I don't believe that I would get any arguments from other believers if I said that Christians today are a part of the New Covenant. However, there are many misunderstandings about this covenant that have caused many wrong assumptions and wrong theologies. Let's look into this issue a little more closely.
Where in the Bible do we learn about the New Covenant? We can read the entire New Testament and not find the details of this New Covenant. In order to "find" it, we must look back to the Old Testament. We can find it in the book of Jeremiah.
Jeremiah 31:31-34 (NIV)
31
"The time is coming," declares the LORD, "when I will make a new covenant with the house of Israel and with the house of Judah.
32
It will not be like the covenant I made with their forefathers when I took them by the hand to lead them out of Egypt, because they broke my covenant, though I was a husband to them," declares the LORD.
33
"This is the covenant I will make with the house of Israel after that time," declares the LORD. "I will put my law in their minds and write it on their hearts. I will be their God, and they will be my people.
34
No longer will a man teach his neighbor, or a man his brother, saying, 'Know the LORD,' because they will all know me, from the least of them to the greatest," declares the LORD. "For I will forgive their wickedness and will remember their sins no more."
With whom does God make this Covenant? Verse 31 tells us that the New Covenant is made between God and the house of Israel and the house of Judah. Clearly, the New Covenant is not made between God and any entity we would recognize today as the Church. Isn't this surprising, considering what we've been taught? Our theology has been wrong. If we are not a part of Israel there is no covenant.
Verse 32 tells us that the New Covenant will not be like the Old Covenant. No surprises there!
What is different about the New Covenant compared to the Old? Verse 33 explains that in the New Covenant, God's Law will be put in believers' minds and will be written on their hearts. This also is not surprising. However, what Law are we talking about? Since Jeremiah is a part of the Old Testament there can only be one conclusion. There was only one Law of God in existence. It is called the Torah. The Torah of God will be in believers' minds and hearts. Our theology has been wrong.
When does the New Covenant begin? Traditional Christianity says that the New Covenant began when the Holy Spirit descended on the believers at Pentecost. Although it is true that from that time on believers were indwelt by the Holy Spirit and they are able to refrain from sin, verse 34 doesn't sound like anything we are experiencing today. "All will know Yehovah!" Also, in verse 31, both houses of Israel are mentioned, but in verse 33 they are mentioned together as the house of Israel. The New Covenant will not be fully evident until a time future when Israel's two houses are again one, and all Israel will know God!
Traditional Christianity has a long history of distancing itself from Jewishness. Yet, the plain reading of the Bible indicates that God's people are called Israel and it is with her that the New Covenant is made. If you are a believer who has been born again and has the Spirit of God living within, you are a part of Israel. You are a part of the New Covenant. However, if the only difference between the Old and the New Covenant is the location of God's Torah, we believers in Yeshua must embrace that Torah and not make excuses as to why we don't have to obey it. Jeremiah's description makes no mention of a change in the requirements of following the Torah, so let's just do it!
Showing posts with label The Jewish Church. Show all posts
Showing posts with label The Jewish Church. Show all posts
Monday, September 7, 2015
Sunday, May 18, 2014
Did Paul Teach Against Torah?
Christianity has traditionally taught that Yeshua has fulfilled the Torah in the sense that believers no longer have to observe and keep Torah. Part of this understanding comes from Paul's supposed teachings that seem to agree that believers are no longer under any obligation to the Torah. But is this accurate? Let's examine this a little further.
Acts 21:17-26 (KJV)
17 And when we were come to Jerusalem, the brethren received us gladly.
18 And the day following Paul went in with us unto James; and all the elders were present.
19 And when he had saluted them, he declared particularly what things God had wrought among the Gentiles by his ministry.
20 And when they heard it, they glorified the Lord, and said unto him, Thou seest, brother, how many thousands of Jews there are which believe; and they are all zealous of the law:
21 And they are informed of thee, that thou teachest all the Jews which are among the Gentiles to forsake Moses, saying that they ought not to circumcise their children, neither to walk after the customs.
22 What is it therefore? the multitude must needs come together: for they will hear that thou art come.
23 Do therefore this that we say to thee: We have four men which have a vow on them;
24 Them take, and purify thyself with them, and be at charges with them, that they may shave their heads: and all may know that those things, whereof they were informed concerning thee, are nothing; but that thou thyself also walkest orderly, and keepest the law.
25 As touching the Gentiles which believe, we have written and concluded that they observe no such thing, save only that they keep themselves from things offered to idols, and from blood, and from strangled, and from fornication.
26 Then Paul took the men, and the next day purifying himself with them entered into the temple, to signify the accomplishment of the days of purification, until that an offering should be offered for every one of them.
Paul had come into Jerusalem in order to complete the Nazarite vow that he had taken. When he had arrived, the brethren received him gladly (verse 17). The next day, Paul visited James, the leader of the Jerusalem assembly and half brother to Yeshua. The elders of the assembly were also there (verse 18). Paul then gave them many details regarding his ministry to the Gentiles (verse 19). Notice that Paul gave all the credit to God. When the elders heard Paul's report, they glorified the Lord (verse 20). They then related to Paul about the thousands of Jews which had come to faith and were zealous of the Torah. However, these Jews had heard about Paul and how he was teaching the Jews to forsake Moses, saying that they should not circumcise their children nor walk in their Jewish customs (verse 21). James wondered what they should do, because the multitude would certainly learn that Paul had come (verse 22).
Apparently, the Jerusalem believers found Paul's teachings to be scandalous. Yet, James and the elders received Paul wholeheartedly and didn't believe that Paul was teaching against Torah.
James and the elders had a suggestion for Paul. There were four other men in their assembly who had also taken a vow (verse 23). Paul was encouraged to go with the four, purify themselves, pay all their expenses, and have their heads shaved (verse 24). In this way, the multitude of believers would see that the rumors surrounding Paul were nothing and that Paul himself kept Torah (like observing a Nazarite vow).
If Christianity persists in saying that either Paul didn't keep Torah or that he taught against Torah, it is accusing Paul of the very same things that the Jewish believers accused him of. Also, James and the elders thought that Paul did indeed keep Torah and did not teach against it.
In verse 25 James continued speaking. He did point out that the Gentiles had not been obligated to do anything more than keeping away from things offered to idols, blood, strangled animals, and fornication. This is in keeping with the Jerusalem council's decision in Acts 15. However, from that passage Gentiles were expected to learn more about Torah as they participated in the synagogues every week on the Saturday Sabbath. The Acts 15 obligations reflect a starting point.
Acts 15:20-21 (KJV)
20 But that we write unto them, that they abstain from pollutions of idols, and from fornication, and from things strangled, and from blood.
21 For Moses of old time hath in every city them that preach him, being read in the synagogues every sabbath day.
Then in verse 26 Paul agreed with James' suggestion to carry out the completion of the vow.
In this passage of Acts Paul was observing a Torah prescribed vow and he agreed to complete the vow with four others and pay for their expenses to show that he was strictly continuing to follow Torah. He did not want the Jerusalem believers to think that he was teaching against Torah or telling the Jewish believers to stop observing Torah. But Christianity has believed in the rumors and has taught a Torahless faith that Paul so desperately wanted to dispel. This anti-Torah teaching is just as scandalous today as it was in Paul's day!
