How Should Christians Treat Those Who Seem To Want To Be "Under The Law"?

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sparkman

Guest
#21
Re: How Should Christians Treat Those Who Seem To Want To Be "Under The Law"?

What do you mean to be 'under the law'? Are you talking about an individual who keeps the Sabbath, festivals, and whatever else because he thinks they have meaning, but doesn't condemn others for not keeping them?

Or, does he believe they are earning, meriting, or continuing his salvation? Does he believe that his salvation is conditional upon doing these sorts of things?

I believe the second individual should be confronted in a firm but loving way. These sorts of people are the topics of the books of Galatians, Colossians and Hebrews. The first individual should be left alone as he's simply exercising his liberality under Romans 14.

By the way, according to Acts 21, the Palestinian Jews were concerned that Paul was teaching the Diaspora Jews that they shouldn't observe elements of the Law. Paul participated in some Jewish purification rites as a result; to prove that he was not promoting such things. So, this tells us that the Jewish Christians of this time were keeping elements of the Old Covenant laws. However, it is plain from the context, as well as Acts 15, that they were not required of Gentile Christians.

Gentile Christians, on the other hand, were being taught by Judaizers that they needed to keep the Old Covenant. This was an outright heresy, and Paul confronted it in STRONG terms in the book of Galatians. Colossian Christians were warned against Judaizers who were promoting similar things such as festivals, new moon, and Sabbath observance. Hebrews was written to confront Jews who were being taught that salvation was about Jesus plus the Old Covenant, and this too was condemned.

I have no issue with Sabbath or festival keepers who believe it's a worthwhile practice and that the days have meaning. if they are trying to promote their practice to others, though, I will ask them if they think observing those days are a condition of their salvation, or if they earn, merit, or continue their salvation in any way. I may ask them if they think other Christians who don't observe these days are still in their sins and unsaved. If they respond with yes on these sorts of questions, I would inform them of the Scriptures that prove that these days are not binding requirements on New Covenant Christians.

The older Sabbath and festival keepers are deeply indoctrinated so I don't spend much effort on them if they combat me. It's usually those who are less indoctrinated that are reachable. It's a useful endeavor as young people have so many years ahead of them and they can spend it trying to reach people with the true gospel rather than the fake gospel of legalism.

I spend 10 years as a Sabbath and festival keeper in a legalistic cult so I am very familiar with the mentality. I doubt I would have listened if someone had attempted to dissuade me from legalism but I wish someone had, in my earlier years. I think about all the worthwhile endeavors I could have done during this time that was sort of wasted with foolishness.
 
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Gr8grace

Guest
#22
Re: How Should Christians Treat Those Who Seem To Want To Be "Under The Law"?

I also have a well-used ignore list. And while it does solve the problem of having to endure harassment in the forums, it does nothing to correct the same issue elsewhere. Nor does that handy little button teach the “babes in Christ” a vital step in maturing, as God’s Word tells us to. Professing Christians who are unlearned on a given subject but can’t keep their mouth shut and learn from others, as in edifying one another instead of tearing each other down, yet insist upon vocalizing all of their great (nonexistent) biblical knowledge, have given real Christianity a bad reputation. And it can be traced back to self-importance, self-righteousness, self-justification, pride, arrogance…uh oh – we’re back to that hated word again: “humility” or more accurately in this case, the lack thereof.
Unbelievers are supposed to see Christ in us and that is supposed to make them want what Christians have. I have actually been told by someone who no longer goes to church that he can enjoy better camaraderie over a beer with a guy than in any of the churches he’s gone to. Why would they want the things we see amongst each other? They can find bickering and nastiness anywhere.
I cannot imagine Jesus Christ walking this earth with the attitude we see so much of amongst professing Christians today, in spite of the fact that He has all knowledge and wisdom possible. And we are to be imitators of Him; to have the mind of Christ; treating one another with gentleness and kindness. Now, here’s a scary thought – imagine what the world would be like today if Jesus had walked the earth teaching love and demonstrating the opposite.
Again, the question is not what to address but more so HOW to treat the people one feels MUST be addressed due to whatever situation might come up.
Deal with everybody in Grace and truth. Don't take anything personal.

Deal with the message, and forget about the personality.

I am guilty of it. I believe in Grace, and will inevitably be accused of, "preaching a license to sin." And end up defending my position on "how that is not true." So I end up defending myself, instead of just keep posting the truth of Grace and defending my Lord. Which is exactly what religion wants me to do.....defend myself,instead of grace and the Lord.

