Understanding “The Law” in the Bible Like Its Writers Did
Today, we’re rounding out our look at the question “What is the Law in the Bible?”
In Part One, we defined the four concepts represented by the term “the law” when it’s used in scripture.
And now, in part 2, we’re going to put these ideas in place and discuss:
- Details about Old Testament & New Testament usage of “the Law” in the Bible.
- The difference between the way it is most commonly used.
- How this understanding applies to interpretation as we read the Bible for ourselves.
How to Ensure the Bible is the Guide
When we make sure we understand more nuance about the ideas presented by the Bible, we can do a better job of receiving what Biblical writers intended to communicate. This helps us keep from unintentionally applying our own box of understanding to the Bible, and will, instead, let the Bible teach us on its own terms.
How to Apply What We Learn
At the end of this video, we’ll have a full picture of Jewish cultural concepts around the Law. We’ll understand what is so central about these ideas, and we’ll grow as readers, interpreters, and receivers of the Word.
The Big Ideas and Helpful Highlights of The Law in the Bible (Part 2)
Usage in Different Contexts
In the Old Testament
References to “the law” in the Old Testament offer are to either narrative stories of receiving God’s instructions or specific laws themselves.
For the Israelites, all of God’s teaching and instruction was and is a part of the law. Not only specific statues or directives. This understanding is woven implicitly and inherently throughout the Old Testament.
In the New Testament
Understand the subtitles of Jesus’ teachings often requires more understanding of the Jewish culture into which he was born.
The sub-groups within Judaism referenced in the New Testament (the Sadducees and Pharisees, for example) were groups that had different approaches to application of the written Law. Although they often directly opposed the views of one another, both these groups were challenged by Jesus and his teachings.
In many of the letters and epistles of the New Testament, the law refers to a mindset or way of approaching life as God’s people – one that they help demonstrate has been eternally offered by Jesus.
How This Helps You Read the Bible Better
Taking one understanding of the Law, or one historical context, and applying broadly to all instances of the law in the Bible would seriously misconstrue its meaning in many places.
Studying the different ways in which the Biblical authors used this term also provides a richer understanding of “the law.” There is much more to it than a list of rules.
How to Learn Even More as You Read
You can learn practices designed to help you dig into passages from different angles with my FREE Guide “5 Practices for Engaging Bible Study.” Sign up for your download below!
You can also check out these other great resources about the Law:
The Law from The Bible Project
How to Read the Bible: The Law from The Bible Project