Acts 21:17-26 (KJV)
17 And when we were come to Jerusalem, the brethren received us gladly.
18 And the day following Paul went in with us unto James; and all the elders were present.
19 And when he had saluted them, he declared particularly what things God had wrought among the Gentiles by his ministry.
20 And when they heard it, they glorified the Lord, and said unto him, Thou seest, brother, how many thousands of Jews there are which believe; and they are all zealous of the law:
21 And they are informed of thee, that thou teachest all the Jews which are among the Gentiles to forsake Moses, saying that they ought not to circumcise their children, neither to walk after the customs.
22 What is it therefore? the multitude must needs come together: for they will hear that thou art come.
23 Do therefore this that we say to thee: We have four men which have a vow on them;
24 Them take, and purify thyself with them, and be at charges with them, that they may shave their heads: and all may know that those things, whereof they were informed concerning thee, are nothing; but that thou thyself also walkest orderly, and keepest the law.
25 As touching the Gentiles which believe, we have written and concluded that they observe no such thing, save only that they keep themselves from things offered to idols, and from blood, and from strangled, and from fornication.
26 Then Paul took the men, and the next day purifying himself with them entered into the temple, to signify the accomplishment of the days of purification, until that an offering should be offered for every one of them.
Paul had come into Jerusalem in order to complete the Nazarite vow that he had taken. When he had arrived, the brethren received him gladly (verse 17). The next day, Paul visited James, the leader of the Jerusalem assembly and half brother to Yeshua. The elders of the assembly were also there (verse 18). Paul then gave them many details regarding his ministry to the Gentiles (verse 19). Notice that Paul gave all the credit to God. When the elders heard Paul's report, they glorified the Lord (verse 20). They then related to Paul about the thousands of Jews which had come to faith and were zealous of the Torah. However, these Jews had heard about Paul and how he was teaching the Jews to forsake Moses, saying that they should not circumcise their children nor walk in their Jewish customs (verse 21). James wondered what they should do, because the multitude would certainly learn that Paul had come (verse 22).
Apparently, the Jerusalem believers found Paul's teachings to be scandalous. Yet, James and the elders received Paul wholeheartedly and didn't believe that Paul was teaching against Torah.
James and the elders had a suggestion for Paul. There were four other men in their assembly who had also taken a vow (verse 23). Paul was encouraged to go with the four, purify themselves, pay all their expenses, and have their heads shaved (verse 24). In this way, the multitude of believers would see that the rumors surrounding Paul were nothing and that Paul himself kept Torah (like observing a Nazarite vow).
If Christianity persists in saying that either Paul didn't keep Torah or that he taught against Torah, it is accusing Paul of the very same things that the Jewish believers accused him of. Also, James and the elders thought that Paul did indeed keep Torah and did not teach against it.
In verse 25 James continued speaking. He did point out that the Gentiles had not been obligated to do anything more than keeping away from things offered to idols, blood, strangled animals, and fornication. This is in keeping with the Jerusalem council's decision in Acts 15. However, from that passage Gentiles were expected to learn more about Torah as they participated in the synagogues every week on the Saturday Sabbath. The Acts 15 obligations reflect a starting point.
Acts 15:20-21 (KJV)
20 But that we write unto them, that they abstain from pollutions of idols, and from fornication, and from things strangled, and from blood.
21 For Moses of old time hath in every city them that preach him, being read in the synagogues every sabbath day.
Then in verse 26 Paul agreed with James' suggestion to carry out the completion of the vow.
In this passage of Acts Paul was observing a Torah prescribed vow and he agreed to complete the vow with four others and pay for their expenses to show that he was strictly continuing to follow Torah. He did not want the Jerusalem believers to think that he was teaching against Torah or telling the Jewish believers to stop observing Torah. But Christianity has believed in the rumors and has taught a Torahless faith that Paul so desperately wanted to dispel. This anti-Torah teaching is just as scandalous today as it was in Paul's day!
Monday, November 11, 2013
Do You Belong to "The Way?" Part 4
Previous:
Up to about 90 A.D. "The Way" was considered a sect of Judaism. The beliefs and practices were very much in line with Judaism except that Yeshua was believed to be the Messiah. What about after 90 A.D.? Did the Nazarenes continue in this manner?
The next important event in history for both the Pharisaic Jews and the Nazarenes was the Second Jewish Revolt in 132-135 A.D. The Pharisaic Jews supported Shimon Bar-Kokhba as their leader. Because Bar-Kokhba means "son of the star" and in light of Numbers 24:17, he was believed to be the Messiah.
Numbers 24:17 (KJV)
17 I shall see him, but not now: I shall behold him, but not nigh: there shall come a Star out of Jacob, and a Sceptre shall rise out of Israel, and shall smite the corners of Moab, and destroy all the children of Sheth.
However, the Nazarenes, knowing that Yeshua was the Messiah and had already come, refused to support Bar-Kokhba. The Nazarenes left the army. They were then labeled as traitors, deepening the divide between the Pharisaic Jews and the Nazarenes. Eventually, Rome, under the Emperor Hadrian, put down the revolt, plowed Jerusalem, and forbade any Jews from living there. Hadrian changed the name of Jerusalem to Aelia Capitolina and the name of the region to Syria Palestina. He outlawed Torah study, circumcision, Sabbath observance, and other Jewish practices (The Bar-Kokhba Revolt 132-135 CE, www.jewishvirtuallibrary.org/jsource/Judaism/revolt1). A Gentile Christian named Markus was made Bishop of Aelia Capitolina.
With the increased persecution of the Jews at this time, the desire for Gentile Christians to distance themselves from the Jews became even greater. Gentile Christian places of worship existed next to Nazarene places of worship in the eastern part of the Roman Empire.
At the Council of Nicea in 325 Christianity was basically standardized. The Nazarenes were excluded. Jewish practices were banned. Instead of Saturday Sabbath, the "Day of the Sun" (Sunday) was substituted. Nazarenes were called apostates. From this point on many of the Nazarenes fled the Roman Empire to the Parthian Empire where they assimilated with the Nestorians. Many were also wiped out because of the encroachment of Islam. The Nazarenes eventually disappeared from history probably around the fifth century.
"The Way" was the sect of Judaism that Yeshua's disciples carried on after their Master's death. Historically, they continued in existence at least until the fifth century. Their continued observance of Torah, which is historically verifiable, should cause all believers today to reexamine the beliefs and practices of the Christian church that we have inherited. We have long followed a pagan/Christian amalgam that should be rejected. If the church desires to be like first century Christianity, we must look beyond our current understandings and seek out those truths that were contained in "The Way."
(Much of this information came from Moreh ben Friedman, "What is Nazarene (Netzarim) Judaism?," www.yashanet.com/library/nazarene_judaism and Moshe ben Shaul, "The Nazarenes," www.yashanet.com/library/temple/nazarenes.)
Up to about 90 A.D. "The Way" was considered a sect of Judaism. The beliefs and practices were very much in line with Judaism except that Yeshua was believed to be the Messiah. What about after 90 A.D.? Did the Nazarenes continue in this manner?
The next important event in history for both the Pharisaic Jews and the Nazarenes was the Second Jewish Revolt in 132-135 A.D. The Pharisaic Jews supported Shimon Bar-Kokhba as their leader. Because Bar-Kokhba means "son of the star" and in light of Numbers 24:17, he was believed to be the Messiah.