Satan wants to be like the most High. So He has 2 tactics.

1 Keep the unbeliever away from Christs salvation Grace.

2 Keep the believer from KNOWING grace and the knowledge of Christ......which helps satan to keep the TRUTH of salvation from the unbeliever and keeps the believer from Glorifying the Lord in time.
 
Mar 3, 2013
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#23
Re: How Should Christians Treat Those Who Seem To Want To Be "Under The Law"?

What do you mean to be 'under the law'?...
Being under the law is a phrase I happen to really dislike because it is thrown around as if people actually knew what they were saying, and they don't when it comes to accusing others of legalism or being a judaizer. It is the most common divisive topic in the forum and I used it simply as an example to drive home the point of HOW we are supposed to correct others. I see there are some who missed that point in my op but I knew that was a possibility before I started the thread. There are comparatively few on the threads who understand (giving the benefit of the doubt here) or don't care how God expects Christians to act.
 

JGIG

Senior Member
Aug 2, 2013
2,295
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#24
Re: How Should Christians Treat Those Who Seem To Want To Be "Under The Law"?

Just for the sake of edification (which we should all welcome!), imagine you are one of those poor, misguided souls who still believe the law is a valid part of God’s “every word” and you are in the presence of more enlightened, “real” Christians. What would you want them to do? How would you want to be treated?

This - and it is in accordance with the Scriptures posted:

To do as Paul did and point out the foolishness of trying to complete with the Law what was begun with the Spirit; that IS the most loving thing to do.

The goal is to keep pointing to

  • Who Jesus is
  • What He came to do
  • What that actually accomplished, and
  • Who we who believe in Christ are in Him


When one has a firm grasp on those truths, falsehoods fall away.

-JGIG
 
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sparkman

Guest
#25
Re: How Should Christians Treat Those Who Seem To Want To Be "Under The Law"?

Being under the law is a phrase I happen to really dislike because it is thrown around as if people actually knew what they were saying, and they don't when it comes to accusing others of legalism or being a judaizer. It is the most common divisive topic in the forum and I used it simply as an example to drive home the point of HOW we are supposed to correct others. I see there are some who missed that point in my op but I knew that was a possibility before I started the thread. There are comparatively few on the threads who understand (giving the benefit of the doubt here) or don't care how God expects Christians to act.
I don't really like it either. It is a biblical phrase, though. Biblically I understand it to refer to any system of pursuing a righteous status with God by works rather than by faith in Jesus Christ, whether we are talking about the Old Covenant law or some other legalistic system. Faith produces obedience, but it is a fruit of faith.
 
Mar 4, 2013
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#26
Re: How Should Christians Treat Those Who Seem To Want To Be "Under The Law"?

This - and it is in accordance with the Scriptures posted:

To do as Paul did and point out the foolishness of trying to complete with the Law what was begun with the Spirit; that IS the most loving thing to do.

The goal is to keep pointing to

  • Who Jesus is
  • What He came to do
  • What that actually accomplished, and
  • Who we who believe in Christ are in Him


When one has a firm grasp on those truths, falsehoods fall away.

-JGIG
That's good for starters. But the question was how do we treat people that want to be under the law? Really, how did Paul minister to them that were under the law? Do we see that in CC? Or do we see something different? If we are accusing people of being under the law, are we doing the same as Paul's example he gave of himself?
 
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crossnote

Senior Member
Nov 24, 2012
30,742
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#27
Re: How Should Christians Treat Those Who Seem To Want To Be "Under The Law"?

Well, Paul did give 'soft warnings' for those falling under the law to be justified...

I testify again to every man who accepts circumcision that he is obligated to keep the whole law. You are severed from Christ, you who would be justified by the law; you have fallen away from grace.
(Gal 5:3-4)

And a much stronger rebuke to those teachers...

I would they were even cut off which trouble you.
(Gal 5:12)

But though we, or an angel from heaven, preach any other gospel unto you than that which we have preached unto you, let him be accursed. As we said before, so say I now again, If any man preach any other gospel unto you than that ye have received, let him be accursed.
(Gal 1:8-9)
 
Jul 22, 2014
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#28
Re: How Should Christians Treat Those Who Seem To Want To Be "Under The Law"?

