Photo by Asafantman
The bible is clear that the Torah and its commandments are part of the Covenant between God and the people of Israel at Mt Sinai through Abraham, Mose and David.
Does that mean that the Torah is only for those who are ethnically Jews or who have become Jews by virtue of a circumcision or conversion to Judaism?
According to the Jerusalem Council in Acts 15, the admissability of non-Jews (or Gentiles) was discussed at length and the minimum observance necessary to ensure that they would not be rejected out of hand was determined. The Apostles reasoned that this would allow Gentiles to enter the Synagogue where "Moses" (or the Torah) would be taught to them. The Book of Acts goes on to tell the story of Paul as he established new churches with mixed Jewish and Gentile membership.
The Epistles address some of the theological controversies that arose as the new believers sought to reconcile traditional interpretations of the Torah in the new light of Christ. And what do these Epistles say regarding the status of Gentile believers?
Clearly they recognise that Gentile believers are:
- Children of God through the Spirit of Adoption (Romans 8.15)
- Counted as the "Seed of Abraham" (Galatians 3.29)
- Joint Heirs of the Promises given to Moses, Abraham and David (Romans 8.17).
- That the Gentiles and the (Torah Observant) Jews are to become One New Man under Christ (Ephesians 2.11-22).
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