Numbers 24:17 (KJV)
17 I shall see him, but not now: I shall behold him, but not nigh: there shall come a Star out of Jacob, and a Sceptre shall rise out of Israel, and shall smite the corners of Moab, and destroy all the children of Sheth.
However, the Nazarenes, knowing that Yeshua was the Messiah and had already come, refused to support Bar-Kokhba. The Nazarenes left the army. They were then labeled as traitors, deepening the divide between the Pharisaic Jews and the Nazarenes. Eventually, Rome, under the Emperor Hadrian, put down the revolt, plowed Jerusalem, and forbade any Jews from living there. Hadrian changed the name of Jerusalem to Aelia Capitolina and the name of the region to Syria Palestina. He outlawed Torah study, circumcision, Sabbath observance, and other Jewish practices (The Bar-Kokhba Revolt 132-135 CE, www.jewishvirtuallibrary.org/jsource/Judaism/revolt1). A Gentile Christian named Markus was made Bishop of Aelia Capitolina.
With the increased persecution of the Jews at this time, the desire for Gentile Christians to distance themselves from the Jews became even greater. Gentile Christian places of worship existed next to Nazarene places of worship in the eastern part of the Roman Empire.
At the Council of Nicea in 325 Christianity was basically standardized. The Nazarenes were excluded. Jewish practices were banned. Instead of Saturday Sabbath, the "Day of the Sun" (Sunday) was substituted. Nazarenes were called apostates. From this point on many of the Nazarenes fled the Roman Empire to the Parthian Empire where they assimilated with the Nestorians. Many were also wiped out because of the encroachment of Islam. The Nazarenes eventually disappeared from history probably around the fifth century.
"The Way" was the sect of Judaism that Yeshua's disciples carried on after their Master's death. Historically, they continued in existence at least until the fifth century. Their continued observance of Torah, which is historically verifiable, should cause all believers today to reexamine the beliefs and practices of the Christian church that we have inherited. We have long followed a pagan/Christian amalgam that should be rejected. If the church desires to be like first century Christianity, we must look beyond our current understandings and seek out those truths that were contained in "The Way."
(Much of this information came from Moreh ben Friedman, "What is Nazarene (Netzarim) Judaism?," www.yashanet.com/library/nazarene_judaism and Moshe ben Shaul, "The Nazarenes," www.yashanet.com/library/temple/nazarenes.)
Thursday, November 7, 2013
Do You Belong to "The Way?" Part 3
Previous:
From both the New Testament and writings of the Early Church Fathers there is evidence that the followers of Yeshua were both Torah observant and known as a sect of Judaism. What evidence exists in the historical record after the book of Acts?
During the days following the death and resurrection of Yeshua thousands came to faith. Although "The Way" had initially stayed close to Jerusalem, periods of persecution caused the Nazarenes (as they were also called) to move out of Jerusalem and into the other parts of Israel and beyond. Eventually, with Paul's ministry, Gentiles were added in great numbers. The Beit Din (Rabbi's Court or House of Judgment) of the Nazarenes remained in Jerusalem in the capable hands of Yeshua's half brother James, known as Ya'acov HaTzaddik (James the Just). According to the writings of Josephus, when James was thrown off the pinnacle of the Temple in 62 A.D. by the chief priest (a Sadducee), the Pharisees protested over his death.
Up to this time, the Jews as well as the Nazarenes continued to worship in the Temple, although there was certainly some animosity between the groups. However, after the beginning of the Jewish revolt against Rome in 66 A.D. and the siege of Jerusalem by the Romans, the Nazarenes remembered the words of Yeshua in Luke.
Luke 21:20-21 (KJV)
20 And when ye shall see Jerusalem compassed with armies, then know that the desolation thereof is nigh.
21 Then let them which are in Judaea flee to the mountains; and let them which are in the midst of it depart out; and let not them that are in the countries enter thereinto.
The Nazarenes fled to nearby Pella (in modern Jordan). This action was considered cowardly by the Jews, who remained in Jerusalem. The siege of Jerusalem lasted five months, the Romans invaded the city, and the Temple was destroyed in 70 A.D. There was much loss of life amongst the Jews and this further damaged the relationship between the Jews and Nazarenes.
In 90 A.D. Samuel the Lesser added the Birkat haMinim to the Eighteen Benedictions of the Amidah. This prayer was a curse that was pronounced on the Nazarenes ("minim" meaning "heretics"). This prayer is still said three times a day in the Jewish community.
"And for slanderers let there be no hope, and may all wickedness perish in an instant; and may all Your enemies be cut down speedily. May You speedily uproot, smash, cast down, and humble the wanton sinners -- speedily in our days. Blessed are You, LORD, Who breaks enemies and humbles wanton sinners." (Artscroll translation)
From a prayerbook from Cairo Genizah an earlier version is found:
"For the renegades let there be no hope, and may the arrogant kingdom soon be rooted out in our days, and the Netzarim (Nazarenes) and the Minim perish as in a moment and be blotted out from the book of life and with the righteous may they not be inscribed. Blessed are you, LORD, who humbles the arrogant."
In essence, this effectively threw all the Nazarenes out of the synagogues, since they would be praying a curse upon themselves if they remained. This was the desired goal of the Pharisaic Jews. Yet, life continued for both groups. Some Jews and Nazarenes apparently came back into Jerusalem.
Clearly, "The Way" was viewed as a sect of Judaism during the days after Yeshua and up until about 90 A.D. The Nazarenes also obviously participated in the worship at the Temple until its destruction. They even continued to worship in the synagogues until the Birkat haMinim was instituted. If the traditional view of Christianity was correct, 60 years should have been enough time for the believers to understand that Torah was no longer to be practiced. Historically, it must be entertained that it is today's Christianity that has misunderstood the role of Torah observance in the life of faith.
Stay tuned for Part 4 and the history after 90 A.D.
(Much of this information came from Moreh ben Friedman, "What is Nazarene (Netzarim) Judaism?," www.yashanet.com/library/nazarene_judaism and Moshe ben Shaul, "The Nazarenes," www.yashanet.com/library/temple/nazarenes.)
From both the New Testament and writings of the Early Church Fathers there is evidence that the followers of Yeshua were both Torah observant and known as a sect of Judaism. What evidence exists in the historical record after the book of Acts?
During the days following the death and resurrection of Yeshua thousands came to faith. Although "The Way" had initially stayed close to Jerusalem, periods of persecution caused the Nazarenes (as they were also called) to move out of Jerusalem and into the other parts of Israel and beyond. Eventually, with Paul's ministry, Gentiles were added in great numbers. The Beit Din (Rabbi's Court or House of Judgment) of the Nazarenes remained in Jerusalem in the capable hands of Yeshua's half brother James, known as Ya'acov HaTzaddik (James the Just). According to the writings of Josephus, when James was thrown off the pinnacle of the Temple in 62 A.D. by the chief priest (a Sadducee), the Pharisees protested over his death.
Up to this time, the Jews as well as the Nazarenes continued to worship in the Temple, although there was certainly some animosity between the groups. However, after the beginning of the Jewish revolt against Rome in 66 A.D. and the siege of Jerusalem by the Romans, the Nazarenes remembered the words of Yeshua in Luke.