If a Christian does not love, they do not know God. For God is love (1 John 4:8). So when Christians are being hateful, they need to examine whether or not Christ is in them or not (2 Corinthians 13:5). For love is one of the fruits of the Spirit, along with kindness and patience.

Yes, we are not under the Law of Moses. Yes, it is wrong when a person tries to emphasize certain commands in God's Word as in relation to salvation when it is not true (Like Baptismal salvation, or speaking in tongues, etc.). However, there are commands that do relate to salvation that we need to do in the New Testament. For example: We have to forgive, or we will not be forgiven. So God does give us many Commands in the New Testament. Jesus said, if you love him you will keep his commandments. This is the result of God transforming you spiritually and whereby He will live within you whereby He will do the good work in your life (See Ezekiel 36:26-27). For we have salvation by abiding in Christ (God). For he that has the Son has life and he that does not have the Son does not have life (1 John 5:12). For salvation is Relationship-ism. Salvation is not Antinomianism (i.e. where the moral law is ignored) and neither is it Works Salvationism because a person can have assurance of salvation at any moment (even right now) by trusting in Jesus Christ as their Savior and by admitting they are a sinner. A believer who has sinned can get their heart right with God by confessing their sin (1 John 2:1) (1 John 1:9) and by forsaking it (1 John 1:7). For Jesus saves us 100%. He saves both in Justification and in Sanctification. For Jesus Christ was manifested to destroy the works of the devil. We are also sanctified by the Spirit and by the washing of the water of the Word, too.

Anyways, I hope this helps.
And may God's love shine upon whoever is reading this.

Blessings be unto you.

Sincerely,

~ Jason.


...
 
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atwhatcost

Guest
#29
Re: How Should Christians Treat Those Who Seem To Want To Be "Under The Law"?

Just for the sake of edification (which we should all welcome!), imagine you are one of those poor, misguided souls who still believe the law is a valid part of God’s “every word” and you are in the presence of more enlightened, “real” Christians. What would you want them to do? How would you want to be treated?
I am this "poor misguided soul." Since I am, I have no problems treating "them." How do you?
 
D

DesiredHaven

Guest
#30
Re: How Should Christians Treat Those Who Seem To Want To Be "Under The Law"?

If the law was a schoolmaster to lead one to Christ, how would the schoolmaster misguide them?
 
Feb 7, 2013
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#31
Re: How Should Christians Treat Those Who Seem To Want To Be "Under The Law"?

The usual scenario on CC is different. Both sides have their heels dug in 5ft deep.
And so, you decided to have yours 'dug' in the 'middle' in 'six feet under', being a 'lukewarm' and a 'spectator' between both in 'action'.

Aren't you a 'spiteful' one towards your brethren, for you 'judge' them both in your own opinion headed words without Scripture justification that your 'testimony' is of truth. Therefore one will only end up 'condemning' oneself because they do the very same thing that others who they judge do?

The 'Word' say one who hate is a 'murderer' of their brethren?

Haven't you not found between both sides, even one is founded in 'knowledge' of Grace and Truth and 'testifying', or JESUS gave you everything in distinction above both and appointed you as 'judge' about your brethren?

i am very sad and discouraged to witness a 'self' growing 'cold' comments about others, ignorantly in a 'conceit' manner.

'Digging down deep and laying one's foundation on the 'rock' is not a mandatory crime'. Have 'compassion' from spitefulness and make useful your given time using the given talent and 'serve' to 'built up' HIS people instead.

'Turn back' while you can before it is too late and be 'cut off' from the 'cultivated olive tree' and left to 'wither'.

Thank you and GOD bless you and 'open' HIS Spiritual eyes upon yours, in order to understand first of all Grace and Truth in the name of LORD JESUS CHRIST.

As it is written;

"The accuser of our brethren day and night."

The very 'self' same comment satan gave in the council held in Heaven, when GOD asked him about HIS servant 'Job'.

This is a 'lesson' for me too and i thank you also, i am able learn from your mistakes and from the correction of the LORD who loves you, how i my-'self' can get 'side track' at times, in my carnal/flesh/self's passions and desires, that wars against and grief the HOLY SPIRIT, by acting 'immoral' apart from the 'spirit anf life' moral Holy Scripture guide, the written New Covenant/Testament, GOD made with us, through LORD JESUS CHRIST our Savior and redeemer.


 

vic1980

Senior Member
Apr 25, 2013
1,653
199
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#32
Re: How Should Christians Treat Those Who Seem To Want To Be "Under The Law"?

