How do Catholic scholars explain Gal 2: 21 against the backdrop of Mtt 5: 17-18?

Upvote:3

Paul wasn't downplaying the Law. He was responding to those that were "upplaying" it.

Compare these two scriptures with getting a university degree and winning a Nobel prize in physics.

  • Matthew: if you want to win the prize, you have to earn the degree.
  • Galatians: if getting a degree could earn you the prize, then the prize would be worthless.

Both statements are logically true:

  • Matthew: the degree is necessary.
  • Galatians: the degree isn't sufficient.

or:

  • Matthew: Salvation requires obedience to God's Law.
  • Galatians: Obedience by itself will not earn Salvation.

Upvote:4

Although not strictly a Catholic Church Scholar point of view, Paul was not contradicting Jesus' statement. To understand, one has to understand the contrast, what the point of the Law was and how to achieve it.

And it [all of the Laws] shall be our righteousness, if we observe to do all these commandments before the LORD our God, as he hath commanded us. Deut 6:25

Righteousness could come from observing ALL of the Law, IF one can do it every second of every day. This is what Christ fulfilled, but no one else, including Paul, could do this. We are all sinners, missing the mark of righteousness.

As such, we cannot rely on our works (obeying some of the Law), we cannot rely on justification from the Law. We can, however, rely on the grace of God for our righteousness.

If we reject Christ and God's grace, to work at our righteousness, we have nullified the grace of God and rejected the work of Christ on our behalf.

Take a pick. Follow all the commandments for your righteousness, thus rejecting God's grace through Christ's passion. Accept God's grace through His Son.

For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Eph 2:8

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