truthlover writes:
Actually, Matt 5:17-19 pretty clearly states that Jesus came to change the law, even if he didn't come to abolish it. The part that says "I did not come to abolish the law, but to fulfill it," is literally to "bring it to fullness, expand it, or fill it up." ...
There is another interpretation of the word "fulfil" having more to do with enforcement. And that, I think, would be in harmony with what you point out as being an even harsher interpretation of the law on Jesus' part. The ban on divorce, for example.
As the American Heritage Dictionary has it, fulfill (AKA fulfil) may be defined in four ways:
quote:
1) To bring into actuality; effect: fulfilled their promises.
2) To carry out (an order, for example).
3) To measure up to; satisfy. See Synonyms at perform, satisfy.
4) To bring to an end; complete.
Most Christians seem to think the last is best in this case. Considering the breadth of possibility for alternative translation, it is surprising to note that most English versions word it like the old King James: "fulfill." According to the Blue Letter Bible, however, this word conveyed a variety of meanings which suggest a number of alternative English expressions including: "to execute;" (
enforce?)
Paul is often quoted in connection with this topic and I was rather surprised just yesterday upon discovering this tidbit from one of his speeches:
quote:
"But this I confess to you, that according to the Way which they call a sect, so I worship the God of my fathers, believing all things which are written in the Law and in the Prophets." Acts 24:14 NKJV
Additionally, I have noticed the following verses which use the word in the same sense I think Jesus does at Matthew 5:17.
quote:
Whereof I am made a minister, according to the dispensation of God which is given to me for you, to fulfil the word of God; - Colossians 1:25
And say to Archippus, Take heed to the ministry which thou hast received in the Lord, that thou fulfil it. - Colossians 4:17
And when he had removed him, he raised up unto them David to be their king; to whom also he gave testimony, and said, I have found David the [son] of Jesse, a man after mine own heart, which shall fulfil all my will. - Acts 13:22
And finally, this quote from Encarta:
quote:
fulfill - achieve something: to do what is necessary to bring about or achieve something expected, desired, or promised
- carry out order: to do what is necessary to carry out a request or command
- satisfy something: to be good enough or of the type necessary to meet a standard or requirement
Considering how the Christian community picks and chooses which parts of the law to embrace and which parts to deny, I think the subject deserves attention. But as to what Jesus meant by "fulfil," I can only see one realistic interpretation. Given that most believe he meant to "do away with" the law, then we should re-write the verse in question to read:
"Think not that I am come to destroy the law, or the prophets: I am not come to destroy, but to do away with."
My personal opinion: that Jesus fully intended to be the best Jewish king ever. And Matthew chapter five reveals a forecast of Jewish law-and-order to come. Not a particularly attractive plank of his platform as far as I'm concerned but one which I think would appeal to a certain segment of any population.
The Letter to the Hebrews says that Jesus brought a new Law (7:12). Both Ezekiel and Jeremiah predict a time when the covenant with Israel would be changed.
Here Paul opines that law should reflect the practices of government. He is arguing that the law should be changed to accomodate Jesus becoming a High Priest. This is not about Jesus bringing a "new law." This is about a proposed change of law to accommodate Jesus.
BTW - Please give reference to the predictions you mentioned.
Edited by doctrbill, : No reason given.
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