How many commandments did Jesus give in the New Testament? This question has intrigued Christians for centuries, as they seek to understand the teachings of Jesus Christ and how they relate to the Ten Commandments given by God to Moses in the Old Testament. The New Testament provides various teachings from Jesus, but determining the exact number of commandments He gave can be a complex task.
The Ten Commandments, as outlined in Exodus 20:1-17 and Deuteronomy 5:6-21, are considered the foundation of moral law in the Old Testament. They encompass a range of commands, from worshiping only one God to respecting parents and not committing murder, adultery, or theft. Jesus, in the New Testament, is often seen as fulfilling and expanding upon these commandments.
One of the most well-known teachings of Jesus regarding commandments is found in Matthew 22:36-40. When asked which is the greatest commandment, Jesus replied, “Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.” He then added, “This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments.” In this passage, Jesus seems to condense the Ten Commandments into two main principles: loving God and loving others.
However, Jesus also gave other teachings that can be considered commandments. For example, in Matthew 5:21-48, Jesus expands on several of the Old Testament commandments, such as not murder, adultery, and theft. He emphasizes that the intention behind these actions is as important as the actions themselves. Jesus teaches that anger, lust, and deceit are forms of breaking the commandments, thus broadening their scope.
In addition to these teachings, Jesus also offers parables and moral guidance that can be seen as commandments. For instance, the Parable of the Good Samaritan (Luke 10:30-37) teaches the importance of loving and helping others, regardless of their background or religion. The Lord’s Prayer, found in Matthew 6:9-13, provides a framework for how believers should approach God and their daily lives, with elements that can be considered commandments.
Determining the exact number of commandments Jesus gave in the New Testament is challenging, as His teachings are scattered throughout the Gospels. Some scholars argue that Jesus’ teachings can be categorized into around ten main commandments, while others believe there are more. It is essential to note that the New Testament does not explicitly list a specific number of commandments given by Jesus.
In conclusion, while the Ten Commandments serve as a foundational moral framework, Jesus Christ’s teachings in the New Testament expand and clarify these commandments. His emphasis on loving God and loving others can be seen as the core principles of His teachings. Although the exact number of commandments Jesus gave may be difficult to pinpoint, it is clear that His teachings have had a profound impact on Christian ethics and moral values.
