Matthew 5:17 and the Fulfillment of the Law
Understanding Matthew 5:17 and the Fulfillment of the Law
Matthew 5:17 states, "Don't think that I came to destroy the law or the prophets. I didn't come to destroy, but to fulfill" [1]. This verse is part of Jesus' Sermon on the Mount, where he teaches about the kingdom of heaven and the nature of true righteousness.
Literary Context
The verse is situated within Jesus' teachings on the relationship between the old covenant and the new era of salvation he is inaugurating. The surrounding verses (Matthew 5:17-20) emphasize the continuity between Jesus' message and the Hebrew Scriptures, while also highlighting the transformative nature of his mission. The passage is framed by Jesus' affirmation that he has come to fulfill the law and the prophets, and his warning that not even the smallest commandment will pass away until all is accomplished [1].
Historical Setting
Jesus' statement in Matthew 5:17 reflects the Jewish context of his ministry. The law and the prophets were central to Jewish identity and practice. Jesus' audience would have understood the law as the Torah, given to Israel through Moses. By affirming the law and the prophets, Jesus is situating his teaching within the broader narrative of Israel's scriptures [2].
Key Terms
The term "fulfill" (πλήρωσαι, plērōsai) is crucial in understanding Jesus' statement. It implies completing or bringing to its intended purpose, rather than simply obeying or abolishing. In the context of Matthew 5:17, "fulfill" suggests that Jesus is bringing the law and the prophets to their intended fulfillment through his teaching and actions [4].
Major Exegetical Decisions
One major interpretive decision revolves around the meaning of "fulfill." Some interpreters understand it as Jesus' fulfillment of Old Testament prophecies or types. Others see it as Jesus' teaching that brings the law to its intended meaning or purpose. The Tyndale House commentary on Matthew 5:19 suggests that Jesus' fulfillment of the law means that obedience to his commands is the acceptable response for his disciples [4].
Range of Interpretations
Interpreters have understood Matthew 5:17 in various ways. Some see Jesus as affirming the ongoing validity of the law, while others understand him to be reinterpreting or reorienting the law around his own teaching. The Protestant academic commentary on Galatians 5:14 notes that the law is fulfilled through love for one's neighbor, referencing Leviticus 19:18 and Matthew 7:12 [3]. John Gill's commentary on Numbers 15:15 highlights the unity between Israelites and proselytes under the law, foreshadowing the unity of Jews and Gentiles in Christ [6].
Function in Tradition
Matthew 5:17 has played a significant role in Christian debates about the law and its relation to the gospel. The verse has been cited in discussions about the continuity between the Old and New Testaments, as well as the nature of Christian obedience. Adam Clarke's commentary on Luke 16:17 references Matthew 5:17,18, underscoring the enduring importance of Jesus' teaching on the law [7].
The concept of fulfilling the law has also been linked to the idea of love as a central aspect of Christian discipleship. The Tyndale House commentary on Galatians 6:2 notes that carrying one another's burdens fulfills the law of Christ, referencing Matthew 22:36-40 and John 13:34 [5]. This understanding is echoed in the commentary on Matthew 7:12, which sees Jesus' teaching as the true expression of the law of Moses, with love at its core [8].
Sources
- Matthew ““Don’t think that I came to destroy the law or the prophets. I didn’t come to destroy, but to fulfill. -- Matthew 5:17”
- Torrey's Topical Textbook “Torrey's Topical Textbook: Law of God, The — Is absolute and perpetual -- Mt 5:18. Given To Adam. -- Ge 2:16,17; Ro 5:12-14. To Noah. -- Ge 9:6. To the Israelites. -- Ex 20:2-17; Ps 78:5. Through Moses. -- Ex 31:18; Joh 7:19. Through the ministration of angels. -- Ac 7:53; Ga 3:19; Heb 2:2. Described as Pure. -- Ps 19:8. Spiritual. -- Ro 7:14. Holy, just, and good. -- Ro 7:12. Exceeding broad. -- Ps 119:96. Perfect. -- Ps 19:7; Ro 12:2. Truth. -- Ps 119:142. Not grievous. -- 1Jo 5:3. Requires obedience of the heart -- Ps 51:6; Mt 5:28; 22:37. Requires perfect obedience -- De 27:26; Ga 3:10; Ja”
- Galatians (Protestant academic) “Tyndale House on Galatians 5:14: 5:14 the whole law can be summed up (or the whole law is fulfilled): Christ’s followers fulfill the law by exercising love toward every neighbor (Lev 19:18; see Matt 7:12; Luke 6:27-36; 10:25-37; John 13:34-35; 15:9-17; Rom 13:8-10).”
- Matthew (Protestant academic) “Tyndale House on Matthew 5:19: 5:19 The realization of the law in Christ means that obedience to all of his commands (see 28:20) is the only acceptable response for his disciples. • Commandment refers to the Old Testament commands (5:18) as now fulfilled in Christ’s teaching (see 5:21-48). • the least in the Kingdom of Heaven: Jesus may mean that such an individual will enter the Kingdom, but only barely and with low status; alternatively, some Jewish evidence suggests that he is referring to damnation (cp. 8:12, where “those for whom the Kingdom was prepared” are eternally excluded).”
- Galatians (Protestant academic) “Tyndale House on Galatians 6:2: 6:2 Carrying each other’s burdens (6:1) fulfills the law of Christ to love one another (5:13-14; see also Lev 19:18; Matt 22:36-40; John 13:34; 15:12; 1 Jn 3:23).”
- Numbers (Baptist/Reformed) “John Gill on Numbers 15:15: One law, and one manner,.... One law respecting these sacrifices, and one manner of offering them; one and the same precept to be observed, and one and the same judgment or punishment inflicted in case of non-observance: shall be for you, and the stranger that sojourneth with you; for Israelites and proselytes; which is said to invite and encourage the latter, and may have a distant view to the calling of the Gentiles in Gospel times, when there should be no difference between Jews and Gentiles called by grace in matters of religion, but would be one in Christ, Ga”
- Luke (Methodist/Wesleyan) “Adam Clarke on Luke 16:17: For heaven and earth to pass - See on Mat 5:17, Mat 5:18 (note).”
- Matthew (Protestant academic) “Tyndale House on Matthew 7:12: 7:12 the law and the prophets: The teaching of Jesus in 5:21–7:6 is the goal and true expression of the law of Moses. Love is at the core of discipleship (see also Gal 5:13-14, 18).”