Luke 21:20-21 (KJV)
20 And when ye shall see Jerusalem compassed with armies, then know that the desolation thereof is nigh.
21 Then let them which are in Judaea flee to the mountains; and let them which are in the midst of it depart out; and let not them that are in the countries enter thereinto.
The Nazarenes fled to nearby Pella (in modern Jordan). This action was considered cowardly by the Jews, who remained in Jerusalem. The siege of Jerusalem lasted five months, the Romans invaded the city, and the Temple was destroyed in 70 A.D. There was much loss of life amongst the Jews and this further damaged the relationship between the Jews and Nazarenes.
In 90 A.D. Samuel the Lesser added the Birkat haMinim to the Eighteen Benedictions of the Amidah. This prayer was a curse that was pronounced on the Nazarenes ("minim" meaning "heretics"). This prayer is still said three times a day in the Jewish community.
"And for slanderers let there be no hope, and may all wickedness perish in an instant; and may all Your enemies be cut down speedily. May You speedily uproot, smash, cast down, and humble the wanton sinners -- speedily in our days. Blessed are You, LORD, Who breaks enemies and humbles wanton sinners." (Artscroll translation)
From a prayerbook from Cairo Genizah an earlier version is found:
"For the renegades let there be no hope, and may the arrogant kingdom soon be rooted out in our days, and the Netzarim (Nazarenes) and the Minim perish as in a moment and be blotted out from the book of life and with the righteous may they not be inscribed. Blessed are you, LORD, who humbles the arrogant."
In essence, this effectively threw all the Nazarenes out of the synagogues, since they would be praying a curse upon themselves if they remained. This was the desired goal of the Pharisaic Jews. Yet, life continued for both groups. Some Jews and Nazarenes apparently came back into Jerusalem.
Clearly, "The Way" was viewed as a sect of Judaism during the days after Yeshua and up until about 90 A.D. The Nazarenes also obviously participated in the worship at the Temple until its destruction. They even continued to worship in the synagogues until the Birkat haMinim was instituted. If the traditional view of Christianity was correct, 60 years should have been enough time for the believers to understand that Torah was no longer to be practiced. Historically, it must be entertained that it is today's Christianity that has misunderstood the role of Torah observance in the life of faith.
Stay tuned for Part 4 and the history after 90 A.D.
(Much of this information came from Moreh ben Friedman, "What is Nazarene (Netzarim) Judaism?," www.yashanet.com/library/nazarene_judaism and Moshe ben Shaul, "The Nazarenes," www.yashanet.com/library/temple/nazarenes.)
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Sunday, November 3, 2013
Do You Belong to "The Way?" Part 2
Previous:
From the book of Acts there is strong evidence that the apostle Paul continued to be Torah observant even after Gentiles were added to the body of Messiah. They called themselves "The Way," and were also referred to as Nazarenes.
Acts 24:5 (KJV)
5 For we have found this man a pestilent fellow, and a mover of sedition among all the Jews throughout the world, and a ringleader of the sect of the Nazarenes:
However, most readers will still believe that Paul and the assemblies he began were not Torah observant. His writings have been interpreted from an anti-Torah position for so long that belief in a Torah observant community seems impossible.
Yet, it is in reviewing quotes and history from later periods that it is evidenced that "The Way" practiced their faith by Torah observance.
"To-day there still exists among the Jews in all the synagogues of the East a heresy which is called that of the Minæans, and which is still condemned by the Pharisees; [its followers] are ordinarily called 'Nasarenes'; they believe that Christ, the son of God, was born of the Virgin Mary, and they hold him to be the one who suffered under Pontius Pilate and ascended to heaven, and in whom we also believe. But while they pretend to be both Jews and Christians, they are neither." (Jerome, Epistle 79 to Augustine, written in the fourth century). ("Minaean" comes from "minim" meaning "heretics.")
Notice that Jerome stated the Nazarenes were orthodox in their beliefs, but were heretics because they "tried" to be both Jewish and Christian. Also notice that the assemblies were located "in the East."
"We shall now especially consider heretics who... call themselves Nazarenes; they are mainly Jews and nothing else. They make use not only of the New Testament, but they also use in a way the Old Testament of the Jews; for they do not forbid the books of the Law, the Prophets, and the Writings... so that they are approved of by the Jews, from whom the Nazarenes do not differ in anything, and they profess all the dogmas pertaining to the prescriptions of the Law and to the customs of the Jews, except they believe in [Messiah]... They preach that there is but one [Elohim], and his son [Yahshua the Messiah]. But they are very learned in the Hebrew language; for they, like the Jews, read the whole Law, then the Prophets...They differ from the Jews because they believe in Messiah, and from the Christians in that they are to this day bound to the Jewish rites, such as circumcision, the Sabbath, and other ceremonies." (Epiphanius; Panarion 29; translated from the Greek; written in the fourth century).
Notice from this quote that the Nazarenes and the Christians appear to be two different groups.
Read the following quote from Polycrates, bishop of Ephesus, regarding the observance of Passover among the assemblies of Asia Minor:
"We observe the exact day; neither adding, nor taking away. For in Asia also great lights have fallen asleep, which shall rise again on the day of the Lord's coming, when he shall come with glory from heaven, and shall seek out all the saints. Among these are Philip, one of the twelve apostles, who fell asleep in Hierapolis; and his two aged virgin daughters, and another daughter, who lived in the Holy Spirit and now rests at Ephesus; and, moreover, John, who was both a witness and a teacher, who reclined upon the bosom of the Lord, and, being a priest, wore the sacerdotal plate. He fell asleep at Ephesus. And Polycarp in Smyrna, who was a bishop and martyr; and Thraseas, bishop and martyr from Eumenia, who fell asleep in Smyrna. Why need I mention the bishop and martyr Sagaris who fell asleep in Laodicea, or the blessed Papirius, or Melito, the Eunuch who lived altogether in the Holy Spirit, and who lies in Sardis, awaiting the episcopate from heaven, when he shall rise from the dead ? All these observed the fourteenth day of the Passover according to the Gospel, deviating in no respect, but following the rule of faith. And I also, Polycrates, the least of you all, do according to the tradition of my relatives, some of whom I have closely followed. For seven of my relatives were bishops; and I am the eighth. And my relatives always observed the day when the people put away the leaven. I, therefore, brethren, who have lived sixty-five years in the Lord, and have met with the brethren throughout the world, and have gone through every Holy Scripture, am not affrighted by terrifying words. For those greater than I have said ' We ought to obey God rather than man'...I could mention the bishops who were present, whom I summoned at your desire; whose names, should I write them, would constitute a great multitude. And they, beholding my littleness, gave their consent to the letter, knowing that I did not bear my gray hairs in vain, but had always governed my life by the Lord Jesus" (Eusebius. The History of the Church, Book V, Chapter XXIV, Verses 2-7 . Translated by A. Cushman McGiffert. Digireads.com Publishing, Stilwell (KS), 2005, p. 114).
Clearly, at some point in time, the body of Messiah split into two separate groups, that of "The Way" and that of the Christians (those who today are not Torah observant).
