This question was central to Jewish Christians, which is generally considered to be part of the author of Matthew, since Jewish Christians would have accused Pauline Christians of abandoning Jewish teaching, for example, the Council of Jerusalem and Acts 21:21: Augustine: And finally, because even for those who were under grace, it was difficult in this earthly life to fulfill that of the law: Thou shalt not have the desire, since he was made a priest by the sacrifice of his flesh, obtained for us this inheritance, even in the fulfillment of the law, that where we could not by our weakness, we should be strengthened by his perfection, to which we all belong as our head. Because this is how I think these words must be understood in order to fulfill the law by completing it, that is, things that contribute to the explanation of the ancient glosses or allow them to be kept. For the Lord has shown us that even an evil movement of thoughts about the injustice of a brother must be considered a kind of murder. The Lord also teaches us that it is better to remain close to the truth without swearing than to approach blasphemy with a true oath. [7] 17 Do not think that I have come to get rid of what is written in the law or in the prophets. I did not come to do that. Instead, I have come to give full meaning to what is written. Pseudo-Chrysostom: And for two reasons. First, that with these words he may exhort his disciples to seek to fulfill it when he has fulfilled the law.

Second, because the Jews would falsely accuse them of undermining the law, he responds to the slander in advance, but in such a way that one should not think that he is simply coming to preach the law, as the prophets had done. [7] “Do not think that I came to destroy the law or the prophets: I did not come to destroy, but to fulfill.” King James Version (NKJV) 17 Do not think that I have come to destroy the law of Moses or the teaching of the prophets. I did not come to destroy them, but to realize what they were saying. 5:17 Do not think – Do not imagine, do not be afraid, hope that I have come – like your masters to destroy the law or the prophets. I have not come to destroy the moral law, but to fulfill it—to establish, illustrate, and explain its highest importance, both by my life and by my teaching. The main controversy about this verse concerns the word “to accomplish.” What exactly does compliance with the law mean? A large number of readings of the word pleroo, fulfil, have been promoted. Among them are: establishing, confirming, validating, completing, putting into action by doing, explaining in their true sense, accomplishing and obeying. These different definitions and textual uncertainty about the status of the Law have led to a number of understandings of the relationship between the Mosaic Law and the New Testament. 17 “Do not think that I have come to abolish the law or the prophets; I did not come to abolish them, but to fulfill them.

(A) 18 For verily I say unto you, until heaven and earth disappear, not the smallest letter, not the slightest stroke of the pen, shall in any way disappear from the law until all things are fulfilled. (B) 19 Therefore, whoever sets aside one of the smallest of these commandments (C) and teaches the others accordingly will be called the least in the kingdom of heaven, but he who practices and teaches these commandments will be called great in the kingdom of heaven. 20 For I say unto you, unless your righteousness surpasses that of the Pharisees and the teachers of the law, you will certainly not enter the kingdom of heaven. (D) Glossa Ordinaria: Now that he has exhorted his listeners to endure all things for righteousness, and not to hide what they should receive, but to learn more for the good of others, so that they can teach others, he now continues to tell them what to teach, as if asked, “What is it? What would you not have hidden, and for which you would have endured everything? Are you about to say something beyond what is written in the law and in the prophets? Then he said, Do you not believe that I have come to undermine the law or the prophets? [7] 14You are the light of the world. A city located on a hill cannot be hidden. 15 Nor do men light a candle and place it under a bushel, but on a candlestick; And there is light for everyone in the house. 16 Let your light shine before men, that they may see your good works and praise your Father who is in heaven. 17 Do not think that I have come to destroy the law or the prophets; I did not come to destroy, but to fulfill.

18 For verily I say unto you, until heaven and earth disappear, a line or title shall not depart in any way from the law, until all things are fulfilled. 19 Wherefore, whosoever breaketh one of these lesser commandments, and thus instructs men, shall be called the least in the kingdom of heaven; But whoever does it and teaches it will be called great in the kingdom of heaven. 20 For I say unto you, unless your righteousness exceeds that of the scribes and Pharisees, you shall not enter the kingdom of heaven under any circumstances. 17 Do not think that I have come to abolish the law or the prophets; I did not come to abolish them, but to fulfill them. 17 Make no mistake about why I came. I did not come to abolish the law of Moses or the writings of the prophets. No, I came to accomplish their purpose. Do not think that I have come.–The words indicate that men have begun to think so.

The teacher who came to preach repentance, but also to promise forgiveness, was to be what was later called Antinomian, attacking the authority of the two great channels through which God`s will had been revealed. “The Law and the Prophets” corresponded popularly to the whole of the Old Testament, although a strict classification required the addition of hagiographers, or “Holy Scriptures,” that is, poetic and miscellaneous books. ¶ Do not think that I have come to destroy the Law or the prophets.