How Exactly the Apostle Paul Surpass the Law

Concerning the Law, the Apostle Paul makes his point clear that he did not make void the Law through faith, in fact he establish it (Rom 3:31). It is very clear also that Jesus did not nullify the Law. He actually brought out the Law with its full meaning and real intention. Our Lord himself when he came on earth had exactly surpassed the Law. (Mat 5:17-20).

Surpass means “be more excellent” (Strong Dictionary).

How Paul surpassed the Law:

1. He practice what he preach.
This is a very primary important reminder to all who called themselves preacher of the Word of God. Do practice what you preach because if not, you might be in danger of fire of hell. To preach without applying to himself what he preach is lying. And liar goes to hell (Rev 21:9). (Paul surpassed the 9th commandment - Read Rom 2:19-23.)

2. He did not use and abuse his power (to get money).

If we have sown unto you spiritual things, is it a great thing if we shall reap your carnal things? (1Co 9:11)If others be partakers of this power over you, are not we rather? Nevertheless we have not used this power; but suffer all things, lest we should hinder the gospel of Christ. (1Co 9:12)


Even so hath the Lord ordained that they which preach the gospel should live of the gospel. But I have used none of these things: neither have I written these things, that it should be so done unto me: for it were better for me to die, than that any man should make my glorying void. (1Co 9:14-15)

What is my reward then? Verily that, when I preach the gospel, I may make the gospel of Christ without charge, that I abuse not my power in the gospel. (1Co 9:18)


(Paul surpassed the 10th commandment)


3. He surpassed all of the 10 Commandments

Definitely, Paul surpassed the Law. He personally gave an instruction to Timothy of how he going to properly choose and appoint leaders in the Church. (1 Tim Chapter 3). Paul told Timothy that leaders should not be an adulterer, murderer, liar, thief and so on. Doubtless, Paul and Timothy keep the Ten Commandments and surpass them.

All Christians needs not just to obey and keep the Law but to surpass them and that is the real context and essence concerning the Law. And that is the Ten Commandments not we heard of long ago but what the Lord Jesus had tell “NOW”.