| Do Matthew 5:17 and Ephesians 2:15 Gainsay Each Other?
There are some, that for one reason or another, will attempt to bind an Old Testament law to us and they will use Matthew 5:17 to do so. The problem comes from the use of some translations that used the word abolish in this verse where it is not appropriate.
Matthew 5:17
NIV
17"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.
KJV
17Think not that I am come to destroy the law, or the prophets: I am not come to destroy, but to fulfil.
The intent of Jesus' words here was to state that the law of Moses was not to come to a fruitless end, but he was here to fulfill it. The purpose and original design of it is perpetual. This passage should not be used to enforce any old testament laws and examples such as worshiping with instrumental music or keeping the Sabbath. We can look through some of the modern Bible versions and see that the word destroy was replaced with abolish, which does not exactly jive with the original Greek. To do so puts us at odds with Paul and the Hebrew writer in these passages:
Ephesians 2:15
NIV
15by abolishing in his flesh the law with its commandments and regulations. His purpose was to create in himself one new man out of the two, thus making peace
KJV
15Having abolished in his flesh the enmity, even the law of commandments contained in ordinances; for to make in himself of twain one new man, so making peace;
Hebrews 10:9
NIV
9Then he said, "Here I am, I have come to do your will." He sets aside the first to establish the second.
KJV
9Then said he, Lo, I come to do thy will, O God. He taketh away the first, that he may establish the second.
The writers here are reminding us that the law, as a legal code, were nailed to the cross with Jesus and the word "Abolish" is correct in this context.
From Strong's Numbers
Used in Matt 5:17 G2647
καταλύω
kataluō
kat-al-oo'-o
From G2596 and G3089; to loosen down (disintegrate), that is, (by implication) to demolish (literally or figuratively); specifically (compare G2646) to halt for the night: - destroy, dissolve, be guest, lodge, come to nought, overthrow, throw down.
Used in Eph 2:15 G2673
καταργέω
katargeō
kat-arg-eh'-o
From G2596 and G691; to be (render) entirely idle (useless), literally or figuratively: - abolish, cease, cumber, deliver, destroy, do away, become (make) of no (none, without) effect, fail, loose, bring (come) to nought, put away (down), vanish away, make void.
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