Paul and the Law – The Torah Series

In this Bible teaching from Founded in Truth Fellowship, likely led by Matthew Vander Els, the complex relationship between the Apostle Paul and the Law, or Torah, is explored. Many people, particularly within Messianic circles, sometimes feel apprehensive about engaging with certain parts of scripture, especially the Torah and the writings of Paul. This sense of unease arises from the perception that reading or discussing these texts might lead to disagreements or misunderstandings within their communities. However, the speaker emphasizes that grappling with these topics is not a new phenomenon, and it doesn’t diminish the value and edification that Paul’s teachings offer.

The teaching aims to shift focus towards Paul, a significant contributor to the New Testament, because his writings extensively address the Torah. Paul quotes the Torah, acknowledges its blessings, and even identifies it as an obstacle in certain contexts. His unique perspective stems from his background as a highly observant Pharisee and his subsequent encounter with Yeshua (Jesus). This experience dramatically reshaped his understanding and view of the Torah.

The theological discourse surrounding Paul and the Law has been a subject of debate for centuries. On one hand, Paul describes the Torah as a blessing and good, yet in the same letters, he presents a seemingly critical view, minimizing its importance. For instance, in Galatians 2:19, Paul states, “For the law I died to the law, so that I might live to God. I have been crucified with Christ.” Similarly, Romans 6:14 declares, “For sin will have no dominion over you, since you are not under the law but under grace.” Conversely, Romans 7:12 affirms, “So the law is holy, and the commandment is holy and righteous and good.” This apparent contradiction often leads to frustration and confusion when trying to interpret Paul’s letters.

The speaker points out that this struggle is not unique to modern believers; Christian scholars throughout history have also grappled with Paul’s teachings on the Law. The assertion that all Christians believe the Law is entirely done away with due to Paul’s writings is an oversimplification. Various theological views exist. The older Lutheran perspective generally posits a clear separation where the Torah is considered obsolete, replaced by a life in the Spirit. The Reformed view introduces a distinction between moral law, which is still applicable to believers, and ceremonial law, which is not. However, this distinction is somewhat anachronistic, as ancient Israel viewed the entire Torah as morally significant. More recent theological frameworks, such as the New Perspective on Paul, attempt to understand Paul within his historical Jewish context, suggesting his concerns were primarily with how certain commandments were used to exclude Gentiles from the Kingdom of God.

The speaker leans towards a more balanced view, interpreting the Torah as wisdom and prophecy rather than solely a checklist of rules. He argues that the Torah itself is not structured like a complete legal code, with its first 69 chapters being narrative. Deuteronomy 17 implies that it wasn’t intended as an exhaustive legal manual, directing people to judges for matters too difficult to resolve. The Torah doesn’t provide specific solutions for every situation, and a purely literal interpretation would lead to contradictions with modern life, such as the commandment regarding waste disposal outside the camp. The underlying wisdom of such commandments, like sanitation, remains relevant. Paul himself often drew wisdom from the Torah, interpreting commandments beyond their immediate context.

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Application for Everyday Life

• Prioritize a personal relationship with Yeshua as the foundation of your faith, understanding that righteousness comes through Him, not solely through adherence to rules.
• Seek to embody the character of Yeshua, reflecting love, mercy, grace, and forgiveness in your interactions with others.
• Understand the Torah as a source of wisdom and guidance, looking beyond a literal checklist to grasp the underlying principles and intentions of God’s commands.
• Practice the commandments of God from a heart transformed by the Holy Spirit, allowing your actions to flow from a genuine love for God and neighbor, rather than from obligation or a desire to appear righteous.
• Value practices like Sabbath, prayer, and community as ways to honor God and grow in faith, without making them legalistic barriers or measures of spiritual superiority.
• Be wary of self-righteousness and judging others based on external observances, remembering that true righteousness is an inward reality rooted in faith.
• Engage with the scriptures, including Paul’s letters and the Torah, with a willingness to learn and grow, seeking understanding rather than being intimidated by challenging passages.
• Actively participate in bringing God’s Kingdom to earth by standing against injustice, showing compassion to the needy, and sharing the message of hope and grace.
• Continuously seek the Holy Spirit’s guidance to mold your heart and enable you to live out the true intent of God’s law in your daily life.
• Recognize that your identity as a child of God is rooted in Christ, transcending cultural or religious distinctions, and embrace unity with all believers.

References

• Galatians 2:19
• Romans 6:14
• Romans 7:12
• 1 Corinthians 7:19
• 1 Timothy 1:8
• Deuteronomy 17
• Romans 1:1
• Romans 8:3
• Ezekiel 36:26
• Galatians 3:10

Books and Resources

• Paul and Law: Keeping the Commandments of God by Dr. Brian Rosner