Torah & Law

Why Torah is Law in the New Testament?

Matthew 23:2-3 (ESV)
"The scribes and the Pharisees sit on Moses' seat, so do and observe whatever they tell you, but not the works they do. For they preach, but do not practice."

1. Analysis of "Do and observe whatever they tell you"

The Greek text for this phrase is as follows:

πάντα οὖν ὅσα ἐὰν εἴπωσιν ὑμῖν, ποιήσατε καὶ τηρεῖτε
(Panta oun hosa ean eiposin hymin, poiēsate kai tēreite)

a. πάντα (panta)

• "πάντα" means "all things" or "whatever," used here in the accusative plural form to modify the following clause. This word emphasizes that Jesus is instructing his followers to adhere to everything that the scribes and Pharisees teach.

b. ὅσα (hosa)

• "ὅσα" is a relative pronoun meaning "whatever," paired with πάντα to stress "everything that" they say. It highlights the importance of the content that the scribes and Pharisees are teaching, suggesting it is based on the Law of Moses.

c. ἐὰν (ean)

• "ἐὰν" is a conditional particle meaning "if" or "whatever," which introduces a conditional clause. In this context, it indicates that whatever the scribes and Pharisees say, under certain conditions, should be followed.

d. εἴπωσιν (eiposin)

• "εἴπωσιν" is an aorist active subjunctive verb, meaning "they might say" or "they tell." The aorist tense, while often referring to past actions, in the subjunctive mood can indicate a general or conditional action that is to be considered. Here, it refers to the teachings of the scribes and Pharisees.

e. ὑμῖν (hymin)

• "ὑμῖν" is a pronoun meaning "to you," directly addressing the audience. It signifies that the teachings of the scribes and Pharisees are directed to Jesus’ listeners, who are instructed to follow these teachings.

f. ποιήσατε (poiēsate)

• "ποιήσατε" is an aorist active imperative verb, meaning "do" or "perform." It is a command to actively carry out the instructions given by the scribes and Pharisees. The aorist imperative here carries a sense of urgency and importance, urging immediate and complete action.

g. τηρεῖτε (tēreite)

• "τηρεῖτε" is a present active imperative verb, meaning "observe" or "keep." This verb, paired with ποιήσατε, indicates that not only should the instructions be acted upon, but they should also be maintained and preserved. The present imperative emphasizes ongoing, continuous action, suggesting a need for persistent adherence to the teachings.

2. Analysis of "But do not do as they do"

The Greek text for this phrase is:

κατὰ δὲ τὰ ἔργα αὐτῶν μὴ ποιεῖτε
(Kata de ta erga autōn mē poieite)

a. κατὰ (kata)

• "κατὰ" is a preposition that can mean "according to" or "in accordance with." In this context, it is used to contrast the works of the scribes and Pharisees with what should be done. Here, it signals not to follow their actions, setting up a comparison between their teachings and their deeds.

b. τὰ ἔργα (ta erga)

• "τὰ ἔργα" means "the works" or "the deeds," in the accusative plural neuter form. This term refers to the actions or behaviors of the scribes and Pharisees, which Jesus criticizes as hypocritical and unworthy of imitation.

c. αὐτῶν (autōn)

• "αὐτῶν" is a possessive pronoun in the genitive plural, meaning "their." It specifies that it is the works of the scribes and Pharisees being discussed, differentiating between their words and their actions.

d. μὴ ποιεῖτε (mē poieite)

• "μὴ" is a negative particle used to form prohibitions, meaning "do not." ποιεῖτε is the present active imperative verb meaning "do" or "practice." The combination μὴ ποιεῖτε forms a command not to do or follow the actions of the scribes and Pharisees. The present imperative in the negative form suggests a continuous prohibition, warning against ever following their example.

3. Relationship Between "Do and Observe" and "But Do Not Do as They Do"

The relationship between "ποιήσατε καὶ τηρεῖτε" (do and observe) and "μὴ ποιεῖτε" (do not do) is crucial for understanding Jesus' message. Jesus instructs his followers to do and observe whatever the scribes and Pharisees teach because their teachings are rooted in the Torah, the Law of Moses. This underscores the importance of following the divine commandments and ensuring that these laws are both acted upon and preserved.

However, Jesus also warns against following the "ἔργα" (works) of the scribes and Pharisees because their actions are hypocritical. They focus on external appearances and legalistic formalities, but their behavior lacks the true intent and spirit of the Law. Their "ἔργα" are concerned with outward piety rather than the internal, spiritual observance of God's Law, which Jesus emphasizes as crucial.

The distinction Jesus makes here is significant. He acknowledges that the teachings of the scribes and Pharisees are valid because they are based on the Law, but he condemns their failure to live according to the spirit of that Law. Jesus' use of ποιέω (do) and τηρέω (observe) emphasizes the need for both action and continuous adherence to the Law, while μὴ ποιεῖτε (do not do) serves as a warning against superficial and hypocritical behavior that misses the essence of God's commandments.

In essence, Jesus is calling for his followers to truly embody the Law's intent—living out the Creator's life-giving commandments without compromising or distorting their meaning through mere external rituals.

