According to scripture, Paul’s teaching didn’t come from learning alongside the 12 disciples, nor from the 11 after Y’shua’s ascension; rather, he learned through a unique, one-on-one tutorial from the resurrected Jesus. So, what we read about Paul, in Acts and from the letters attributed to Paul, conveys a smattering of his understanding as shaped by this experience as he developed his ministry to teach a theologically mixed bag of non-Jews about Judaism according to this new Way. This context is an important foundation we need to accurately understand Paul’s teachings.

The Law of God vs the Law of Moses

The God of Israel presented Moses with a set of laws, precepts, and statutes at the summit of Mt. Sinai, which formed the foundation of their covenant/contract that confirmed YHWH (Yehowah) as their God, and they His people — a marriage of sorts. These details formed an outline of the ideals the descendants of Israel/Jacob and those who lived among them would agree to follow if they were to have the blessings/good things God would provide in the relationship. It also detailed and outlined the kinds of punishment they could expect if they did not uphold their side of the covenant/agreement.

Even before they made it to the mountain to meet God, the huge and diverse group making the trek from Egypt had to be governed. Moses served as the moderator/judge between disputing parties, and his judgments became the “law.” When the number of disputes became so numerous that Moses spent most all of his time trying to manage it, His father-in-law suggested that he create lower courts to help handle the load. God confirmed that it was a good thing to do, and so it was.

So there was the Law of Moses and the Law of God. The law of Moses is understood to not supersede the Law of God; however, since God ratified Moses’ role as supreme judge for His people, it carried and still carries similar authority as the Law of God. At times, the terms “Law(s) of Moses” and “Law(s) of God” have been used interchangeably.

Moses enjoyed a uniquely close relationship with God and, once Moses was dead, nobody else had that relationship. Although God personally chose Joshua (Yehoshua/Y’shua) to become Moses’ successor to lead the nation to the promised land, Joshua’s relationship with God was not as close. He did not, like Moses, meet with God face-to-face as a friend.

Judges continued their work, and their rulings were understood to be law, but never to supersede those of God, nor their covenant with God. To disobey God — break God’s law — is sin; to break the law of the nation is not the same.

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