YHVH has provided all of Torah, along with the writings of the prophets (called Nevi’im in Hebrew) and the various writings like Psalms, Proverbs, etc (Ketuvim). Together, these are referred to as the Tanak. Each part of the Tanak utilizes Torah as the foundational perspective in which they are written and understood. The Prophets utilize Torah as the measure by which Israel is compared. Israel is constantly reminded by Isaiah, Jeremiah, Ezekiel, etc. to turn back to what YHVH has told them to obey, and to follow YHVH. How do they follow Him? By keeping Torah from their hearts.
Similarly, The New Testament/Brit haDashah starts with the telling of Yeshua’s life and deeds. The book of Acts follows this by showcasing how a new generation of believers worked out their convictions. We don’t think it’s a coincidence that the first five books of Torah begin with a narrative and go through four books of governmental, physical ordinances. In much the same fashion, the Brit haDashah reverses this order and places emphasis on eternal, spiritual directives. Yeshua’s life and work conformed to Torah because He is all the Words YHVH has spoken—including all of Torah. He has fulfilled Torah by being the Word manifest and dying for us, as required by that same Word. The Gospels should be looked at through the lens of obedience and life, as decreed by Torah.
Acts narrates the actions of disciples and apostles. Much like Genesis, Acts tells us about patriarchs of our faith and their defining moments in making disciples of the nations. Like the forefathers of old, Abraham, Isaac, and Yacov each were a living, breathing testament of YHVH’s faithfulness and willingness to have a relationship with His creation.
The most problematic aspect of this first concern is the Epistles. If taken at face value, without context, they would lead many believers away from Torah. Yet, if we recognize them as letters from Paul, rather than prophetic writings from YHVH though the likes of His Prophets, we realize we only have the answers to questions or rebukes based on suppositional accusations. It is not that Paul’s teachings aren’t breathed to him by the Ruach. Yet, we should understand the limitations that each Epistle brings in the form of letters of concern, exhortation, admonishment, the like for the equipping of the body to which they were written.
If the totality of the New Testament writings are viewed through the lens of Torah, knowing that Yeshua obeyed all of Torah and did not sin and that we as His disciples are to be like Him, then we should be understanding, through proper interpretation, translation, and application, these writing based on that vantage point.
Within this first step, vetting our understanding, even knowledge, of answering questions about Torah, Yeshua’s life, and their application is the foundational key to properly dividing the Word of YHVH.
