Topical Encyclopedia A "Doctor of the Law" in biblical terms refers to an expert in the Mosaic Law, often associated with the scribes and Pharisees during the time of Jesus. These individuals were highly educated in the Scriptures and Jewish traditions, serving as teachers, interpreters, and authorities on religious and legal matters. Their role was crucial in maintaining the religious and social order of Jewish society.Biblical References: 1. Luke 5:17 : "One day Jesus was teaching, and Pharisees and teachers of the law were sitting there. They had come from every village of Galilee and Judea and from Jerusalem. And the power of the Lord was present for Him to heal the sick." This passage highlights the presence of the doctors of the law among those who gathered to hear Jesus, indicating their interest in His teachings and their role as religious authorities. 2. Acts 5:34 : "But a Pharisee named Gamaliel, a teacher of the law who was honored by all the people, stood up in the Sanhedrin and ordered that the men be put outside for a short time." Gamaliel, a prominent doctor of the law, is noted for his wisdom and respected status among the people. His intervention in the Sanhedrin demonstrates the influence and authority these teachers held. 3. Matthew 22:35 : "One of them, an expert in the law, tested Him with a question." This verse illustrates the role of the doctors of the law in engaging with Jesus, often challenging Him to test His understanding and interpretation of the Scriptures. Role and Influence: Doctors of the law were integral to the religious life of Israel. They were responsible for teaching the Torah, interpreting its commandments, and applying them to daily life. Their expertise was sought in legal disputes, and they often held positions of leadership within the synagogue and the Sanhedrin, the Jewish ruling council. Their influence extended beyond religious instruction; they were also involved in the preservation and transmission of oral traditions. This body of knowledge, later codified in the Mishnah and Talmud, was essential for guiding Jewish life and practice. Interaction with Jesus: The Gospels frequently depict interactions between Jesus and the doctors of the law. These encounters often involved debates over the interpretation of the Law and the traditions of the elders. Jesus challenged their legalistic approach, emphasizing the spirit of the Law over mere ritual compliance. For instance, in Matthew 23, Jesus criticizes the scribes and Pharisees for their hypocrisy and failure to understand the weightier matters of the Law, such as justice, mercy, and faithfulness. Legacy: The legacy of the doctors of the law is evident in the continued study and reverence for the Torah within Judaism. Their meticulous work in preserving and interpreting the Scriptures laid the foundation for Jewish scholarship and religious practice. While their interactions with Jesus were often contentious, these encounters provided profound insights into the nature of the Law and the heart of God’s commandments. ATS Bible Dictionary Doctor of the LawMay perhaps be distinguished from SCRIBE, as rather teaching orally, than giving written opinions, Luke 2:46. It implies one learned in the divine law. Doctors of the law were mostly of the sect of the Pharisees, but are distinguished from that sect in Luke 5:17, where it appears that the novelty of our Savior's teaching drew together a great company both of Pharisees and doctors of the law. Greek 3547. nomodidaskalos -- a teacher of the law ... teacher of the law. From nomos and didaskalos; an expounder of the (Jewish) law, ie A Rabbi -- doctor (teacher) of the law. see GREEK nomos. ... //strongsnumbers.com/greek2/3547.htm - 8k Library A Second Time the Master Zachyas, Doctor of the Law... Now if the Doctor did That, Though it was Only from Humility... Let the Doctor Figure to Himself the Gaudy Pageantry of a Divine ... Sowing and Reaping. At First God Deemed it Sufficient to Inscribe the Natural Law, or ... I Shall Now Only Add this Friendly Hint to the Doctor... How the Holy Brother Bernard of Assisi was Sent by St Francis to ... On the Life and Poetic Genius of Edward Young. At the House of Martha --The Good Shepherd. The Gospel of Pseudo-Matthew Resources Who are the doctors of the church? | GotQuestions.orgWhat does the Bible say about having a living will? | GotQuestions.org Who was Thérèse of Lisieux? | GotQuestions.org Doctor: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus |
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