CrossTalk - Christianity: A Jewish Phenomenon

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Christianity: a Jewish Phenomenon

Paul often attended synagogue services where he worshipped with the Jewish people. Many synagogues even let him preach for a while. Contrary to common accusations against Paul, he did not discredit Judaism, Jewish people, or Jewish worship. He reverenced the Jewish Torah and remained a Jew. He regularly visited the synagogue on his travels. A few examples of this are: in Salamis, Acts 13: 5; in Antioch, Acts 13:14; in Iconium, Acts 14:1; in Thessalonica, Acts 17:1; in Berea, Acts 17:10; in Athens, Acts 17:17; in Corinth, Acts 18:4; and in Ephesus, Acts 18:19. The synagogues were familiar and convenient to Paul. It was not abnormal for Paul to use them as a base of operations upon entering a new mission area.

To those outside of Judaism, Christianity was merely another group of Jews. Christianity was identified by the world as nothing more than one additional view among many within the diverse religion of Judaism. Some would suggest that view from the outside continued for centuries.

Until the year 325 c.e. the Christians were considered to be a Jewish sect, and they had a large following in the country. Debates between the orthodox and Christian Jews were a common occurrence.[14]

Then, as now, a variety of opinions were common within Judaism. Disagreement was acceptable and commonplace. Although Jesus did not agree with all facets of Judaism or the Jewish leaders, He was a Jew. In his book The Origin of the Christian Faith, Jeffrey Seif says, "Though He indeed was bodily resurrected some two thousand years ago, it may be said that His Jewish heritage was executed, buried, and has yet to fully arise."[15]

The record of discord is recognized in the New Testament by the Judaizer's concerns over what level of Judaic requirements were needed to be included in the lives of new adherents to their Jewish sect. The account in the Acts of the Apostles shows how truly Jewish they were. Their concerns were intended to insure acceptance among their Jewish associates. They were not trying to protect their families. They were not trying to protect their jobs. They were not trying to insure their safety. The Jerusalem Council was concerned about losing their credibility among the practicing Jews of Jerusalem. The truth of the Gospel was never compromised, but the Torah was upheld. They were conscious of the fact that their words, actions, attitudes, teachings, and doctrines were under constant scrutiny by the Jewish leaders, as well as the Jewish people who watched the emerging Church developing in their midst. They did not want Jewish Christianity to be devalued in the eyes of their fellowmen due to the Gentiles lack of understanding or commitment to Torah.

[14]Gershom Bader, translated by Solomon Katz, The Encyclopedia of Talmudic Sages (Jason Aronson, Inc., Northvale, N.J., 1988), p. 462.
[15]Seif, p. 15.

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