🔖 To aid understanding, it is important to recognize three types of laws. First, there are the natural laws that prevent Earth and other planets from colliding in space, allowing life to continue. Second, each country and community has its own set of laws that maintain order. Additionally, just as there is bloodshed in the food chain, there exist various unjust laws in the world. The French Revolution served as a catalyst for changing the aristocratic-centered societal structure, but before and after this event, people were sacrificed in the name of ideologies and religions.

Above all these, there is the law that God gave to humanity through Moses, which we believe and follow as an act of faith. However, humanity needed progressive revelation. Through the book of Genesis, we understand why God did not reveal everything to humans all at once. This shows that humans are creatures created by the Creator.

Furthermore, above the laws of thermodynamics or gravitation is the Torah, whose life force is evidenced by its perfect fulfillment. The core and ultimate purpose of this is salvation, which is eternal life. The word "salvation" is merely a translation; the original term is "Yeshuah." Believing in Yeshuah is essential to receiving Yeshuah.

Therefore, it is crucial to recognize that an eternal foundation has been established for the Torah, the sacred and eternal law, to be fulfilled. This leads to a process and transformation that culminates in perfect beauty for those whose names are written in the Book of Life. The Psalms speak of this as the blessing of meditating on the Torah, where entering into God's Torah leads one to become part of the Torah itself.

This text delves deeply into the essence of faith and the limitations of humanity, exploring significant theological themes. It helps in understanding the meaning of the Torah and salvation and reflects on the journey of faith through these concepts.

The Pauline Epistles and the Torah 

🔖 2 Peter 3 warns against misinterpreting Paul's epistles as contradicting the blessings of meditating on the Torah as described in Psalm 1. In understanding the epistles of Paul, it is crucial to recognize one key fact to avoid misinterpretation. The Apostle Paul, in different contexts, speaks of the content of the Torah, referring sometimes to the law of the Spirit of life and at other times to the law of sin and death. Ignoring this distinction and interpreting Paul's reference to the "Law" as a singular concept can ultimately lead to misunderstanding and spiritual downfall.

To accurately grasp Paul's use of the term "Law," one must analyze his writings within their specific contexts. Paul often mentions the "law of the Spirit of life," which brings new life in Christ Jesus, offering freedom and vitality to believers. Conversely, when he speaks of the "law of sin and death," he refers to the condemnation and death brought about by human sinfulness under the law. These two laws have entirely different implications, and recognizing this distinction is essential.

Moreover, the reason for the existence of the law of sin and death can be understood through deep reflection within proper scriptural interpretation. Just as there was darkness and chaos before the light in Genesis 1, the law of sin and death serves a prophetic purpose pointing to the atoning sacrifice of Jesus Christ on the cross. It also signifies the spiritual battlefield given to all believers, calling them to engage in the spiritual warfare necessary to claim the victory of the cross.

Disregarding this critical distinction and interpreting Paul's references to the "Law" uniformly can lead to spiritual misdirection. Therefore, to pass on a correct understanding of faith to future generations, it is imperative to interpret the scriptures with this contextual awareness. This approach will greatly aid in walking the true path of faith.

📖 Romans 8:2

For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus hath made me free from the law of sin and death.

📖 Romans 7

9 Once I was alive apart from the law; but when the commandment came, sin sprang to life and I died. 10 So I discovered that the very commandment that was meant to bring life actually brought death. 11 For sin, seizing its opportunity through the commandment, deceived me and through the commandment put me to death.

12 So then, the law is holy, and the commandment is holy, righteous, and good. BSB

🔖 To confine the concept of crucifying oneself merely to an abstract meaning is precisely what the Antichrist desires. However, in contrast, becoming a person who pleases the Lord God by obeying the teachings of the Torah is what it truly means to crucify oneself. One must nail his unrighteous greed and desires within to the cross of Christ in order to faithfully follow the Torah. 

📖 Mark 10

29 “Truly I tell you,” Jesus replied, “no one who has left home or brothers or sisters or mother or father or children or fields for My sake and for the gospel 30 will fail to receive a hundredfold in the present age—houses and brothers and sisters and mothers and children and fields, along with persecutions—and in the age to come, eternal life. 31 But many who are first will be last, and the last will be first.”  BSB

🔖 Believing that Jesus Christ bore the judgment and curses of the Torah on our behalf leaves us with the blessings of the Torah. Through proper meditation on the Torah, one can truly understand these blessings. Jesus explained this as blessings in this life and in the life to come. Additionally, The chapter 11 of the book of Hebrews describes Abraham's faith, emphasizing his hope for eternal blessings and belief in the reality of the heavenly kingdom. 

📖 Hebrews 11

6 And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who approaches Him must believe that He exists and that He rewards those who earnestly seek Him. 

תּוּר תֹּורָה

 כִּי אִמ בְּתֹורַת יְהוָה חֶפְצֹו וּבְתֹורָתֹו יֶהְגֶּה יֹוםָם וָלָיְלָה׃

9 By faith he dwelt in the promised land as a stranger in a foreign country. He lived in tents, as did Isaac and Jacob, who were heirs with him of the same promise. 10 For he was looking forward to the city with foundations, whose architect and builder is God. BSB