ORIGINAL RESEARCH

 

The foundational statement in Matthew 5:17-20 on the continuing validity of the law¹

 

Die fundamentele stelling in Matteus 5:17-20 oor die volgehoue geldigheid van die wet

 

 

F.P. Viljoen

Unit for Reformed Theology, Potchefstroom Campus. North-West University. Potchefstroom. E-mail: viljoen.francois@nwu.ac.za

 

 

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ABSTRACT

The statement of Jesus in Matthew 5:17-20 forms a pivotal point of Matthew's teaching on the law. Yet, some scholars argue that these verses reveal a strong Jewish character, with eclectic layers of traditions that even contradict one another. Matthew is being accused of careless inclusion of this material into his text which led to an inconsistent overall teaching of the law. This article proposes that a careful reading of the different elements of the statement within its context reveals its coherence. The statement forms an inherent part of the Sermon on the Mount and the rest of the Gospel through which Matthew in a pastoral manner addresses concerns of his community regarding their righteousness.

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OPSOMMING

Jesus se stelling in Matteus 5:17-20 vorm 'n sleutelpunt in Matteus se leer oor die wet. Sommige navorsers meen egter dat hierdie verse 'n sterk Joodse karakter openbaar, met eklektiese lae van tradisies wat mekaar selfs weerspreek. Matteus word daarvan beskuldig dat hy op 'n argelose manier materiaal in sy teks ingevoeg het wat oorkoepelend tot 'n onsame-hangende leer oor die wet lei. Hierdie artikel beredeneer dat, indien die verskillende elemente van die stelling versigtig binne konteks gelees word, die samehang wel duidelik is. Die stelling vorm 'n inherente deel van die Bergrede en die res van die Evangelie waarin Matteus op 'n pastorale manier die kommer van sy gemeenskap oor geregtigheid hanteer.

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1 I am greatly privileged to contribute to this Festchrift in honour of Prof. Tjaart van der Walt. His many years of teaching the New Testament have inspired many of his students and are reflected in a number of popular scientific publications from his pen. His ability to unearth the rich message and nuances of the biblical text in a crystal clear and personal manner, led to the fact that his teaching and publications enjoy a privileged status among reformed students and scholars.