Christ Fulfills the Law

Christ Fulfills the Law - In-Depth Summary

The in-depth summary of each bible study differs from the small group bible study laid out before the leader and the students.  The small group studies are intended to be interactive, providing a learning atmosphere for students and facilitating open discussions that allow for interpretations of what the Gospels witnessed.  The in-depth summary is designed to help the leader with expansive information, much more than what is found in the text notes at the bottom of every Bible page.  An exhaustive search was conducted on each verse to help the leader answer questions that may arise during the study.

Matthew 5:17 (outlined in black): Jesus opens his teachings by clarifying His purpose.  Jesus needs to state the purpose of His mission.  Some might accuse Him of intending to destroy the law and the customs of the nation by teaching against the scribes and Pharisees. He clarified that He did not come to do that, but rather to fulfill what was written in the law and the prophets.[1]  Jesus obeyed the law perfectly and taught its correct meaning.[2]  "To destroy" means to invalidate or free people from the law's authority, which refers to the five books of Moses (Luke 24:44).[3]  The five books of Moses are Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers and Deuteronomy, commonly known by the Jewish people as the Torah. There are 613 commandments (laws)[4] in the Torah.  The Prophets represent the writings of the prophets, and together they encompass the Old Testament. Jesus stated He came not to undermine its authority. "To fulfill" means to complete what was predicted and to realize its intended purpose. The law of Moses contained sacrifices and rituals that foreshadowed the Messiah, which was fulfilled when He offered Himself as a sacrifice. The prophets made many predictions about His coming and death, all of which were fulfilled through His life and suffering.[5]  The Prophets included all the Prophets in the Old Testament.  This not only includes the Former Prophets in Joshua, Judges, Samuel, and Kings, but also the major prophets: Isaiah, Jeremiah, and Ezekiel, and the minor prophets commonly known as “the Book of the twelve.”[6]

Matthew 5:18, Luke 16:16 (outlined in blue): Both verses state “heaven and earth pass away.” This expression firmly states that the law will never be abolished until it is entirely fulfilled.  Adding in the words jot and tittle means even the smallest and most insignificant laws will be fulfilled before heaven and earth pass away.  It makes it clear that, while everything else may change—whether the earth or the heavens may pass away—the law of God will remain intact until its complete purpose is accomplished.5  The word "iota" (pronounced ee-OH-tah) is referenced in Strong’s Concordance as "ἰῶτα" (2503). It is translated into English as "jot," which signifies the smallest letter in the Greek alphabet or, figuratively, a tiny part of anything. Iota is the eighth letter in the Greek alphabet and also the tenth letter in the Hebrew alphabet.[7]  The word “keraia” (pronounced ker-ah’-yah) is referenced in Strong’s Concordance as “κεραία” (2762). It is translated into English as “tittle,” which signifies the small stroke distinguishing one Hebrew letter from another.[8] In Greek, it means a little horn, a point, an extremity.

Matthew 5:19 (outlined in green): There are few Bibles that have commentary on this verse.  After reading this verse, the observation is that the individual’s soul is already in the kingdom of heaven. One of these least commandments: The Pharisees divided the law into greater and lesser commandments, suggesting that violating the lesser ones was a minor offense (see Matthew 23:23). Christ teaches that in His kingdom, those who make such distinctions—or believe they can ignore any laws of God without consequence—will be considered the least. In contrast, those who observe all of God’s laws equally will be held in high regard. Shall be called least: This implies that anyone who breaks even the smallest commandments will not be esteemed as a proper religious teacher. The Pharisees’ divisions rendered parts of the law void, but Jesus asserts that this practice will come to an end in His kingdom. People will focus on obeying all of God’s law without unnecessary distinctions. Shall be called great: Those who teach that all of God’s law is binding and should be obeyed, without prioritizing specific commandments, will be recognized as worthy teachers.

Matthew 5:20 (outlined in purple): Your righteousness - your holiness and understanding of what it means to be righteous-is essential. True righteousness extends beyond mere external compliance; it demands a profound, inner commitment to living a life in alignment with God's principles.  Unless your purity surpasses that of the scribes and Pharisees, you cannot be saved.

To "exceed" means to excel. True Christian righteousness comes from the heart and is genuine. Jesus indicated that only those with a more profound, authentic holiness than the scribes and Pharisees could be saved.

The scribes and Pharisees focused on external rituals—sacrifices, fasting, and strict adherence to laws—but neglected justice, truth, and inner purity. Jesus required a righteousness that includes honesty, temperance, fear of God, and love for others.

Their righteousness was merely external rule-following. Jesus’ teaching shocked his disciples, as the scribes and Pharisees seemed far more righteous than the average person. Yet, only faith in Jesus Christ meets God’s standard for true righteousness.

 Your righteousness—encompassing your holiness and your understanding of what it truly means to be righteous—is of utmost importance. This means that your moral integrity and adherence to ethical standards must be more profound and sincere than that of the scribes and Pharisees, who were known for their strict observance of the law. Unless your purity and devotion surpass their superficial practices and reflect a genuine heart transformation, you will not attain salvation.[9]

Luke 16:16 (outlined in red): Every theologian and interpreter we have researched unanimously agreed that the John being referred to here in this passage is John the Baptist.[10]  The law of the prophets refers to the entire Old Testament.  The ministry of John the Baptist marked the end of the old covenant era.  The ministry of Jesus began the offer of the gospel, the new covenant, and embodied the nearness of the kingdom of God.

[1] Holman. KJV Study Bible, Mantova Brown Simulated Leather, Indexed. Holman Bible Publishers, 1 Sept. 2012. p. 1585. Notes contributor: Quarles, Charles L., Louisiana College, Ph.D., Mid-America Baptist Theological Seminary.

[2] Radmacher, Earl D., et al. NKJV Study Bible. Thomas Nelson, 2018, p. 1416.

[3] Radmacher, Earl D., et al. NKJV Study Bible. Thomas Nelson, 2018, p. 1564.

[4] Rodricks, Peter. The 613 Commandments in the Old Testament. Independently Published, 1 Mar. 2023.

[5] Barnes, Albert, and Robert Frew. Notes on the New Testament: Matthew and Mark. Grand Rapids, Mich., Baker Book House, 1985. p. 49.

[6] Zondervan. NIV, Foundation Study Bible, Leathersoft, Teal, Red Letter. 1 June 2021. p. 1475.

[7] Strong, James. The New Strong’s Expanded Exhaustive Concordance of the Bible. Nashville, TN, Thomas Nelson, 2010. Greek Dictionary of the New Testament. p.123.

[8] Strong, James. The New Strong’s Expanded Exhaustive Concordance of the Bible. Nashville, TN, Thomas Nelson, 2010. Greek Dictionary of the New Testament. p.137.

[9] Barnes, Albert, and Robert Frew. Notes on the New Testament: Matthew and Mark. Grand Rapids, Mich., Baker Book House, 1985. p. 50-51.

[10] “Luke 16:16 Commentaries: "the Law and the Prophets Were Proclaimed until John; since That Time the Gospel of the Kingdom of God Has Been Preached, and Everyone Is Forcing His Way into It.” Biblehub.com, 2025, biblehub.com/commentaries/luke/16-16.htm. Accessed 3 Aug. 2025.