Salvation for the Jews: Part Two
The early Jewish believers in Jesus—often called the Jerusalem Church or Jewish Christians—lived directly in a tension between the Old Covenant (the Law of Moses) and the New Covenant established through Jesus. Their experiences help us understand how the earliest followers of Christ, many of whom were devout Jews, navigated the continuity and transformation of God’s covenantal relationship with Israel. In today’s blog post, Salvation for the Jews: Part Two, we will explore the views of early believers in Jesus .
The First Believers Were Jews Who Accepted Jesus as the Messiah
The earliest followers of Jesus, including the apostles, were Jewish. They did not see their faith in Jesus as a rejection of Judaism but rather its fulfillment. Jesus Himself said:
“Do not think that I have come to abolish the Law or the Prophets; I have not come to abolish them but to fulfill them.”
— Matthew 5:17
Jewish believers like Peter, John, and especially James (the brother of Jesus) continued to participate in Temple worship, observe kosher laws, and celebrate Jewish festivals. They believed Jesus was the promised Messiah (Mashiach) foretold in the Hebrew Scriptures—bringing the culmination, not the cancellation, of God’s covenant with Israel.
Acts 15: The Council of Jerusalem
A major moment in early Church history came in Acts 15, when Gentiles began accepting Jesus in large numbers. The question arose: Must Gentile believers be circumcised and keep the Law of Moses to be saved?
The apostles concluded that Gentiles were saved by grace through faith in Jesus, not by adopting the Mosaic Law. But they did not require Jewish believers to abandon their Jewish identity or practices. This marked a pivotal distinction: salvation is through Jesus alone, but Jewish identity and law-keeping were still honored among Jewish believers as cultural and covenantal heritage.
Paul’s Passion and Pain for His Fellow Jews
Paul, a former Pharisee, grieved deeply that so many of his fellow Jews did not accept Jesus as the Messiah. In Romans 9–11, he wrestles with this heartbreak:
“I have great sorrow and unceasing anguish in my heart… for the sake of my brothers, my kinsmen according to the flesh.”
— Romans 9:2–3
Paul longed for the Jewish people to recognize Jesus, but he also affirmed that God’s covenant with them had not been discarded. He believed a future turning of Israel to Jesus was still to come (Romans 11:25–27).
A Remnant, Not Rejection
Throughout Scripture, God preserves a remnant—a faithful portion of Israel who respond to His call. The early Jewish Christians saw themselves as this remnant, chosen by grace (Romans 11:5), and they continued praying and working for the salvation of all Israel.
Takeaway for Today
The early Jewish believers held together two truths:
- Jesus is the Messiah and the only way to salvation.
- God’s covenant with Israel endures, and His promises will not fail.
They lived in reverent hope that one day all Israel would recognize their Messiah—not through force or replacement, but through revelation and mercy.
As modern believers, especially converted Jews and those with a heart for the Jewish people, this reminds us to:
- Share Jesus with love and humility.
- Honor God’s covenant with Israel.
- Trust that God will complete His redemptive plan in His time.
About Raleigh Acupuncture
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