Christians and Their Obedience to Matthew 23:2-3

Did early Christians need to obey the commandments of the scribes and Pharisees as prescribed in Matthew 23:2-3? The biblical context and various scriptures provide insight into the relationship between Christian practices and adherence to Jewish legalism, particularly in the first centuries of the Church.

Understanding the Context

Matthew 23:2-3, part of the Sermon on the Mount, emphasizes the solemn duty to respect and follow the commands established by God through divine law, rather than living under the oppressive interpretations of the Pharisees and scribes. Jesus clearly states, "But** that ye may know** that the **cepts** which ye shall hear from me, are not of man: for I know from whence I have given them" (verses 2-3).

These verses contrast the rigid and restrictive interpretations of the Pharisees with the more flexible and spirit-driven teachings of Christ. Early Christians, particularly those of the Diaspora and Gentile converts, did not adopt a literal observance of the Mosaic Law, but instead focused on the foundational 10 Commandments and the teachings of Christ.

Scriptural Insight

Several scriptures offer further clarity on how early Christians interpreted and applied their faith without becoming overly bound by ritualistic legalism:

Acts 11:26 - Antioch and the Name of Christians: After a period of gathering and teaching in Antioch, the followers of Jesus were first called Christians there. This indicates how the term "Christian" signified a new kind of disciple, not one bound by the specific legal requirements of the temple.Matt 15:24 - Messiah's Narrow Mission: Jesus clearly defined his mission: “But]** I am not sent but unto the lost sheep of the house of Israel**” (verse 24). This emphasizes the emphasis on the spiritual and moral guidance over the adherence to man-made laws.Revelation 21:10-27 - The New Jerusalem: The vision of the new Jerusalem, where only those written in the Lamb’s book of life are admitted, illustrates that the only true adherence is through faith, not adherence to legalistic practices. The city represents the spiritual reality of the Christian life, free from the burden of legalism.

Reinterpreting Legalism

Messiah encouraged people to observe God’s commands with a renewed spirit. When followers of Jesus began to observe Jewish law, it often led to an overemphasis on strict adherence to rituals and legalistic practices. Jesus warned against this kind of legalism, highlighting that the true spirit of the commandments is to love God and neighbor, not to create a man-made and unforgiving set of rules.

A classic example is the act of washing hands before meals. While hygiene is important, the Pharisees turned it into a ritual that could be broken only if someone washed exactly as they did. This kind of legalism takes the genuine heart of God’s commands and turns them into man-made laws that are impossible for even the most pious to follow consistently.

Conclusion

In sum, while early Christians did observe the Law to some extent, especially for those living in areas with a strong Jewish influence, they did not follow the Pharisaic legalism. The Christian community, under the New Covenant, emphasized faith and the love of God and neighbor, rather than ritualistic obedience.

The Scriptures provide clear guidance that the vital aspect of Christianity is not about strict adherence to man-made laws but rather about living a life transformed by the grace and love of Christ.

Keywords: Christian obedience, Matthew 23:2-3, Jewish legalism