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.

Study Bible

Do not think
This phrase introduces a corrective to potential misunderstandings about Jesus' mission. The Greek word for "think" is "νομίζω" (nomizō), which implies a consideration or assumption. Jesus anticipates misconceptions about His teachings and actions, urging His audience to reconsider any preconceived notions. Historically, many Jews expected the Messiah to bring radical changes, possibly even abolishing the Law. Jesus addresses this directly, emphasizing the continuity of His mission with God's established covenant.

that I have come
The phrase "I have come" is significant, indicating purpose and divine mission. The Greek "ἦλθον" (ēlthon) suggests a deliberate arrival or coming. This reflects the incarnation, where Jesus, the Word made flesh, enters human history with a specific mission. In the broader scriptural context, this aligns with prophecies about the Messiah's coming, fulfilling God's redemptive plan.

to abolish
The term "abolish" comes from the Greek "καταλύω" (katalyō), meaning to destroy or dismantle. Jesus clarifies that His mission is not to dismantle the existing Law or the Prophets. This is crucial in understanding His respect for the Old Testament as the foundation of God's revelation. Historically, the Law was central to Jewish identity and religious practice, and Jesus reassures His audience of its enduring significance.

the Law or the Prophets
This phrase encompasses the entirety of the Hebrew Scriptures, often referred to as the Tanakh. "The Law" (Torah) includes the first five books of Moses, while "the Prophets" (Nevi'im) covers the historical and prophetic writings. By mentioning both, Jesus affirms the authority and continuity of the Old Testament. In a historical context, this underscores the unity of God's revelation from the Old to the New Covenant.

I have not come to abolish them
Reiterating His earlier statement, Jesus emphasizes His respect for the Law and the Prophets. The repetition underscores the importance of this message. The Greek structure here is emphatic, reinforcing that His mission is not one of destruction but of fulfillment. This would have been reassuring to His Jewish audience, who held the Scriptures in high esteem.

but to fulfill them
The word "fulfill" is translated from the Greek "πληρόω" (plēroō), meaning to complete or bring to full expression. Jesus' mission is to bring the Law and the Prophets to their intended purpose and completion. This fulfillment is not merely in a legalistic sense but in revealing the deeper spiritual truths and intentions of God's commands. Scripturally, this points to Jesus as the culmination of God's promises, the one who embodies and perfects the Law through His life, death, and resurrection. Historically, this fulfillment is seen in how Jesus' teachings and actions reveal the heart of God's covenant, inviting all to a deeper relationship with Him.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Jesus Christ
The speaker of this verse, Jesus is addressing His disciples and the crowd during the Sermon on the Mount. He clarifies His relationship to the Jewish Law and the Prophets.

2. The Law
Refers to the Torah, the first five books of the Old Testament, which contain the commandments and instructions given to the Israelites.

3. The Prophets
Represents the writings of the prophets in the Old Testament, who conveyed God's messages and foretold future events, including the coming of the Messiah.

4. The Sermon on the Mount
The setting of this teaching, a significant discourse by Jesus found in Matthew chapters 5-7, where He outlines the principles of His Kingdom.

Teaching Points

Fulfillment, Not Abolition
Jesus' mission was not to discard the Law but to complete its purpose. He embodies the Law's ultimate intent and brings its promises to fruition.

Understanding Fulfillment
The Greek word for "fulfill" (pl?ro?) implies bringing to full expression. Jesus perfectly lived out the Law's requirements and fulfilled prophetic predictions.

The Law's Continuing Relevance
While Jesus fulfilled the Law, its moral and ethical teachings remain relevant. Believers are called to uphold these principles through the lens of Christ's teachings.

Christ as the Fulfillment of Prophecy
Jesus' life and work are the culmination of Old Testament prophecies, affirming His identity as the Messiah and the continuity of God's redemptive plan.

Living in the Spirit of the Law
Christians are encouraged to live by the spirit of the Law, which is love and righteousness, as exemplified by Jesus.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does understanding Jesus' fulfillment of the Law and the Prophets impact your view of the Old Testament?

2. In what ways can you apply the moral teachings of the Law in your daily life while recognizing their fulfillment in Christ?

3. How does Jesus' fulfillment of prophecy strengthen your faith in Him as the Messiah?

4. What are some practical ways you can live by the spirit of the Law, as taught by Jesus, in your interactions with others?

5. How can studying the Old Testament deepen your understanding of Jesus' mission and teachings in the New Testament?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Matthew 5:18-19
Jesus continues to emphasize the enduring nature of the Law, stating that not the smallest letter will disappear until everything is accomplished.

Romans 3:31
Paul discusses the relationship between faith and the Law, affirming that faith does not nullify the Law but upholds it.

Galatians 3:24
Paul explains the purpose of the Law as a tutor leading us to Christ, highlighting its role in pointing to the need for a Savior.

Hebrews 10:1
The Law is described as a shadow of the good things to come, indicating its fulfillment in Christ.