How does Matthew 5:17 relate to the fulfillment of Old Testament law and prophecy? Text of Matthew 5:17 “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.” Immediate Setting in the Sermon on the Mount Matthew 5–7 records Jesus’ manifesto on kingdom righteousness. Verse 17 stands as the hinge: it answers the charge that His teaching might replace Torah and the Prophets with a novel religion. Before unfolding the six antitheses (“You have heard … but I say to you,” vv. 21-48), Jesus clarifies that His authority operates in continuity with, not in contradiction to, the Hebrew Scriptures. “Law and Prophets” — Scope of the Statement In Second-Temple parlance, “the Law” (Greek nomos; Heb. Torah) refers to the Pentateuch; “the Prophets” (Greek prophētai) embraces the Former, Latter, and often the Writings (cf. Matthew 7:12; 22:40; Luke 16:16). Thus Jesus claims relationship to the entirety of Old Testament revelation. Meaning of “Fulfill” (Greek plēroō) Plēroō can signify (1) filling up what is lacking, (2) bringing to intended completeness, or (3) actualizing anticipatory patterns. Jesus declares Himself the telos—goal and consummation—of both law-code and prophetic promise. He does not merely keep the law; He embodies its intent, brings its symbols to reality, and secures its eschatological climax. Mosaic Law Fulfilled in Christ 1. Moral—He lives flawless obedience (John 8:46), securing positive righteousness transferred to believers (Romans 5:19; 2 Corinthians 5:21). 2. Ceremonial—Sacrifices, priesthood, purity rites, and festivals foreshadow His atoning death, priestly intercession, cleansing blood, and resurrection (Hebrews 7–10; Colossians 2:16-17). 3. Civil—the theocratic case laws reveal God’s justice; Christ internalizes these principles in the law of love (Matthew 22:37-40), then builds an international people governed by Spirit-written law (Jeremiah 31:33; Romans 8:2-4). Prophecy Fulfilled in Christ • Birth in Bethlehem (Micah 5:2 → Matthew 2:1-6) • Suffering Servant (Isaiah 53 → Acts 8:32-35) • Resurrection on third day (Hosea 6:2; Psalm 16:10 → Acts 2:25-32) • New-covenant inaugurator (Jeremiah 31:31-34 → Luke 22:20) The “already-but-not-yet” kingdom shows partial realization (Luke 17:21) awaiting consummation (Revelation 11:15). Typology and Symbol Completion • Passover Lamb → Christ our Passover (Exodus 12; 1 Corinthians 5:7) • Tabernacle/Temple → Word made flesh “tabernacled” among us (John 1:14); believers as temple (1 Corinthians 3:16) • Manna → “Bread of life” (John 6:31-35) • Sabbath rest → Eternal rest (Hebrews 4:9-10) Christ’s Preventive Clause: “Do Not Think … Abolish” The double negation guards against antinomianism. Jesus honors Scripture’s authority, demanding even the least command be treated as durable until “all is accomplished” (v. 18). His followers cannot dismiss the Old Testament; they must read it through the prism of fulfillment. Continuity and Discontinuity Explained Continuity: Scripture’s moral character, narrative, and promises remain binding testimony (Romans 15:4). Discontinuity: Ceremonial and civil components meet their terminus in Christ; their shadow-function ceases (Hebrews 8:13). The believer is under “the law of Christ” (Galatians 6:2), empowered by the Spirit (Romans 8:3-4). Pauline and Petrine Echoes • Romans 10:4 — “Christ is the end (telos) of the law for righteousness.” • Galatians 3:24-25 — The law as paidagōgos leads to Christ; faith supersedes guardian. • 1 Peter 1:10-12 — Prophets predicted the grace now announced through the gospel. Archaeological and Historical Support • Ketef Hinnom silver scrolls (7th century BC) bear the priestly blessing (Numbers 6:24-26), verifying priestly liturgy that prefigures Christ our High Priest. • Tel Dan inscription (9th century BC) corroborates Davidic dynasty, a prerequisite for messianic expectation fulfilled in Jesus (2 Samuel 7:12-16; Luke 1:32). Ethical Implications for Believers • Justification: Christ’s fulfillment accredits perfect righteousness to all who trust Him (Philippians 3:9). • Sanctification: The Spirit internalizes law so believers “might walk in newness of life” (Romans 6:4). • Mission: Fulfillment validates gospel proclamation to Jew and Gentile alike (Acts 13:38-39). Common Objections Addressed 1. “Jesus contradicted Moses (e.g., divorce).” He restored original intent (Matthew 19:8). 2. “Paul abolished the law.” Paul differentiates covenantal function (Galatians 3) yet upholds moral core (Romans 13:8-10). 3. “Continuing sacrifices invalidate fulfillment.” Post-AD 70 temple absence highlights once-for-all sacrifice (Hebrews 10:18). Practical Hermeneutical Principles • Read OT texts christologically (Luke 24:27). • Distinguish shadow from substance (Colossians 2:17). • Apply moral principles by Spirit-led conscience (Romans 14). • Celebrate fulfilled prophecy as evangelistic evidence (Acts 17:2-3). Conclusion Matthew 5:17 anchors Christian faith in unbroken biblical unity. Jesus does not annul the older revelation; He brings it to its predestined goal—Himself. The law’s righteous demand, the prophets’ expectant hope, and every typological thread converge in the Messiah, confirming the reliability of Scripture, the coherence of redemptive history, and the exclusivity of salvation through the risen Christ. |
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