Topical Bible: Law: Received by the Disposition of Angels

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The phrase "received by the disposition of angels" is a reference found in the New Testament, specifically in the book of Acts. It highlights the role of angels in the transmission of the Mosaic Law to the people of Israel. This concept underscores the divine and sacred nature of the Law, as it was not merely a human construct but was delivered through heavenly intermediaries.

Biblical Reference:

The primary scriptural basis for this phrase is found in Acts 7:53, where Stephen, the first Christian martyr, addresses the Sanhedrin: "you who received the law ordained by angels, yet have not kept it" . This statement is part of Stephen's defense, where he accuses the Jewish leaders of resisting the Holy Spirit and failing to uphold the very Law they received through such divine means.

The Role of Angels:

In biblical theology, angels are often depicted as messengers and servants of God, executing His will and delivering His messages to humanity. The involvement of angels in the giving of the Law emphasizes its divine origin and authority. This notion is supported by other scriptural references, such as Galatians 3:19, where Paul writes, "Why then was the law given? It was added because of transgressions until the arrival of the Seed to whom the promise referred. It was administered through angels by a mediator" .

The Mosaic Law:

The Law, or Torah, given to Moses on Mount Sinai, is central to the covenant between God and Israel. It encompasses moral, ceremonial, and civil regulations intended to guide the Israelites in their relationship with God and with one another. The Law is seen as a reflection of God's holiness and justice, setting apart His chosen people and instructing them in righteousness.

Theological Implications:

The involvement of angels in the giving of the Law serves to highlight its sacredness and the seriousness with which it should be regarded. It also points to the broader biblical theme of God's use of intermediaries to communicate with humanity. The Law, while holy and good, ultimately points to the need for a Savior, as it reveals human sinfulness and the inability to achieve righteousness through human effort alone.

Historical and Cultural Context:

In Jewish tradition, the belief in angels as mediators of the Law is well-attested. The Jewish historian Josephus and other ancient sources reflect this understanding, which was prevalent in Second Temple Judaism. This belief underscores the reverence with which the Law was held and the expectation that it be adhered to faithfully.

Christian Perspective:

From a Christian viewpoint, the Law's purpose is fulfilled in Jesus Christ, who embodies the perfect righteousness that the Law demands. While the Law was given through angels, the New Covenant is established through the Son of God Himself. As stated in Hebrews 1:1-2, "On many past occasions and in many different ways, God spoke to our fathers through the prophets. But in these last days, He has spoken to us by His Son" . This transition from the old to the new covenant highlights the superiority of Christ's revelation and the fulfillment of the Law in Him.

Nave's Topical Index

Deuteronomy 33:2
And he said, The LORD came from Sinai, and rose up from Seir to them; he shined forth from mount Paran, and he came with ten thousands of saints: from his right hand went a fiery law for them.
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Psalm 68:17
The chariots of God are twenty thousand, even thousands of angels: the Lord is among them, as in Sinai, in the holy place.
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Acts 7:53
Who have received the law by the disposition of angels, and have not kept it.
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Galatians 3:19
Why then serves the law? It was added because of transgressions, till the seed should come to whom the promise was made; and it was ordained by angels in the hand of a mediator.
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Hebrews 2:2
For if the word spoken by angels was steadfast, and every transgression and disobedience received a just recompense of reward;
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Library

Whether the Old Law was Given through the Angels?
... was "given [Vulg.: 'ordained'] by angels in the hand of a Mediator." And Stephen
said (Acts 7:53): "(Who) have received the Law by the disposition of angels.". ...
//christianbookshelf.org/aquinas/summa theologica/whether the old law was 3.htm

The Essence of God Never Appeared in Itself. Divine Appearances to ...
... before of the coming of the Just One; of whom ye have been now the betrayers and
murderers: who have received the Law by the disposition of angels, [428] and ...
/.../augustine/on the holy trinity/chapter 11 the essence of god.htm

Whether Christ's Birth Should have Been Manifested by Means of the ...
... have received the Law by the disposition of angels." And the Gentiles, especially
astrologers, were wont to observe the course of the stars. ...
/.../aquinas/summa theologica/whether christs birth should have 3.htm

The First Christian Martyr
... before of the coming of the Just One; of whom ye have been now the betrayers and
murderers: who have received the law by the disposition of angels, and have ...
/.../white/the acts of the apostles/lesson 10 the first christian.htm

Acts vii. 35
... ye have been now the betrayers and murderers""two charges he lays against them
[396] ""who have received the Law by the disposition of Angels, and have not ...
/.../chrysostom/homilies on acts and romans/homily xvii acts vii 35.htm

Entire Sanctification as Taught by Paul.
... Gentiles themselves. They had received the law by the disposition of angels,
as Stephen told them and had not kept it. They had ...
/.../clark/the theology of holiness/chapter vii entire sanctification as.htm

Hebrews i. 8-Jun
... ordained by angels in the hand of a Mediator." ( Galatians 3:19.) And again, "Ye
received a law by the disposition of Angels, and have not kept it." ( Acts 7:53 ...
/.../homilies on the gospel of st john and hebrews/homily iii hebrews i 8-jun.htm

The Law of Precedence in the Kingdom
... XVIII to XXVIII THE LAW OF PRECEDENCE IN THE KINGDOM. ... and refers both to the receiver
and to the received. ... of the beauty of such a childlike disposition, I open ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture b/the law of precedence in.htm

Justice Satisfied
... an honour such as it never could have received if a ... that he was the most inflexible
of law-givers; that ... I have known some of so gentle a disposition, that they ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 5 1859/justice satisfied.htm

Faith the Sole Saving Act.
... through and through by the glittering shafts of violated law. ... by which he is to be
received into favor ... The very disposition to quarrel with this method implies ...
/.../shedd/sermons to the natural man/faith the sole saving act.htm