Jesus taught that the Law of Moses is not abolished (Matthew 5:17), that it will remain in force for as long as heaven and earth endure (Matthew 5:18), and that his followers must obey and teach it (Matthew 5:19). Now, in Matthew 5:20, he demands that his followers surpass the righteousness of the scribes and Pharisees. But what does it mean to surpass their righteousness? In this video, we will explore this question in detail.
Developing Biblical Friendships | Pronomian Scholarship (Interview w/ Dr. Benjamin Szumskyj
Are our friendships important to God? How do we build deep, meaningful friendships rooted in faith and Scripture? I’m excited to explore these questions today with Dr. Benjamin Szumskyj. In his recent book, Dr. Szumskyj reflects on how we can cultivate godly friendships, drawing inspiration from the bond between David and Jonathan in Scripture. He also shares his perspective on Pronomian (pro-Law/Torah) theology, and his experience advocating for this this view within the academic world. I hope you’re blessed by the discussion.
I Did NOT Mischaracterize Dr. Averbeck's Views on the Law of Moses
Andrew Schumacher has accused me of mischaracterizing Dr. Richard Averbeck’s position on the Law of Moses during my interview with him. So, I decided to show some clips from the interview, which debunk Andrew's accusation. Furthermore, I reached out to Dr. Averbeck directly to ask him if he thought that I misrepresented him. In this video, I’ll show you what Dr. Averbeck said.
Andrew Schumacher Caught Lying About My Use of Scholarship
A YouTuber named Andrew Schumacher recently published a hit piece where he tries to discredit me for my use of scholarly resources, accusing me of appealing to scholars in a misleading way. This isn’t the kind of video I typically enjoy making, but I believe it’s important to address for the reasons I explain in the video. Here, I respond to Andrew’s claims point by point. I hope this will be helpful and encouraging to you!
Do and Teach the Torah's Commandments (Matthew 5:19)
After declaring that he did not come to abolish the Law and the Prophets but to fulfill them, and that the whole Law of Moses will remain in effect as long as heaven and earth exist (Matthew 5:17-18), Jesus urges his followers to obey and teach the Torah’s commandments (Matthew 5:19). In this video, we will look at Matthew 5:19 and unpack Jesus's warning against disregarding the Torah's commandments and his call to be great in the kingdom by doing and teaching them. We will also address the claim that Jesus was not referring to the Torah's commandments in Matthew 5:19 and explore why the context contradicts that interpretation.
Celebrate the Festival (1 Corinthians 5:7-8)
Let No One Judge You: Sabbaths, Festivals, and Foods (Colossians 2:16-17)
Colossians 2:16-17 is often cited to argue that the Sabbath, festivals, and food laws are no longer relevant for believers, seen as "shadows" superseded by Christ, with Paul advising the Colossians not to let anyone judge them for disregarding these practices. However, an increasing number of New Testament scholars are challenging this interpretation. These scholars argue that the Colossians were not being judged for neglecting the Sabbath and festivals but were actually facing criticism for keeping them.
Enslaved to Sabbaths and Festivals? (Galatians 4:8-11)
In Galatians 4:8-11, Paul rebukes the Galatians for observing “days and months and seasons and years.” But what exactly does Paul mean by this phrase? The standard antinomian view interprets this passage as Paul condemning the observance of the Sabbath and biblical holy days. However, in this video, we present reasons to question that interpretation and propose an alternative understanding.
Do Messianic Jews Preach a False Gospel?
A YouTuber recently condemned Messianic Jews and other Pronomian Christians, claiming they teach a "false Gospel" due to their belief in the continued validity of the Law of Moses. However, the implications of this YouTuber's antinomian theology ultimately result in condemning the Messiah and the apostles themselves.
Did Christ Abolish the Law of Moses? (Ephesians 2:15)
Sin Sacrifices: A Question That “Topples” Torah Observance?
Messianic Jews and other Pronomian (Pro-Law) Christians believe that the Law of Moses is a vital part of our faith practice. However, not everyone agrees with this perspective. One prominent critic of this theology claims to have devised a single yes or no question that “topples” what he calls "Torahism," by which he means the biblical doctrine that the Law of Moses remains in effect. In this video, we consider this question. (Spoiler alert: Messianic Jews and Pronomian Christians won't be chowing down on pork bacon anytime soon.)
Until Heaven & Earth Pass Away, the Law of Moses Will Stay (Matthew 5:18)
Did Jesus bring the Law of Moses to an end, or did he want his followers to obey it? As we learned in our previous video, Jesus makes it clear in Matthew 5:17 that he did not come to invalidate the Law’s authority but rather came to teach and demonstrate the correct way to obey it. This statement alone is sufficient to dismiss any claims that Jesus did away with the Law. But he doesn’t stop there. In Matthew 5:18, he goes on to declare that the whole Torah will remain as long as heaven and earth exist. In other words, it will not be going away any time soon. In this video, we will delve into the significance of Jesus’s statement that nothing will pass from the Law “until heaven and earth pass away” and “until all is accomplished.”
Rabbi Tovia Singer is Wrong About Paul's Position on the Law of Moses
In a recent video, Rabbi Tovia Singer argues that Paul detested the Law of Moses and taught that Christians don’t need to keep it. However, Rabbi Singer’s objection relies on an outdated, antinomian reading of Paul, which does not accurately reflect the true Paul depicted in the Pauline epistles and Acts. In this video, we address Rabbi Singer’s claims and clarify Paul’s stance on the Law of Moses.
What it Means to Fulfill the Law of Moses (Matthew 5:17)
What did Jesus teach about the Law of Moses? Did he say that he came to bring it to an end, or did he want his followers to obey it? Matthew 5:17-20 is a key passage that speaks to this question. In this video, we focus on verse 17, where Jesus says, “Do not think that I have come to abolish the Law or the Prophets; I have not come to abolish them but to fulfill them.” We explore what Jesus meant by the terms “abolish” and “fulfill.”
Peter's Warning About the Antinomians Who Twist Paul's Letters (2 Peter 3:15-17)
In 2 Peter 3:15-17, Peter warns that Paul’s letters contain content that is “hard to understand” and which “the ignorant and unstable” misinterpret. He then connects the mishandling of Paul’s letters to “lawless people.” In this video, I argue that 2 Peter 3:15-17 represents Peter’s warning regarding antinomians (individuals who reject God’s law) who misinterpret passages in Paul’s letters to advocate for lawlessness.
The Law of Christ vs. the Law of Moses? (Galatians 6:2; 1 Corinthians 9:21)
The expression “law of Christ” appears only two times in the New Testament (Galatians 6:2; 1 Corinthians 9:21). Traditionally, interpreters have frequently understood this expression to refer to a new “law” or ethic that supersedes the law of Moses. However, there is a growing scholarly consensus that “law of Christ” directly refers to the law of Moses in some sense. This video makes a case for interpreting the phrase “law of Christ” in Galatians 6:2 and 1 Corinthians 9:21 as a reference to the law of Moses as it is taught and exemplified by Christ.