Understanding Jewish Law in the New Testament Context

Jewish law, as presented in the New Testament, is rooted in a different conception than contemporary legal systems. While modern laws often come with punitive frameworks where breaking a law leads to imprisonment, Jewish law was historically viewed through the lens of covenantal relationships. Within this context, laws were given not as burdens but as guideposts for a community chosen by God, emphasizing that following the law was a joyous act rather than a punitive obligation. This understanding contrasts with later interpretations that framed Jewish law as impossible to follow, which misrepresents its intended purpose and the historical view held by practitioners.