One should be careful not to read into the text the later apostolic solution regarding the application of the law to Gentile believers. Our Lord was speaking to Jews, for whom possessing and obeying "The Law and the Prophets" was a necessary marker of covenant relationship. The intent of the passage is to show Jesus' fidelity to this covenant marker as a revelation of God. The word "fulfil" was specifically used for the reason that it has a range of meanings depending on context. It allows for the "filling out" of what the law requires, as is found in the rest of Matthew 5; as well as an eschaological fulfilment in the person and work of Jesus, as is indicated in many of the fulfilment sayings in the rest of Matthew's Gospel. One point is clear -- Jesus did not come to release disciples from the obligation to the law. This should be the starting point of interpretation; and any understanding of fulfilment of the law which undermines this basic starting-point must be regarded as contrary to authorial intent.

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Yours sincerely,


"Illum oportet crescere me autem minui."