Matthew 5:17–18: What Did Jesus Mean by ‘Fulfil the Law’?

In this excerpt from my book, I examine Jesus’ statement in Matthew 5:17–18 that He came not to destroy the Law or the Prophets, but to fulfil them. I argue that fulfilment should not be understood simply as enforcing the Law of Moses on Christians. Using the Sabbath disputes in the Gospels, I discuss how Jesus prioritised mercy, healing and doing good over rigid religious rules. I also consider Old Testament promises, Christ’s death and the New Covenant as parts of what He came to accomplish. My central argument is that Christians are not under the Mosaic Law as a means of righteousness. I apply this view to the debate over Deuteronomy 22:5 and women wearing trousers, arguing that Christian teaching should emphasise decency, love and life in the Spirit rather than legalism.

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