I believe the second individual should be confronted in a firm but loving way. These sorts of people are the topics of the books of Galatians, Colossians and Hebrews. The first individual should be left alone as he's simply exercising his liberality under Romans 14.

By the way, according to Acts 21, the Palestinian Jews were concerned that Paul was teaching the Diaspora Jews that they shouldn't observe elements of the Law. Paul participated in some Jewish purification rites as a result; to prove that he was not promoting such things. So, this tells us that the Jewish Christians of this time were keeping elements of the Old Covenant laws. However, it is plain from the context, as well as Acts 15, that they were not required of Gentile Christians.

.
the Palestinian Jews ???
 

crossnote

Senior Member
Nov 24, 2012
30,742
3,670
113
#33
Re: How Should Christians Treat Those Who Seem To Want To Be "Under The Law"?

And so, you decided to have yours 'dug' in the 'middle' in 'six feet under', being a 'lukewarm' and a 'spectator' between both in 'action'.

Aren't you a 'spiteful' one towards your brethren, for you 'judge' them both in your own opinion headed words without Scripture justification that your 'testimony' is of truth. Therefore one will only end up 'condemning' oneself because they do the very same thing that others who they judge do?

The 'Word' say one who hate is a 'murderer' of their brethren?

Haven't you not found between both sides, even one is founded in 'knowledge' of Grace and Truth and 'testifying', or JESUS gave you everything in distinction above both and appointed you as 'judge' about your brethren?

i am very sad and discouraged to witness a 'self' growing 'cold' comments about others, ignorantly in a 'conceit' manner.

'Digging down deep and laying one's foundation on the 'rock' is not a mandatory crime'. Have 'compassion' from spitefulness and make useful your given time using the given talent and 'serve' to 'built up' HIS people instead.

'Turn back' while you can before it is too late and be 'cut off' from the 'cultivated olive tree' and left to 'wither'.

Thank you and GOD bless you and 'open' HIS Spiritual eyes upon yours, in order to understand first of all Grace and Truth in the name of LORD JESUS CHRIST.

As it is written;

"The accuser of our brethren day and night."

The very 'self' same comment satan gave in the council held in Heaven, when GOD asked him about HIS servant 'Job'.

This is a 'lesson' for me too and i thank you also, i am able learn from your mistakes and from the correction of the LORD who loves you, how i my-'self' can get 'side track' at times, in my carnal/flesh/self's passions and desires, that wars against and grief the HOLY SPIRIT, by acting 'immoral' apart from the 'spirit anf life' moral Holy Scripture guide, the written New Covenant/Testament, GOD made with us, through LORD JESUS CHRIST our Savior and redeemer.

You seem to be convicted about something I have said or have been saying all along to come on this strong from left field. I'm not sure if you understood me but I wasn't excluding myself in my 5ft comment. I dig my heels in as hard as any as many here can testify, outside of that I don't understand your sudden burst of emotion against me.
 
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crossnote

Senior Member
Nov 24, 2012
30,742
3,670
113
#34
Re: How Should Christians Treat Those Who Seem To Want To Be "Under The Law"?

If the law was a schoolmaster to lead one to Christ, how would the schoolmaster misguide them?
I think some kept staring at the map as they walked right past their destination. :)
 
Dec 26, 2014
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#35
Re: How Should Christians Treat Those Who Seem To Want To Be "Under The Law"?

If the law was a schoolmaster to lead one to Christ, how would the schoolmaster misguide them?
as it is written, the law(properly used) IS the schoolmaster that leads us to Christ. without it, no one is led to Christ (as far as I can tell).


if 'them' is misguided , it is not by the schoolmaster, but by their own souls or minds or by the enemy.

Galatians 3:24 Parallel Verses
New International Version
So the law was our guardian until Christ came that we might be justified by faith.

New Living Translation
Let me put it another way. The law was our guardian until Christ came; it protected us until we could be made right with God through faith.
 
Feb 7, 2013
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#36
Re: How Should Christians Treat Those Who Seem To Want To Be "Under The Law"?

You seem to be convicted about something I have said or have been saying all along to come on this strong from left field. I'm not sure if you understood me but I wasn't excluding myself in my 5ft comment. I dig my heels in as hard as any as many here can testify, outside of that I don't understand your sudden burst of emotion against me.
This is the same reaction from you and also earlier, is what i am guided to refer to in service for correction, that sure could use some changes in 'AGAPE'.