"They (Nazarenes) are characterized essentially by their tenacious attachment to Jewish observances. If they became heretics in the eyes of the (Catholic) Mother Church, it is simply because they remained fixed on outmoded positions. They well represent, (even) though Epiphanius is energetically refusing to admit it, the very direct descendants of that primitive community, of which our author (Epiphanius) knows that it was designated by the Jews, by the same name, of ‘Nazarenes’.” [First Century expert Marcel Simon, JudĂ©o-christianisme, pp 47-48.]
Without a doubt "The Way" was the church of the first century. They were Torah observant. Doesn't it seem right, then, that today, the true followers of Yeshua should also be Torah observant? How would you answer the question, "Do you belong to "The Way?" Perhaps Christianity needs to seriously rethink the Scriptures and return to truly being "The Way."
How did it become so different? Stay tuned for some historical insights in part 3.
Next:
From the book of Acts there is strong evidence that the apostle Paul continued to be Torah observant even after Gentiles were added to the body of Messiah. They called themselves "The Way," and were also referred to as Nazarenes.
Acts 24:5 (KJV)
5 For we have found this man a pestilent fellow, and a mover of sedition among all the Jews throughout the world, and a ringleader of the sect of the Nazarenes:
However, most readers will still believe that Paul and the assemblies he began were not Torah observant. His writings have been interpreted from an anti-Torah position for so long that belief in a Torah observant community seems impossible.
Yet, it is in reviewing quotes and history from later periods that it is evidenced that "The Way" practiced their faith by Torah observance.
"To-day there still exists among the Jews in all the synagogues of the East a heresy which is called that of the Minæans, and which is still condemned by the Pharisees; [its followers] are ordinarily called 'Nasarenes'; they believe that Christ, the son of God, was born of the Virgin Mary, and they hold him to be the one who suffered under Pontius Pilate and ascended to heaven, and in whom we also believe. But while they pretend to be both Jews and Christians, they are neither." (Jerome, Epistle 79 to Augustine, written in the fourth century). ("Minaean" comes from "minim" meaning "heretics.")
Notice that Jerome stated the Nazarenes were orthodox in their beliefs, but were heretics because they "tried" to be both Jewish and Christian. Also notice that the assemblies were located "in the East."
"We shall now especially consider heretics who... call themselves Nazarenes; they are mainly Jews and nothing else. They make use not only of the New Testament, but they also use in a way the Old Testament of the Jews; for they do not forbid the books of the Law, the Prophets, and the Writings... so that they are approved of by the Jews, from whom the Nazarenes do not differ in anything, and they profess all the dogmas pertaining to the prescriptions of the Law and to the customs of the Jews, except they believe in [Messiah]... They preach that there is but one [Elohim], and his son [Yahshua the Messiah]. But they are very learned in the Hebrew language; for they, like the Jews, read the whole Law, then the Prophets...They differ from the Jews because they believe in Messiah, and from the Christians in that they are to this day bound to the Jewish rites, such as circumcision, the Sabbath, and other ceremonies." (Epiphanius; Panarion 29; translated from the Greek; written in the fourth century).
Notice from this quote that the Nazarenes and the Christians appear to be two different groups.
Read the following quote from Polycrates, bishop of Ephesus, regarding the observance of Passover among the assemblies of Asia Minor:
"We observe the exact day; neither adding, nor taking away. For in Asia also great lights have fallen asleep, which shall rise again on the day of the Lord's coming, when he shall come with glory from heaven, and shall seek out all the saints. Among these are Philip, one of the twelve apostles, who fell asleep in Hierapolis; and his two aged virgin daughters, and another daughter, who lived in the Holy Spirit and now rests at Ephesus; and, moreover, John, who was both a witness and a teacher, who reclined upon the bosom of the Lord, and, being a priest, wore the sacerdotal plate. He fell asleep at Ephesus. And Polycarp in Smyrna, who was a bishop and martyr; and Thraseas, bishop and martyr from Eumenia, who fell asleep in Smyrna. Why need I mention the bishop and martyr Sagaris who fell asleep in Laodicea, or the blessed Papirius, or Melito, the Eunuch who lived altogether in the Holy Spirit, and who lies in Sardis, awaiting the episcopate from heaven, when he shall rise from the dead ? All these observed the fourteenth day of the Passover according to the Gospel, deviating in no respect, but following the rule of faith. And I also, Polycrates, the least of you all, do according to the tradition of my relatives, some of whom I have closely followed. For seven of my relatives were bishops; and I am the eighth. And my relatives always observed the day when the people put away the leaven. I, therefore, brethren, who have lived sixty-five years in the Lord, and have met with the brethren throughout the world, and have gone through every Holy Scripture, am not affrighted by terrifying words. For those greater than I have said ' We ought to obey God rather than man'...I could mention the bishops who were present, whom I summoned at your desire; whose names, should I write them, would constitute a great multitude. And they, beholding my littleness, gave their consent to the letter, knowing that I did not bear my gray hairs in vain, but had always governed my life by the Lord Jesus" (Eusebius. The History of the Church, Book V, Chapter XXIV, Verses 2-7 . Translated by A. Cushman McGiffert. Digireads.com Publishing, Stilwell (KS), 2005, p. 114).
Clearly, at some point in time, the body of Messiah split into two separate groups, that of "The Way" and that of the Christians (those who today are not Torah observant).
"They (Nazarenes) are characterized essentially by their tenacious attachment to Jewish observances. If they became heretics in the eyes of the (Catholic) Mother Church, it is simply because they remained fixed on outmoded positions. They well represent, (even) though Epiphanius is energetically refusing to admit it, the very direct descendants of that primitive community, of which our author (Epiphanius) knows that it was designated by the Jews, by the same name, of ‘Nazarenes’.” [First Century expert Marcel Simon, JudĂ©o-christianisme, pp 47-48.]
Without a doubt "The Way" was the church of the first century. They were Torah observant. Doesn't it seem right, then, that today, the true followers of Yeshua should also be Torah observant? How would you answer the question, "Do you belong to "The Way?" Perhaps Christianity needs to seriously rethink the Scriptures and return to truly being "The Way."
How did it become so different? Stay tuned for some historical insights in part 3.
Next:
Friday, November 1, 2013
Do You Belong to "The Way?"
In Christianity today there is an emphasis on getting back to the worship that existed in the first century. I've even seen advertisements that claimed that this or that church was like a first century church. Acts 2:42-46 is usually cited as the correct model. Admittedly, this has been an elusive goal. Even with the Bible we don't have a clear blueprint of what that worship looked like. Yet, this does seem to be a commendable effort, since there appears to be a consensus in that the church today has developed through times and traditions very much unlike those of the early apostolic days. In other words church as been corrupted.
But in order to virtually go back in time we have to get the history right first. Initially, most all of the believers were Jews. They continued to worship in the Temple and in the synagogues. They continued to be Jews, although they had become believers in Yeshua. Then, following Peter's vision in Acts 10, the Gentiles were understood to be eligible for the same indwelling of the Holy Spirit. They became fellow believers grafted into Israel.
It is then at this point that the history becomes more murky and the assumption is generally made that the Jewish believers came to see that the Torah, the Temple, and the synagogue were no longer necessary to belief in Yeshua. Paul's writings, especially, have been used to verify this position. As the Gentiles began to outnumber the Jewish believers, the church eventually became totally distinct from Judaism.
