Expert: Sal - 12/19/2007

Question
Dear Sal:
What does Paul mean when he says works of the Law?
Matthew

Answer
Dear Matthew:

The answer depends on the context in which Paul uses the term "works of the law". For example in Gal. 2:16 Paul writes, "Knowing that a man is not justified by the works of the law, but by the faith of Jesus Christ even we have believed in Jesus Christ that we might be justified by the faith of Christ, and not by the works of the law: for by the works of the law shall no flesh be justified." In context Paul is referring to the ceremonial law because in the immediately preceding verses (11-15) he is clearly speaking of the food laws which are ceremonial. "For before that certain came from James, he (Peter) did eat with the Gentiles: but when they were come, he withdrew and separated himself, fearing them which were of the circumcision" (v. 12). Another example of the use of "works of the law" occurs in Gal. 3:10. "For as many as are of the works of the law are under a curse: for it is written, 'Cursed is everyone that continues not in all things which are written in the book of the law to do them." In this case Paul means the entire law moral and ceremonial. He says, "All things which are written in the book of the law". The book of the law is Deuteronomy which contains both kinds of works of the law, moral and ceremonial. So "works of the law" can mean either ceremonial laws or all of the 613 laws of the Old Covenant. The context is the key.

God Bless You,
Sal