5:17 Law or the Prophets. A way of referring to the whole Old Testament.

not come to abolish. The correctives of vv. 21–48 should be read in the light of this opening remark. In fulfilling the law, Jesus does not alter, replace, or nullify the former commands; rather, He establishes their true intent and purpose in His teaching and accomplishes them in His obedient life. The Law, as well as the Prophets, points forward to Christ. See “The Law of God” at Ex. 20:1.