This progression, however, is not validated by the historical record. The first believers called themselves, "The Way."
Acts 9:2 (KJV)
2 And desired of him letters to Damascus to the synagogues, that if he found any of this way, whether they were men or women, he might bring them bound unto Jerusalem.
Acts 19:9 (KJV)
9 But when divers were hardened, and believed not, but spake evil of that way before the multitude, he departed from them, and separated the disciples, disputing daily in the school of one Tyrannus.
From these two Scriptures we see that the believers were a part of "The Way." In Acts 9 Paul was sent to Damascus to the synagogues. At this point, obviously, these Jewish believers were still worshipping in the synagogues. In Acts 19 Paul had been preaching in the synagogues until trouble arose when he and the believers separated from the synagogue and went to the school of Tyrannus. Although this verse indicates that the believers had to move out of the synagogue, it must be seen that they started there and only moved because of trouble. This is long past Acts 10 and by this time most of the new believers were Gentile.
Acts 24:14 (KJV)
14 But this I confess unto thee, that after the way which they call heresy, so worship I the God of my fathers, believing all things which are written in the law and in the prophets:
In Acts 24 it is evident that "The Way" had become known as a heresy and no longer just another sect of Judaism. Yet, Paul stressed that even though "The Way" was considered a heresy, he worshiped the God of his fathers (Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob) and he believed all the things that were written in the law and in the prophets (the Old Testament).
Some have tried to say that Paul may have believed the Old Testament, but that he realized that the Torah no longer had to be obeyed. Apparently, there were others who thought that Paul had abandoned the Torah as well. Even in Jerusalem many thought this. However, when Paul had taken a Nazarite vow (Obviously, he still obeyed the Torah) and had gone back to Jerusalem to fulfill the vow, James counseled him to pay for four others to prove to his naysayers that he was fully supportive of obeying the Torah.
Acts 21:26 (KJV)
26 Then Paul took the men, and the next day purifying himself with them entered into the temple, to signify the accomplishment of the days of purification, until that an offering should be offered for every one of them.
Based on Scripture alone, the abandonment of Torah cannot be upheld. Stay tuned for part 2 where the evidence in the historical record after the writing of the New Testament is considered.
Next:
But in order to virtually go back in time we have to get the history right first. Initially, most all of the believers were Jews. They continued to worship in the Temple and in the synagogues. They continued to be Jews, although they had become believers in Yeshua. Then, following Peter's vision in Acts 10, the Gentiles were understood to be eligible for the same indwelling of the Holy Spirit. They became fellow believers grafted into Israel.
It is then at this point that the history becomes more murky and the assumption is generally made that the Jewish believers came to see that the Torah, the Temple, and the synagogue were no longer necessary to belief in Yeshua. Paul's writings, especially, have been used to verify this position. As the Gentiles began to outnumber the Jewish believers, the church eventually became totally distinct from Judaism.
This progression, however, is not validated by the historical record. The first believers called themselves, "The Way."
Acts 9:2 (KJV)
2 And desired of him letters to Damascus to the synagogues, that if he found any of this way, whether they were men or women, he might bring them bound unto Jerusalem.
Acts 19:9 (KJV)
9 But when divers were hardened, and believed not, but spake evil of that way before the multitude, he departed from them, and separated the disciples, disputing daily in the school of one Tyrannus.
From these two Scriptures we see that the believers were a part of "The Way." In Acts 9 Paul was sent to Damascus to the synagogues. At this point, obviously, these Jewish believers were still worshipping in the synagogues. In Acts 19 Paul had been preaching in the synagogues until trouble arose when he and the believers separated from the synagogue and went to the school of Tyrannus. Although this verse indicates that the believers had to move out of the synagogue, it must be seen that they started there and only moved because of trouble. This is long past Acts 10 and by this time most of the new believers were Gentile.
Acts 24:14 (KJV)
14 But this I confess unto thee, that after the way which they call heresy, so worship I the God of my fathers, believing all things which are written in the law and in the prophets:
In Acts 24 it is evident that "The Way" had become known as a heresy and no longer just another sect of Judaism. Yet, Paul stressed that even though "The Way" was considered a heresy, he worshiped the God of his fathers (Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob) and he believed all the things that were written in the law and in the prophets (the Old Testament).
Some have tried to say that Paul may have believed the Old Testament, but that he realized that the Torah no longer had to be obeyed. Apparently, there were others who thought that Paul had abandoned the Torah as well. Even in Jerusalem many thought this. However, when Paul had taken a Nazarite vow (Obviously, he still obeyed the Torah) and had gone back to Jerusalem to fulfill the vow, James counseled him to pay for four others to prove to his naysayers that he was fully supportive of obeying the Torah.
Acts 21:26 (KJV)
26 Then Paul took the men, and the next day purifying himself with them entered into the temple, to signify the accomplishment of the days of purification, until that an offering should be offered for every one of them.
Based on Scripture alone, the abandonment of Torah cannot be upheld. Stay tuned for part 2 where the evidence in the historical record after the writing of the New Testament is considered.
Next:
Sunday, May 26, 2013
What Happened to the Jewish Church Pt. 2
Previous:
After the martyrdom of Stephen, the Jewish church moved out beyond Jerusalem into Samaria, the Galilee, and further north and east, even into the region of Damascus. However, there also remained a large group at Jerusalem. The apostles were among those that stayed and the center of authority remained there, as well. Even after the martyrdom of James, Yeshua's half-brother and the leader of the Jerusalem church, by the temple authorities in 62 A.D., many of the Jewish believers remained.
However, before the destruction of Jerusalem and the Temple in 70 A.D. the Jewish believers fled. Eusebius (325 A.D.) wrote:
"For when the city was about to be captured and sacked by the Romans, all the disciples were warned beforehand by an angel to remove from the city, doomed as it was to utter destruction. On migrating from it they settled at Pella, the town already indicated, across the Jordan. It is said to belong to Decapolis (de Mens. et Pond., 15)."
Many Jews died in the Jewish War with Rome and so the fleeing Jewish Christians were considered traitors. This led to a severe rift between the believing Jews and the non-believing Jews. Although, many returned to Jerusalem after the war, the relationship between the two groups was strained even more than it had been.
Finally, the remaining Jewish believers left Jerusalem either during or after the Second Jewish War (132-135 A.D.) when the Emperor Hadrian banned all Jews from Jerusalem, which was renamed Aelia Capitolina.
Meanwhile, Paul and eventually others, had begun many Gentile Christian churches. By the time of the Second Jewish War, Rome took a decidely anti-Jewish position, furthering the desire for the Gentiles to be separated from anything Jewish. Also, as the influence of the Jerusalem church faded for the Gentiles, Torah observance began to fade also.
For a long time Gentile Christian churches existed side by side with Jewish Christian churches, although, the Jewish group did not call themselves Christian, but rather Nazarene, since they continued to believe themselves a sect of Judaism. But finally, in the fourth century, the Gentile Christian church began to view the Nazarenes as heretical, based solely on their continued Torah observance. Epiphanius (310-403 A.D.) said this:
"We shall now especially consider heretics who call themselves Nazarenes; they are mainly Jews and nothing else. They make use not only of the New Testament, but they also use in a way the Old Testament of the Jews. For they do not forbid the books of the Law, the Prophets, and the Writings...so that they are approved of by the Jews, from whom the Nazarenes do not differ in anything, and they do profess all the dogmas pertaining to the prescriptions of the Law and the customs of the Jews, except they believe in Messiah. They preach that there is but One God and His Son Yahushua. They are learned in the Hebrew language, for they, like the Jews, read the whole Law, then the Prophets...They differ from the Jews because they believe in Messiah, and from the Christians in that they are to this day bound to the Jewish rites such as circumcision, the Sabbath and other ceremonies.."
