Only Two Commandments
Matthew 22:40 KJV
On these two commandments hang all the law and the prophets.
If you are reading this, I am sure at some point in time in your life you have either stated or heard someone else state, “Christ said we only have to keep these two commandments!” Or some variation of that statement. Many of which take this verse and run with it, while watering it down over time as it becomes a common oral commandment. Without first understanding it contextually or line upon line. Leading to an imbalanced understanding and a false doctrine. But we will examine these words with all diligence.
Matthew 22:40 KJV
On these two commandments hang all the law and the prophets.
The first thing to point out is what is said within this verse itself. Too many people focus on the opening line and overlook the rest of the verse. They see “two commandments” and that is all they need to hear to justify the thought in their mind and rationalize what they have come to believe as true. Being that we are only responsible for keeping two laws now thanks to Christ. Adding this understanding to feed other imbalanced doctrines such as “he nailed the law to the cross”. Therefore, we do not have to keep the law. Some of which, the premise is true but the conclusion they arrive at is false. Because the understanding takes it left. So here we see key words that identify a greater meaning and are indicators of knowing what he is talking about. “Hang all the law and the prophets.” The key is “hang” and “all”. An example of this would be if I were to take two hangers and say, “on these hangers hangs all of my work clothes for the day.” You would think of a company I work for and an outfit that would be suitable, draped down on those hangers. It would be pretty clear cut in your mind. You would not think the clothes were on the floor or scattered everywhere. But that it is neat, organized and ready. This also is an indicator of a spiritual veil. Many could see the analogy I gave well, yet, cannot see the understanding of this scripture. And yet even if they do see it, they will find a way to remain blind and ignorant to the fact that it is making sense. And if it makes sense, I know I have to change and take on the whole package and I am not trying to do that, so the best thing to do is deny and remain ignorant.
Now, the other word in this context we must elucidate is “all”. If I were to ask someone, “where in the Bible would you find all of the writings of the prophets and the writings of the law? I am sure they would say in the Old Testament.” And probably without hesitation. Not knowing this is also what helps clarify this verse as well as condemn those that read it, save they repent. If ALL of the writings of the law and the prophets hang on these two commandments that means he is telling you I am summarizing ALL of these works, the law and prophets which is ultimately the Old Testament into these TWO commandments. Which means what I am telling you to keep and apply is not anything new but rather what was already written. Consequently, that also means nothing is left out; nothing is omitted, nothing is done away! Simple reasoning and logic if one is sincere and able to slow down and read contextually.
Matthew 22:34-40 KJVS
But when the Pharisees had heard that he had put the Sadducees to silence, they were gathered together. [35] Then one of them, which was a lawyer, asked him a question, tempting him, and saying, [36] Master, which is the great commandment in the law? [37] Jesus said unto him, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind. [38] This is the first and great commandment. [39] And the second is like unto it, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself. [40] On these two commandments hang all the law and the prophets.
See you have to understand the whole conversation that was taking place. The Pharisees had heard how Christ had gotten the upper hand of the Sadducees and one of them being learned and well versed in the law came to him deceptively, asking him which commandment is the greatest? Knowing full well we ought to apply and keep all the laws of the Most High! For if you offend in any you may be put to death or risk not being found worthy of the kingdom! But Christ went twain with him. And gave him commandments that are written in the old testament but they are not immediately received as great laws but rather as part of the wisdom or things you should do or apply. The reality of these two commandments is that if you apply them you fulfill the entirety of the law. As the law is divided up into either offenses or transgressions you do against The Most High or your fellow man. Which is how Christ was able to give the reasoning he gave in verse forty. Nothing in the passage we read was concerning which laws we no longer have to keep or limiting the laws to which ones are the only ones we have to keep. But rather clarifying which, if any, are of greater importance or weightier than the others. This understanding is what we should apply moving forward and use to help correct and guide those who utilize this statement and others like it to justify the continuation of a life of sin.
Revelation 1:3 KJV
Blessed is he that readeth, and they that hear the words of this prophecy, and keep those things which are written therein: for the time is at hand.
