Dale Ridge church of Christ

There are some that, for one reason or another, will attempt to bind an Old Testament law to us and they will often use Matthew 5:17 to do so. It is remarkable that this is so because we can see in Hebrews 8:7-13 where the writer has been inspired to remind us that the old covanant “waxeth aged” and “is nigh unto vanishing away.” Further, Paul reminds us in Galatians 5:2-4 that if we choose to follow any of the old law then we must follow the whole old law. Considering some of the laws the Jews were required to follow in Old Testament times, it is recommended that anyone tempted to follow this line of thinking dig a little deeper into God’s Word first.

Perhaps the problem comes from the use of some of the modern translations that use the word abolish in Matthew 5:17 where it is not appropriate. One that has access to a Strong’s Numbers or a Greek Lexicon can see the modern English word most appropriate for this verse is still “destroy.” Let’s take a look at the King James Version and the New International Version side by side:

Matthew 5:17
NIV
17“Do not think that I have come to abolish the Law or the Prophets; I have not come to abolish them but to fulfill them.
KJV
17Think not that I am come to destroy the law, or the prophets: I am not come to destroy, but to fulfil.

The intent of Jesus’ words here in context was to state that the law of Moses was not to come to a fruitless end, but Jesus was here to fulfill it. The purpose and original design of it is perpetual. This passage should not be used to enforce any old testament examples or laws such as worshiping with instrumental music or keeping the Sabbath. We can look through some of the modern Bible versions and see that the word destroy was replaced with abolish, which does not exactly jive with the original Greek. To do so, put us at odds with Paul and the Hebrew writer in these passages.:

Ephesians 2:15
NIV
15by abolishing in his flesh the law with its commandments and regulations. His purpose was to create in himself one new man out of the two, thus making peace
KJV
15Having abolished in his flesh the enmity, even the law of commandments contained in ordinances; for to make in himself of twain one new man, so making peace;

Hebrews 10:9
NIV
9Then he said, “Here I am, I have come to do your will.” He sets aside the first to establish the second.
KJV
9Then said he, Lo, I come to do thy will, O God. He taketh away the first, that he may establish the second.

Published by Butch  Email This Post  Print This Post
Filed under: Butch Adams, Doctrine on September 30th, 2008