About that time the Nazarenes ceased to exist as a separate sect, finding no common ground really with the Jews or Gentile Christians, although pockets of believers practicing at least part of the Torah have existed throughout history. It was the Gentile Christian church, for the most part, that was the only surviving body. The Jewish church was simply overwhelmed by numbers and by historical events, but it never veered from its staunch support of Torah obervance, nor did it allow the paganism that the Gentile church allowed or tolerated as Christianity became fashionable, and eventually the approved religion of the Roman Empire. The reason for this tolerance was to make conversion from paganism easier. Many pagan traditions were allowed and supposedly Christianized.
So, this is what happened to the Jewish church and how Christianity became so non-Jewish, so different from the Jewish church that began it. Although, this may seem to be a sad outcome of history, God has allowed it, and there does seem to be a resurgence of Torah observant believers in Yeshua.
After the martyrdom of Stephen, the Jewish church moved out beyond Jerusalem into Samaria, the Galilee, and further north and east, even into the region of Damascus. However, there also remained a large group at Jerusalem. The apostles were among those that stayed and the center of authority remained there, as well. Even after the martyrdom of James, Yeshua's half-brother and the leader of the Jerusalem church, by the temple authorities in 62 A.D., many of the Jewish believers remained.
However, before the destruction of Jerusalem and the Temple in 70 A.D. the Jewish believers fled. Eusebius (325 A.D.) wrote:
"For when the city was about to be captured and sacked by the Romans, all the disciples were warned beforehand by an angel to remove from the city, doomed as it was to utter destruction. On migrating from it they settled at Pella, the town already indicated, across the Jordan. It is said to belong to Decapolis (de Mens. et Pond., 15)."
Many Jews died in the Jewish War with Rome and so the fleeing Jewish Christians were considered traitors. This led to a severe rift between the believing Jews and the non-believing Jews. Although, many returned to Jerusalem after the war, the relationship between the two groups was strained even more than it had been.
Finally, the remaining Jewish believers left Jerusalem either during or after the Second Jewish War (132-135 A.D.) when the Emperor Hadrian banned all Jews from Jerusalem, which was renamed Aelia Capitolina.
Meanwhile, Paul and eventually others, had begun many Gentile Christian churches. By the time of the Second Jewish War, Rome took a decidely anti-Jewish position, furthering the desire for the Gentiles to be separated from anything Jewish. Also, as the influence of the Jerusalem church faded for the Gentiles, Torah observance began to fade also.
For a long time Gentile Christian churches existed side by side with Jewish Christian churches, although, the Jewish group did not call themselves Christian, but rather Nazarene, since they continued to believe themselves a sect of Judaism. But finally, in the fourth century, the Gentile Christian church began to view the Nazarenes as heretical, based solely on their continued Torah observance. Epiphanius (310-403 A.D.) said this:
"We shall now especially consider heretics who call themselves Nazarenes; they are mainly Jews and nothing else. They make use not only of the New Testament, but they also use in a way the Old Testament of the Jews. For they do not forbid the books of the Law, the Prophets, and the Writings...so that they are approved of by the Jews, from whom the Nazarenes do not differ in anything, and they do profess all the dogmas pertaining to the prescriptions of the Law and the customs of the Jews, except they believe in Messiah. They preach that there is but One God and His Son Yahushua. They are learned in the Hebrew language, for they, like the Jews, read the whole Law, then the Prophets...They differ from the Jews because they believe in Messiah, and from the Christians in that they are to this day bound to the Jewish rites such as circumcision, the Sabbath and other ceremonies.."
About that time the Nazarenes ceased to exist as a separate sect, finding no common ground really with the Jews or Gentile Christians, although pockets of believers practicing at least part of the Torah have existed throughout history. It was the Gentile Christian church, for the most part, that was the only surviving body. The Jewish church was simply overwhelmed by numbers and by historical events, but it never veered from its staunch support of Torah obervance, nor did it allow the paganism that the Gentile church allowed or tolerated as Christianity became fashionable, and eventually the approved religion of the Roman Empire. The reason for this tolerance was to make conversion from paganism easier. Many pagan traditions were allowed and supposedly Christianized.
So, this is what happened to the Jewish church and how Christianity became so non-Jewish, so different from the Jewish church that began it. Although, this may seem to be a sad outcome of history, God has allowed it, and there does seem to be a resurgence of Torah observant believers in Yeshua.
Thursday, May 23, 2013
What Happened to the Jewish Church?
From the book of Acts, it is evident that the church began as a Jewish entity. The life of the body is summarized in Acts chapter 2.
Acts 2:41-46 (NASB)
41 So then, those who had received his word (Peter's) were baptized; and that day there were added about three thousand souls.
42 They were continually devoting themselves to the apostles' teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer.
43 Everyone kept feeling a sense of awe; and many wonders and signs were taking place through the apostles.
44 And all those who had believed were together and had all things in common;
45 and they began selling their property and possessions and were sharing them with all, as anyone might have need.
46 Day by day continuing with one mind in the temple, and breaking bread from house to house, they were taking their meals together with gladness and sincerity of heart,
Of special notice in verse 46 is the mention of going to the temple every day. The earliest believers did not consider themselves to be a part of anything new. They were just another sect of Judaism.
With the martrydom of Stephen and the ensuing persecution, the Jewish church at Jerusalem experienced it's first scattering. Positively, Philip took the gospel to Samaria, while negatively, Saul went to Damascus, a city in Syria, with letters enabling him to arrest and capture any believers in Yeshua that he might find there. Peter then received the vision from God that salvation was also for the Gentiles.
Acts 11:19-20 (KJV)
19 Now they which were scattered abroad upon the persecution that arose about Stephen travelled as far as Phenice, and Cyprus, and Antioch, preaching the word to none but unto the Jews only.
20 And some of them were men of Cyprus and Cyrene, which, when they were come to Antioch, spake unto the Grecians, preaching the Lord Jesus.
Antioch became the first place where the gospel was purposefully preached to Gentiles. It also became the base for the missionary journeys of Paul, formerly known as Saul and persecuter of the church, and his companions. It is at this point in Acts that the emphasis switches from Peter and the Jewish church to Paul and the Gentile church.
Because of this shift in attention, it almost seems like the Jewish church was left behind. The influx of Gentiles into the body of Yeshua became overwhelming to the point that the church eventually seems to have morphed into a very different entity than the Jewish church that started it. However, this did not happened during the book of Acts. When Paul was called into question by some from the Jerusalem church, he turned to James and the Jerusalem Council. When Paul returned after his third missionary journey he submitted to James' suggestion for the completion of his nazarite vow that he also pay for four others to prove that he was not trying to subvert the Old Testament law.
So what did happen to the Jewish church and how did Christianity become so different, so not Jewish? Stay tuned for part 2!
