Misquoting Jesus with Bart Ehrman
Can Anyone Keep the Jewish Law?
Feb 4, 2025
In a thought-provoking conversation, Bart Ehrman, a six-time New York Times bestselling author and Bible scholar, dives into the complexities of Jewish Law as depicted in the New Testament. He discusses whether it's even possible to adhere to the law and what the New Testament authors intended by it. Ehrman contrasts the law’s joyful adherence with its burdens, while examining Jesus' conflicts with the Pharisees, emphasizing love and compassion over ritual. His insights shed light on the intricate relationship between Jewish and early Christian perspectives.
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Quick takeaways
- The Jewish law, rooted in covenantal relationships, was intended as a joyous guide rather than a punitive obligation for its followers.
- Variations in New Testament authors' perspectives on Jewish law highlight a significant theological divide regarding its necessity for salvation in Christianity.
Deep dives
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.
