But I Say

By Odom Hawkins

When Jesus spoke the words “But I say unto you” many students of the Bible contend about what He was saying. Many articles in bulletins and pamphlets discuss that He was intending to say something “different from” anything Moses or the prophets had ever written. This book was written for a closer examination of the subject.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Odom Hawkins
• Release date: Sep 7, 2013
• ISBN: 9780985617455

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But I Say

By Odom Hawkins

Published by Odom Hawkins at Smashwords

Copyright 2013 Odom Hawkins

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ISBN : 9780985617455

INTRODUCTION

Many students of the Bible contend that when Jesus spoke the Words But I say unto you; He was intending to say something in contrast to, something opposed to or something different from anything Moses or the prophets had ever written. Articles have appeared in bulletins and pamphlets discussing this viewpoint. They are usually written for the purpose of refuting a doctrine which teaches that the four gospels are part of the Old Testament: And the things Jesus taught in the gospels do not apply to Christians today. Let it be known here: This article is in no way defending that doctrine.

The three terms listed above have all appeared in those articles. Before we accept the phrases in contrast to, opposed to, or different from as being true; a definition of the words should be determined. The word oppose is defined as (1) To place opposite; in balance or contrast. (2) To resist, contend with. (3) To set against; to resist or to compete with (Webster’s New World Dictionary and Webster’s Encyclopedia of Dictionaries). The word contrast is from two Latin words which literally mean To stand against, or stand in opposition to (ibid).

Questions were asked and implications were made in those articles in their attempts to prove what they believe. Their statements, questions and implications are the things which will be discussed in this composition. Those who take that position will be referred to as they, their and them in the body of this article.

THE GOLDEN RULE

One of the questions they asked in trying to show that the things that Jesus taught were different or in contrast to what Moses had said was: Are we subject to the golden rule as stated in Matt. 7:12, or is that simply a part of the Mosaic Law?

My reasoning on that question (as well as some of the other questions which will be discussed) is based upon whether Moses had, or had not, already established a foundation for the subjects that Jesus discussed. If Moses had established the principle (in this case of how people were to treat other people) then Jesus just used different words to express the same principle that Moses had already established when He said, Therefore all things whatsoever ye would that men should do to you, do ye even so to them: For this is the law and the prophets (Matt. 7:12).

Not only did Jesus state the same principle that Moses and the prophets had established, but He made a point of saying His statement was based upon what was written in the law and the prophets. The following Scriptures contained in the law and the prophets clearly show the background for His statement, For this is the law and the prophets. When Jesus endorsed some principle Moses and the prophets had already established; how could it be considered to be opposed to or in contrast to what they had written? Matthew 7:12 merely corroborates a principle the law and the prophets had already established.

Ex. 20:16-17 KJV—Thou shalt not bear false witness against thy neighbor. 17 Thou shalt not covet thy neighbor's house; thou shalt not covet thy neighbor's wife, nor his manservant, nor his maidservant, nor his ox nor his ass, nor any thing that is thy neighbor's.

Lev. 19:33-34 KJV—If a stranger sojourns with thee in your land, ye shall not vex him. 34 But the stranger that dwelleth with you shall be unto you as