Since you 'dig your heel in as hard' than others, does it mean that you are 'stuck' and need a tug out?

Use your own replies as your 'mirror' and discover who really is the one 'convicted' and 'emotional' and 'untouchable'?

Thank you and GOD bless you in the name of LORD JESUS CHRIST.
 
Feb 7, 2013
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#37
Re: How Should Christians Treat Those Who Seem To Want To Be "Under The Law"?

Just for the sake of edification (which we should all welcome!), imagine you are one of those poor, misguided souls who still believe the law is a valid part of God’s “every word” and you are in the presence of more enlightened, “real” Christians. What would you want them to do? How would you want to be treated?

There are some scriptures that apply to the situation:

What I grew up with as 'the Golden Rule' - Matthew 7:12 (KJV)
[SUP]12 [/SUP]Therefore all things whatsoever ye would that men should do to you, do ye even so to them: for this is the law and the prophets.
(CJB) Always treat others as you would like them to treat you; that sums up the teaching of the Torah and the Prophets.
(Aramaic English New Testament) All that which you desire that the sons of men should do for you, also like this you do to them.

And then there is the Apostle Paul’s exhortation:
1 Corinthians 9:19-23 (KJV)
[SUP]19 [/SUP]For though I be free from all men, yet have I made myself servant unto all, that I might gain the more.
[SUP]20 [/SUP]And unto the Jews I became as a Jew, that I might gain the Jews; to them that are under the law, as under the law, that I might gain them that are under the law;
[SUP]21 [/SUP]To them that are without law, as without law, (being not without law to God, but under the law to Christ,) that I might gain them that are without law.
[SUP]22 [/SUP]To the weak became I as weak, that I might gain the weak: I am made all things to all men, that I might by all means save some.
[SUP]23 [/SUP]And this I do for the gospel's sake, that I might be partaker thereof with you.
(CJB)
19 Being circumcised means nothing, and being uncircumcised means nothing; what does mean something is keeping God's commandments.
20 Each person should remain in the condition he was in when he was called.
21 Were you a slave when you were called? Well, don't let it bother you; although if you can gain your freedom, take advantage of the opportunity.
22 For a person who was a slave when he was called is the Lord's freedman; likewise, someone who was a free man when he was called is a slave of the Messiah.
23 You were bought at a price, so do not become slaves of other human beings.
(Aramaic English New Testament)
19 Being free from them all, I have made myself a servant to every man; that I might gain many;
20 And with the Jews, I was as a Jew, that I might gain the Jews; and with those under Torah, I was under Torah, that I might gain them that are under Torah;
21 And to those who have not Torah, I was without Torah, (although I am not without Torah to Elohim, but subject to the Torah of the Mashiyach), that I might gain them that are without Torah.
22 I was with the weak, that I might gain the weak; I was all things to all men, that I might restore every one.
23 And this I do that I may participate in the announcement.

James 4:11-12 (KJV)
[SUP]11 [/SUP]Speak not evil one of another, brethren. He that speaketh evil of his brother, and judgeth his brother, speaketh evil of the law, and judgeth the law: but if thou judge the law, thou art not a doer of the law, but a judge.
[SUP]12 [/SUP]There is one lawgiver, who is able to save and to destroy: who art thou that judgest another?
(CJB)
11 Brothers, stop speaking against each other! Whoever speaks against a brother or judges a brother is speaking against Torah and judging Torah. And if you judge Torah, you are not a doer of what Torah says, but a judge.
12 There is but one Giver of Torah; he is also the Judge, with the power to deliver and to destroy. Who do you think you are, judging your fellow human being?
(Aramaic English New Testament)
11 Speak not against each other, my Brothers; for he that speaks against his brother, or judges his brother speaks against Torah and judges Torah. And if you judge Torah. And if you judge Torah, you are not a doer of Torah, but its judge.
12 There is one Torah-giver and Judge who can make alive and (can) destroy: but who are youthat you judge your neighbor?

Who are we to condemn what God has spoken?
Rather, we are to “rightly divide” it and edify one another with a character of gentleness, kindness and firmness.

