Paul’s Affirmation of the Old Testament Law: Insights from His Letters

As Believers, we value the words of the entire Bible, from Genesis to Revelation. We know the Old Testament Law points us to God’s holiness and our need for a Savior, and it’s fascinating to see how the Apostle Paul, discussed it in his writings. Some might think Paul was all about ditching the law for grace. He emphasized we’re saved by faith in Christ alone, but he also had a deep respect for the Old Testament Law. In fact, he often upheld it as good, holy, and even something we establish through our faith.

I want to walk you through some key passages from Paul’s writings where he supports and affirms Old Testament Law. We’ll stick to his authenticated letters (like Romans, Corinthians, Galatians, Ephesians, 1&2 Timothy, and Titus). The verses are listed below but, as with everything in the Bible, make sure to take some time and read these verses in context to gain a much clearer understanding of what Paul intended to convey in his writings.

Romans: The Law as Holy and Established by Faith

Paul’s letter to the Romans is a theological masterpiece, written in midrashic style, typical for his time and Pharisaic training, and he spends a good chunk of it discussing the Law. He makes it clear that faith doesn’t cancel out the Law; it actually confirms it. Here are example verses:

• Romans 3:31: “Do we then nullify the law through faith? May it never be! On the contrary, we establish the law.” Here, Paul is adamant—faith in Jesus doesn’t make the law irrelevant. Instead, it upholds and fulfills its purpose, showing us our sin and leading us to Christ.
• Romans 7:7: “What shall we say then? Is the law sin? May it never be! On the contrary, I would not have come to know sin except through the law; for I would not have known about coveting if the law had not said, ‘You shall not covet.'” Paul quotes directly from the Ten Commandments (Exodus 20:17) to illustrate how the law reveals sin, which is a good thing because it drives us to repentance.
• Romans 7:12: “So then, the law is holy, and the commandment is holy and righteous and good.” Straightforward praise here—Paul calls the law holy! He sees it as reflecting God’s perfect character.
• Romans 7:14: “For we know that the law is spiritual, but I am of the flesh, sold into bondage to sin.” The law isn’t the problem; our sinful nature is. Paul affirms the law’s spiritual depth.
• Romans 7:22: “For I joyfully concur with the law of God in the inner man.” Deep down, Paul delights in God’s law, echoing the psalmist’s love for it (like in Psalm 119).
• Romans 13:8-10: “Owe nothing to anyone except to love one another; for he who loves his neighbor has fulfilled the law. For this, ‘You shall not commit adultery, You shall not murder, You shall not steal, You shall not covet,’ and if there is any other commandment, it is summed up in this saying, ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’ Love does no wrong to a neighbor; therefore love is the fulfillment of the law.” Paul quotes multiple commandments (from Exodus 20 and Leviticus 19:18) and ties them to love, showing how the moral heart of the law endures.

1 Corinthians: Keeping God’s Commandments Matters

In his first letter to the Corinthians, Paul addresses practical church issues but still nods to the law’s importance.

• 1 Corinthians 7:19: “Circumcision is nothing, and uncircumcision is nothing, but what matters is the keeping of the commandments of God.” Even amid debates about Jewish customs, Paul prioritizes obeying God’s commands, rooting this in the Old Testament’s moral framework.
• 1 Corinthians 9:8-9: “Do I speak these things according to the ways of men? Or does not the law also say the same? For it is written in the law of Moses, ‘You shall not muzzle the ox while he is threshing.’ God is not concerned about oxen, is He?” Quoting Deuteronomy 25:4, Paul uses the law to support fair treatment of workers, applying it broadly.

Galatians: Fulfilling the Law Through Love

Galatians, also written in typical midrashic style, is where Paul fights hard against legalism, but even here, he doesn’t trash the Law. He shows how it’s fulfilled in Christ.

• Galatians 5:14: “For the whole law is fulfilled in one word, in the statement, ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.'” Another nod to Leviticus 19:18, emphasizing love as the law’s essence.
• Galatians 5:23: Speaking of the fruit of the Spirit (love, joy, peace, etc.), Paul adds, “against such things there is no law.” In other words, living by the Spirit aligns perfectly with the Law’s righteousness.
• Galatians 6:2: “Bear one another’s burdens, and thereby fulfill the law of Christ.” While this points to Jesus’ teachings, it builds on the Old Testament’s call to love and community, showing continuity.

Ephesians: Honoring Specific Commandments

Paul’s letter to the Ephesians is full of practical advice for Christian living, including direct quotes from the Law.

• Ephesians 6:1-3: “Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right. ‘Honor your father and mother’ (which is the first commandment with a promise), so that it may be well with you, and that you may live long on the earth.” Straight from Exodus 20:12 and Deuteronomy 5:16, Paul upholds this commandment and its promise, applying it to Believers.

1 Timothy: The Law’s Proper Use

In guiding young Timothy, Paul clarifies the Law’s role without diminishing it.

• 1 Timothy 1:8: “But we know that the Law is good, if one uses it lawfully.” Paul affirms the Law’s goodness when applied correctly, not for justification, but for guiding righteous living and exposing wrongdoing (verses 9-10 list sins echoing the commandments).

Wrapping It Up: Paul’s Balanced View

Isn’t it encouraging to see how Paul weaves Old Testament Law into his teachings? He never pits grace against the Law; instead, he shows how faith in Jesus fulfills its deepest intent. The Law reveals God’s standards, convicts us of sin, and points to the Savior who perfectly kept it on our behalf. As we walk in the Spirit, we naturally live out its moral principles through love.

Although we’re often taught that the Old Testament upholds God’s Law and the New Testament says it no longer applies, we can see from the verses above that Paul’s writings don’t contradict the positive view of the Law in the Old Testament. Neither do Jesus’s teachings on the Law. For further reading on this subject, see Does Old Testament Law Apply to Christians?