1 Timothy 1:8
But we know that the law is good, if a man use it lawfully;
Original Language Analysis
Cross References
Historical Context
Paul's complex relationship with the law required careful explanation throughout his ministry. Jewish opponents accused him of teaching against Moses and the law (Acts 21:28), while some converts misunderstood his gospel of grace as antinomianism (Romans 6:1). Paul consistently maintained that the law is good and holy while insisting that justification comes through faith in Christ alone, not works of law.
The issue was particularly acute in churches with both Jewish and Gentile believers. Jewish Christians, raised to revere the law as God's supreme revelation, struggled to understand its new relationship to them in Christ. Gentile Christians sometimes adopted aspects of Jewish law thinking it necessary for salvation or spiritual maturity. False teachers exploited this confusion, promoting law observance as essential while missing the gospel's radical newness.
Understanding the law's legitimate use distinguished authentic Christianity from both legalism (which makes law-keeping necessary for salvation) and antinomianism (which rejects any role for law in Christian life). The Jerusalem Council (Acts 15) had addressed these issues, affirming salvation by grace through faith while establishing minimal requirements for Gentile believers to maintain fellowship with Jewish Christians.
Questions for Reflection
- How do you distinguish between legitimate use of Old Testament law for instruction and illegitimate legalism?
- In what ways does the law drive you to Christ rather than becoming a means of self-righteousness?
- How can Christians maintain high moral standards without falling into performance-based acceptance before God?
Analysis & Commentary
But we know that the law is good, if a man use it lawfully; Paul corrects potential misunderstanding: his criticism of false teachers doesn't mean the Mosaic law itself is problematic. The law is "good" (kalos, καλός)—noble, excellent, morally beautiful. This affirms the law's divine origin and righteous character, echoing Paul's teaching in Romans 7:12: "the law is holy, and the commandment holy, and just, and good."
The crucial qualification is "if a man use it lawfully" (ean tis autō nomimōs chrētai, ἐάν τις αὐτῷ νομίμως χρῆται). The adverb nomimōs (νομίμως) means "lawfully" or "legitimately"—according to its proper purpose. The law itself is good, but it can be misused. The false teachers were employing the law illegitimately, missing its true purpose and promoting it in ways contrary to its divine intention.
This balanced perspective on the law pervades Paul's theology. The law isn't evil or obsolete, but neither is it the means of justification or sanctification. Understanding the law's proper use requires recognizing both its value and its limitations. The law reveals God's character, exposes sin, drives people to Christ, and guides Christian living—but it cannot save, justify, or empower holy living. Only the gospel provides these.