THE LAW & THE PROPHETS

*[[Act 28:23]] KJV* And when they had appointed him a day, there came many to him into his lodging; to whom he expounded and testified the kingdom of God, persuading them concerning Jesus, both out of the law of Moses, and out of the prophets, from morning till evening.

The Law of Moses refers to the 10 Commandments and the other 613 laws contained in the Pentateuch (Genesis- Deuteronomy). While the Prophets, refers to the books written by the Old Testament prophets. The term, "the Law and the Prophets" is often used to connote the Old Testament.

One day a young minister, after studying the Pentateuch said boldly and passionately that if all upcoming ministers of the gospel would do same, they wouldn't have any problem with immorality but rather, seeing how God dealt with the Israelite, it would keep them in the fear of God. When he was asked why we should still live under the laws, he quoted portions of the scripture where it says Jesus and Paul taught from the Law and the Prophets.

Well, that was the only scripture their audience had at the time. However, whether they used the Old Testament or not, that is not the point. Rather, we ought to look at what they used it for. To understand this, there is the need to read the opening verse in context. It says that Paul used it to reveal the Kingdom of God and Jesus to them. In other words, Paul's interest and that of Jesus was not in the "thou shalt" and the "thou shalt not" but they were interested in seeing Jesus on those pages.

Beloved, the key to understanding the scriptures is summarized in this statement, "The Old Testament is Jesus concealed but the New Testament is Jesus revealed". The point of all scripture is to reveal Christ Jesus that is why the Holy Spirit came not to keep you bound with a set of legalistic rules. Enjoy your freedom in Christ. Shalom!!!

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