exactly Jesus fulfills the Law continues to this day among different Christian denominations. Some emphasize the continuation of certain moral laws, while others focus on the redemptive freedom from legalistic requirements through faith in Christ.
Matthew 5:17 - “Don’t think that I came to destroy the law or the prophets. I didn’t come to destroy, but to fulfill.
What does "Matthew 5:17" mean?
This verse, Matthew 5:17, is a cornerstone of understanding Jesus' relationship to the Old Testament law and prophets. Let's break it down:
"Don't think that I came to destroy the Law or the Prophets..."
This addresses a potential misconception. Some might have thought Jesus was discarding the Old Testament, which encompassed the Law (Torah, the first five books of the Bible containing moral and ceremonial rules) and the Prophets (books containing messages from God through figures like Isaiah, Jeremiah, etc.).
Jesus clarifies he didn't come to negate or abolish these foundational texts. He recognized their authority and significance.
"...I didn't come to destroy, but to fulfill."
This is the crucial part. The Greek word translated as "fulfill" has a rich meaning. It doesn't simply mean to "do" or "obey." It means something closer to:
To complete: Jesus brought the Law and Prophets to their intended conclusion. He revealed their deeper meaning and purpose. Think of it like the blueprint for a house (the Law) and the actual house being built (Jesus fulfilling it).
To fill full: He filled the prophecies with their promised reality. Many of the prophecies pointed to the coming Messiah, and Jesus embodies that fulfillment.
To give the true meaning: He revealed the true, spiritual intent behind the Law, moving beyond mere outward observance. He emphasized the internal motivations and principles of love and righteousness.
In simpler terms:
Jesus is saying: "I didn't come to get rid of the Old Testament. Instead, I came to show you what it really means. I'm the one the Law and the Prophets were pointing to all along. I'm bringing everything to its perfect completion."
Implications:
Continuity: Jesus is presented as being in continuity with the Old Testament. He didn't discard it but built upon it.
Deeper Meaning: Jesus challenged a superficial understanding of the Law. He emphasized the importance of inward transformation and love, rather than just outward adherence to rules.
Jesus as the Messiah: The verse implies that Jesus is the promised Messiah who fulfills the prophecies of the Old Testament.
A New Covenant: While fulfilling the Law, Jesus also inaugurated a new covenant, based on grace through faith in him, which superseded the old covenant's emphasis on strict adherence to the Law for righteousness.
Important Note: The debate about how exactly Jesus fulfills the Law continues to this day among different Christian denominations. Some emphasize the continuation of certain moral laws, while others focus on the redemptive freedom from legalistic requirements through faith in Christ.