1 Peter 3:15-16 (KJV)
[SUP]15 [/SUP]But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts: and be ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you with meekness and fear:
1 Peter 3:16 (KJV)
[SUP]16 [/SUP]Having a good conscience; that, whereas they speak evil of you, as of evildoers, they may be ashamed that falsely accuse your good conversation in Christ.
(CJB)
15 but treat the Messiah as holy, as Lord in your hearts;s while remaining always ready to give a reasoned answer to anyone who asks you to explain the hope you have in you - yet with humility and fear,
16 keeping your conscience clear, so that when you are spoken against, those who abuse the good behavior flowing from your union with the Messiah may be put to shame.
(Aramaic English New Testament)
15 But sanctify Master YHWH the Mashiyach in your hearts. And be you ready for a vindication before everyone who demands of you an account of the hope of your faith,
16 in meekness and respect, as having a good conscience; so that they that speak against you as bad men may be ashamed for having maligned your good conduct in the Mashiyach.
The answer is in partially, how Apostle Paul treat the Galatians church, who seem to want to be 'Under the Law'?

'Outraged' or 'gentle'?

Was he mad and outraged or madly in love concern for one's safety from the 'Law of Moses'?

Does this include the 'Law of CHRIST' of the written New Covenant/Testament?
 
S

sparkman

Guest
#38
Re: How Should Christians Treat Those Who Seem To Want To Be "Under The Law"?

the Palestinian Jews ???
What does the Bible mean when it refers to the Diaspora?

Question: "What does the Bible mean when it refers to the Diaspora?"

Answer:
The word Diaspora is a transliteration of a Greek word that means “to sow throughout” or “to distribute in foreign lands” or “scatter abroad.” Some form of the Greek word is seen in six different New Testament passages, and at its simplest meaning, the Diaspora refers to Jews who were living outside of Palestine or Israel having been dispersed or scattered to other Gentile countries. In modern parlance, the Diaspora refers to the scattering of the Jews throughout Europe who returned to their homeland in 1948 with the creation of the state of Israel by a United Nations resolution.

Throughout the history of Israel, the Jewish people were conquered and sent into exile several different times. While many of them had returned to Israel when the opportunity arose, many others stayed in the Gentile countries. But the forced exile of Jews was only a small part of the reason that Jews would have been scattered throughout much of the Roman Empire during the New Testament time. Other economic and political influences led to many other Jews leaving Israel/Palestine for more comfortable and profitable lands.

There were large Jewish populations in both Egypt and Syria, with an estimated Jewish population in Alexandria, Egypt, alone, of more than one million Jews. During Roman rule many Jews were also taken to Rome as slaves, and there were large Jewish populations in several different parts of the Roman Empire. The Roman historian Mommsen wrote, “The inhabitants of Palestine were only a portion, and not the most important portion, of the Jews; the Jewish communities of Babylonia, Syria, Asia Minor and Egypt were far superior to those of Palestine.” Jews were scattered across so much of the known world that the Jewish historian Josephus wrote that “there is no city, no tribe, whether Greek or barbarian, in which Jewish law and Jewish customs have not taken root.”

Clearly, by the time of Christ’s coming, Jews were scattered throughout the Roman Empire. So at the time Jesus began His earthly ministry, there were likely more Jews living outside of Israel than in it. This is important to realize because it helps us to understand just how perfect the timing of Jesus’ coming was. With Greek being widely spoken throughout the Roman Empire and Jews having been scattered or dispersed among the nations, the time was right for Jesus to come and the gospel to spread throughout the Roman Empire. As Galatians 4:4-5 says, “But when the fullness of the time had come, God sent forth His Son, born of a woman, born under the law, to redeem those who were under the law, that we might receive the adoption as sons” (emphasis added).

So, in the broadest meaning of the word, the Diaspora would refer to the countless Jews living outside of Israel, and that is exactly the meaning we see in John 7:35 where the Jewish religious leaders would wonder where Jesus was going and if He was intending to go to “the Dispersion among the Greeks and teach the Greeks.” Jesus had told them that where He was going they could not come, nor could they find Him. Jesus, of course, was speaking of returning to be with God the Father, but the Jewish leaders thought He was going to be with Jews scattered abroad instead.

However, in the rest of the New Testament, the meaning of the Diaspora seems to evolve somewhat. First it refers more specifically to Jewish Christians who were spread out all over the Roman Empire rather than Jews in general. In Acts 8:1–4 we see the gospel being spread as the persecution of Jewish Christians began in Jerusalem, so the Jewish Christians were “scattered” or dispersed “throughout the regions of Judea and Samaria” and “those that were scattered went everywhere preaching the word.”

