¹⁸ When the people saw the thunder and lightning and heard the trumpet^(J) and saw the mountain in smoke,^(K) they trembled with fear.^(L) They stayed at a distance ¹⁹ and said to Moses, “Speak to us yourself and we will listen. But do not have God speak^(M) to us or we will die.”^(N)

²⁰ Moses said to the people, “Do not be afraid.^(O) God has come to test^(P) you, so that the fear^(Q) of God will be with you to keep you from sinning.”^(R)

The Fulfillment of the Law

¹⁷ “Do not think that I have come to abolish the Law or the Prophets; I have not come to abolish them but to fulfill them.^{(A) 18} For truly I tell you, until heaven and earth disappear, not the smallest letter, not the least stroke of a pen, will by any means disappear from the Law until everything is accomplished.^{(B) 19} Therefore anyone who sets aside one of the least of these commands^(C) and teaches others accordingly will be called least in the kingdom of heaven, but whoever practices and teaches these commands will be called great in the kingdom of heaven. ²⁰ For I tell you that unless your righteousness surpasses that of the Pharisees and the teachers of the law, you will certainly not enter the kingdom of heaven.^(D)