Biblical Criticism – “I Did Not Come to Destroy but to Fulfill”: Why Don’t We Still Follow the Law of Moses?

In this lecture, His Holiness Pope Shenouda III explains Jesus’ words:
“I did not come to destroy the Law or the Prophets, but to fulfill.” (Matthew 5:17)
He clarifies that Christ did not come to abolish Moses’ Law, but to bring it to its fullness, revealing its true spiritual meaning and perfect completion.

“An Eye for an Eye”:
The command “An eye for an eye, a tooth for a tooth” was not a rule for personal conduct but a judicial principle applied in courts to ensure justice, not revenge.
It governed public order, not personal relationships.
Even in the Old Testament, love and mercy were practiced — for example, Joseph forgiving his brothers and David showing kindness to Saul.

Meaning of “To Fulfill”:
When Christ said “to fulfill,” He meant to deepen and perfect the Law, not to cancel it.
He didn’t abolish “Do not kill,” but fulfilled it by teaching, “Whoever is angry with his brother is liable to judgment.”
Likewise, He expanded “Do not commit adultery” to include inner desire: “Whoever looks at a woman to lust after her has already committed adultery with her in his heart.”
Thus, Christ moved the Law from external behavior to inner purity.

Spiritual Fulfillment:
Some Old Testament practices, like sacrifices, were symbols pointing to deeper truths.
When Christ came, He fulfilled these symbols — He became Himself the true sacrifice for sin.
Therefore, the symbols were not destroyed, but realized in their ultimate meaning.

The Difference Between Abolishing and Fulfilling:
Christ did not oppose the old Law but completed its purpose by revealing its spiritual depth.
The old covenant was the foundation; Christ built upon it the fullness of divine truth and grace.

Faith Message:
Thus, Christ did not nullify Moses’ Law but fulfilled it in love and grace.
He shifted humanity from outward observance to inward holiness, from the letter to the spirit.
The Law of Moses was a shadow, and Christ is its perfect reality, calling us to purity of heart and fullness of divine life.

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