The body of the Sermon on the Mount begins by highlighting the disposition of Jesus and his followers in relation to the Old Testament law, or torah (5:17–48). Jesus affirms his mission to fulfill the Law and the Prophets (the Old Testament Scriptures) rather than abolish them. He warns his followers against breaking or influencingothers to break any of the torah’s commands (5:19). In fact, their torah observance (“righteousness,” …
Baker Publishing Group, The Baker Illustrated Bible Commentary, by Gary M. Burge