Those first Jewish Christians who fled Israel because of the persecution that started after the death of Stephen would have gone throughout the Roman Empire taking the message of Jesus Christ to already established and sizable Jewish communities and synagogues all over the Roman Empire. Again, in Acts 11:19, we see the word used referring to Jewish Christians, who “scattered after the persecution that arose over Stephen [and] traveled as far as Phoenicia, Cyprus, and Antioch, preaching the word to no one but the Jews only.”

God had allowed—even orchestrated—the spreading of millions of Jews throughout the Roman Empire to serve as a key part in the rapid spread of the gospel. As Jewish Christians were forced to flee Jerusalem due to persecution, they were able to travel to almost any part of the world and find a Jewish population and a Jewish synagogue from which to share the gospel of Christ. Because the Jews already knew the Old Testament, the background was set and the timing was perfect for the gospel to spread throughout the nations.

So, when James wrote in his Epistle that he was writing to “the twelve tribes which are scattered abroad” (James 1:1), he was clearly writing to Jewish Christians whom God had scattered throughout the Roman Empire. But then Peter’s use of the term takes on an even fuller meaning and now involves both Jewish and Gentile Christians who were scattered throughout the provinces in Asia Minor: “To the pilgrims of the Dispersion in Pontus, Galatia, Cappadocia, Asia and Bithynia” (1 Peter 1:1). We know from the context of 1 Peter that he is writing to both Jewish and Gentile Christians, so we see the word Diaspora now referring to Christians in general, both Jew and Gentile.

In looking at the different passages where this word is found, we can see how the meaning of Diaspora has somewhat evolved in the New Testament. Originally, it referred to all Jews who lived outside of Israel. Then it took on a more limited meaning, referring specifically to Jewish Christians who were scattered throughout the Roman Empire. Finally, we see an even more general meaning as it applies to both Jewish and Gentile Christians who were scattered around an often hostile world.

Read more: What does the Bible mean when it refers to the Diaspora?
 
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sparkman

Guest
#39
Re: How Should Christians Treat Those Who Seem To Want To Be "Under The Law"?

The answer is in partially, how Apostle Paul treat the Galatians church, who seem to want to be 'Under the Law'?

'Outraged' or 'gentle'?

Was he mad and outraged or madly in love concern for one's safety from the 'Law of Moses'?

Does this include the 'Law of CHRIST' of the written New Covenant/Testament?
I agree with your point. He was by no means gentle with the Galatians, in fact calling the message of the Judaizers "another gospel". These false teachers were trying to get the Galatians to observe the Old Covenant, which Gentiles were never a part of.

However, strangely Jews in the New Testament church continued to observe elements of the Old Covenant. We find an account concerning this in Acts 21. Paul, in fact, was accused of teaching the Diaspora Jews outside of Palestine to abandon their customs, including circumcision, and he underwent purification rites to prove this false.

Jews in the New Testament church continued to observe the Old Covenant, but obviously not as a condition of salvation. I think this is the extreme that Paul was addressing in Hebrews. Gentiles did not observe the Old Covenant, and neither were they required to. Acts 15 is clear about this.

Jews AND Gentiles went to the synagogues on the Sabbath because that's where they heard the Scriptures read. It is very likely that most if not all met subsequently, probably on Sunday, to discuss the Scriptures and to fellowship amongst fellow Christians. So, Scriptures which discuss Christians attending the synagogue on the Sabbath do not imply that Sabbathkeeping is required for Christians.

Sabbathkeeping as a sign of being a true follower of God, like many Sabbathkeepers believe and teach, is also a false gospel...one that held me in its deception for 10 years. My testimony in the signature provides Scriptural evidence that the Old Covenant isn't required for ANYONE now, and the Ten Commandments, including Sabbathkeeping, is part of the Old Covenant. Nine of the commandments are moral absolutes, but the Sabbath is not. It is one of two signs of the Old Covenant, the other being circumcision. The Old Covenant was an agreement between God and Israel anyways, not God and Christians.
 
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JesusLives

Senior Member
Oct 11, 2013
14,554
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#40
Re: How Should Christians Treat Those Who Seem To Want To Be "Under The Law"?

If we are convicted of something isn't that our own conviction? Example.... I don't eat pork my conviction, but I don't tell my daughter or my husband they can't eat pork as that is between them and God not me and them....is that an o.k. way to think about the matter?