Next:
Acts 2:41-46 (NASB)
41 So then, those who had received his word (Peter's) were baptized; and that day there were added about three thousand souls.
42 They were continually devoting themselves to the apostles' teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer.
43 Everyone kept feeling a sense of awe; and many wonders and signs were taking place through the apostles.
44 And all those who had believed were together and had all things in common;
45 and they began selling their property and possessions and were sharing them with all, as anyone might have need.
46 Day by day continuing with one mind in the temple, and breaking bread from house to house, they were taking their meals together with gladness and sincerity of heart,
Of special notice in verse 46 is the mention of going to the temple every day. The earliest believers did not consider themselves to be a part of anything new. They were just another sect of Judaism.
With the martrydom of Stephen and the ensuing persecution, the Jewish church at Jerusalem experienced it's first scattering. Positively, Philip took the gospel to Samaria, while negatively, Saul went to Damascus, a city in Syria, with letters enabling him to arrest and capture any believers in Yeshua that he might find there. Peter then received the vision from God that salvation was also for the Gentiles.
Acts 11:19-20 (KJV)
19 Now they which were scattered abroad upon the persecution that arose about Stephen travelled as far as Phenice, and Cyprus, and Antioch, preaching the word to none but unto the Jews only.
20 And some of them were men of Cyprus and Cyrene, which, when they were come to Antioch, spake unto the Grecians, preaching the Lord Jesus.
Antioch became the first place where the gospel was purposefully preached to Gentiles. It also became the base for the missionary journeys of Paul, formerly known as Saul and persecuter of the church, and his companions. It is at this point in Acts that the emphasis switches from Peter and the Jewish church to Paul and the Gentile church.
Because of this shift in attention, it almost seems like the Jewish church was left behind. The influx of Gentiles into the body of Yeshua became overwhelming to the point that the church eventually seems to have morphed into a very different entity than the Jewish church that started it. However, this did not happened during the book of Acts. When Paul was called into question by some from the Jerusalem church, he turned to James and the Jerusalem Council. When Paul returned after his third missionary journey he submitted to James' suggestion for the completion of his nazarite vow that he also pay for four others to prove that he was not trying to subvert the Old Testament law.
So what did happen to the Jewish church and how did Christianity become so different, so not Jewish? Stay tuned for part 2!
Next:
Monday, May 20, 2013
The Jewish Church Persecuted!
From a human standpoint it is utterly amazing that the church ever survived its first years! In Acts 4 Peter and John were arrested for preaching in Yeshua's name. Then in Acts 5, Ananias and Sapphira were struck down by the hand of God because they had been deceitful in the selling of some of their property, the proceeds of which were intended for the church. Later in that same chapter the apostles were arrested and would have been executed except for the intervention of Gamaliel, a Pharisee on the Sanhedrin, who cautioned, that by executing the apostles the Jewish leaders may have found themselves fighting with God Himself. The Sanhedrin refrained and only had the men beaten, which in ancient days, often led to the prisoners' deaths anyway. In chapter 6 there was an internal dispute in the church over the feeding of the Greek-speaking widows. This was remedied by appointing seven men to oversee the distribution of food. One of the seven was Stephen, who in chapter 7 was arrested and eventually stoned for his preaching about Yeshua. Next in chapter 8 is the following:
Acts 8:1-3 (KJV)
1 And Saul was consenting unto his (Stephen's) death. And at that time there was a great persecution against the church which was at Jerusalem; and they were all scattered abroad throughout the regions of Judaea and Samaria, except the apostles.
2 And devout men carried Stephen to his burial, and made great lamentation over him.
3 As for Saul, he made havock of the church, entering into every house, and haling men and women committed them to prison.
With the death of Stephen there arose a great persecution of the church at Jerusalem. Saul, who eventually was named Paul, seemed to have been at the forefront of the persecution.
Acts 5:11 (KJV)
11 And great fear came upon all the church, and upon as many as heard these things.
This verse is describing the fear that began after Ananias and Sapphira were killed. How much more frightened they must have been after Stephen's death and the ensuing persecution! It is surprising that the believers didn't just give up.
There was another emotion that the church likely had. At this point in time, the church was Jewish. It wasn't until verse 4 of chapter 8 that Philip went into Samaria and began preaching there. The Jewish believers had come to faith in a Jewish Messiah. They continued their worship in the Temple. The Temple was the center of Judaism.
Acts 2:46 (KJV)
46 And they, continuing daily with one accord in the temple, and breaking bread from house to house, did eat their meat with gladness and singleness of heart,
But with the beginning of persecution, the Temple may not have been a friendly place. The religious leaders were after the believers. They were losing what had been comfortable. Even family may have begun to turn against them. They must have felt an alienation, an isolation, and loss of widespread community and its moorings. Yet, they clung onto Yeshua!
Has faith in Yeshua caused fear, loss, and isolation in your life? Believing in Yeshua can mean great sacrifice, in some way or another. It isn't always government persecution, it could be a result from job or family conflicts. Yet, we must cling to Yeshua. His Words are the Words of Life! There is no other by which we can be saved from our sin, or receive eternal life.
Remember, God is in control. He has a plan and it will be accomplished. In the case of the persecution of the early church, it was an impetus for the Jewish believers to spread abroad, bringing their faith with them. What purpose does your loss have?
Acts 8:1-3 (KJV)
1 And Saul was consenting unto his (Stephen's) death. And at that time there was a great persecution against the church which was at Jerusalem; and they were all scattered abroad throughout the regions of Judaea and Samaria, except the apostles.
2 And devout men carried Stephen to his burial, and made great lamentation over him.
3 As for Saul, he made havock of the church, entering into every house, and haling men and women committed them to prison.
With the death of Stephen there arose a great persecution of the church at Jerusalem. Saul, who eventually was named Paul, seemed to have been at the forefront of the persecution.
Acts 5:11 (KJV)
11 And great fear came upon all the church, and upon as many as heard these things.
This verse is describing the fear that began after Ananias and Sapphira were killed. How much more frightened they must have been after Stephen's death and the ensuing persecution! It is surprising that the believers didn't just give up.
There was another emotion that the church likely had. At this point in time, the church was Jewish. It wasn't until verse 4 of chapter 8 that Philip went into Samaria and began preaching there. The Jewish believers had come to faith in a Jewish Messiah. They continued their worship in the Temple. The Temple was the center of Judaism.
Acts 2:46 (KJV)
46 And they, continuing daily with one accord in the temple, and breaking bread from house to house, did eat their meat with gladness and singleness of heart,
But with the beginning of persecution, the Temple may not have been a friendly place. The religious leaders were after the believers. They were losing what had been comfortable. Even family may have begun to turn against them. They must have felt an alienation, an isolation, and loss of widespread community and its moorings. Yet, they clung onto Yeshua!
Has faith in Yeshua caused fear, loss, and isolation in your life? Believing in Yeshua can mean great sacrifice, in some way or another. It isn't always government persecution, it could be a result from job or family conflicts. Yet, we must cling to Yeshua. His Words are the Words of Life! There is no other by which we can be saved from our sin, or receive eternal life.
Remember, God is in control. He has a plan and it will be accomplished. In the case of the persecution of the early church, it was an impetus for the Jewish believers to spread abroad, bringing their faith with them. What purpose does your loss have?
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