Expounding of The Law - Antitheses

Antitheses

Jesus then moves to a highly structured ("Ye have heard ... But I say unto you") discussion of the "Law and Prophets" or Old Covenant. This section (Matthew 5:17 to Matthew 5:48) is traditionally referred to as the Antitheses though Gundry disputes that title. The NIV translation titles Matthew 5:17-20 "The Fulfillment of the Law", the NRSV translation titles it "The Law and the Prophets", the United Bible Societies' "The Greek New Testament", edited by Kurt Aland, Bruce Metzger and others, titles it the "Teaching about the Law." It is at the core of the argument about the relationship between the views attributed to Jesus, such as Gospel, Grace, New Covenant, New Commandment, Law of Christ, and those attributed to Moses or the Mosaic Law, and hence on the relationship between the New Testament and Old Testament, Christian views on the old covenant, Law and Gospel, and as a basis of Christian ethics. In Matthew 5:17 he states that he has come to fulfil the law, not to destroy it. Beginning with Marcion of Sinope, the interpretation of this phrase has been much disputed, including views of abrogation of Old Covenant laws.

After the introduction (5:17-20), the next verses are commentaries on six specific topics where Jesus recites a law, starting with two of the Ten Commandments, and then comments on it. This generally sees Jesus impose more rigorous standards. The six antitheses are on:

1. You shall not murder at 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26
2. You shall not commit adultery at 27, 28, 29, 30
3. Divorce at 31 and 32
4. Oaths at 33, 34, 35, 36, 37
5. Eye for an eye at 38, 39, 40, 41, 42
6. Love thy neighbour as thyself at 43, 44, 45, 46, 47, 48