Matthew 5:17 Think not that I am come to destroy the law, or the prophets: I am not come to destroy, but to fulfill. I. NEGATIVELY — that Christ did not come to destroy the law or the prophets. This may be illustrated as follows. 1. If the cause be immutably good, the operation and effects must be the same; especially if the cause be infinitely wise; all this is evident from the Word of God. If any persons declare that the moral law is altered, to be consistent, they must also suppose that the Divine nature is altered. 2. The law of God is perfect, the ceremonial law was imperfect. The moral law being perfect, the impress of the Divine image, it cannot be done away. II. THE GREAT END THAT OUR LORD HAD IN VIEW WITH RESPECT TO THE MORAL LAW — "to fulfil." He undertakes this important work with the greatest cheerfulness, lie was obedient to the moral law in His childhood. Sufferings were necessary as well as active obedience. Our Lord set forth the spirituality of the moral law, and could not after that set about to destroy it. (W. Kemp.) Parallel Verses KJV: Think not that I am come to destroy the law, or the prophets: I am not come to destroy, but to fulfil. |
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