>> “I thought Matt. 23:3 meant simply: Obey the word of God, even if it is spoken by hypocrites, only do not live like them.” <<
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The words of the Pharisees are in no way “The Word of God.”
They are in almost every case in direct contradiction of the Word of God, so it would make no sense for Yeshua to tell his disciples to obey them.
The commandments of the Pharisees are the heavy burden that was lifted from their shoulders by Yeshua.
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In other words “Even if a hypocrite gives you God’s word, it’s STILL God’s word. Accept it as that, only don’t live as they live, a hypocrite.” You don’t think that makes sense?