The Pulling the Thread Podcast

The first century CE witnessed the burgeoning of a unique phenomenon, deeply interwoven with its Jewish roots. This period, marked by the continuity with Judaism by influential figures such as James, Peter, and Clement, and the emergence of distinct sects like the Ebionites and Nazerenes, is a fascinating chapter in the history of the Jewish Christian faith. This article explores the dynamic connections between early Jewish Christianity, its ties to the Jerusalem synagogue through James and Simon (both brothers of Jesus), and the conflicts that eventually led to a split between the Nazerenes and Ebionites that eventually lead to the birth of Roman Catholicism, which became known as Christianity.

“The early followers of Jesus did not break away from Judaism; they saw themselves as the true exponents of the Jewish faith, faithful to the Mosaic covenant.” – Geza Vermes

Early Jewish Christians maintained a profound connection to their Jewish identity. Their practices resembled those of other Jewish sects, reflecting the shared ground of monotheism, adherence to Jewish law, and observance of rituals like circumcision, Kosher diet and Sabbath keeping. This continuity is exemplified in the Epistle of Peter to James, where the act of handing over books echoes Moses transmitting teachings to the elders, signifying a seamless evolution rather than a radical departure.

“Early Christians were simply Jews who believed Jesus was the Messiah… They continued to observe most Jewish practices, attended synagogues, and saw themselves as part of the larger Jewish community.” – James Tabor

The first century CE was a vibrant tapestry woven with diverse threads of faith. This relationship between Jewish followers of Jesus, the historical Jesus himself, the later-developed New Testament, and the multifaceted landscape of Judaism. Amidst this rich landscape, the nascent Jewish Christian movement emerged, its story intricately intertwined with the historical Jesus, and the multifaceted world of Judaism. This period holds immense significance, as it shaped the very foundation of both Christianity and Judaism, leaving a lasting impact on the world stage.

“The Ebionites were perhaps the direct descendants of the Jerusalem church led by James after Jesus’ death… They clung to Jewish law and practice more than other Christians.” – Robert Eisenman

The Jewish followers of Jesus, often referred to as “Jewish Christians,” maintained a close connection to their Jewish roots. Their practices and beliefs echoed the monotheistic principles and traditions of Judaism, foundational groups like the Ebionites emphasized adherence to Jewish law. This proximity is beautifully illustrated in the Epistle of Peter to James, where the act of handing over “books” evokes the image of Moses passing his wisdom to the Seventy Elders, signifying continuity and respect for the tradition of the elders, similar to Pharasaic Judaism.

“It is likely that the Ebionites preserved some authentic traditions about Jesus and early Christianity that were later lost or marginalized.” – Hyam Maccoby

Early Jewish Christianity flourished in the context of Jewish traditions, laws, and monotheistic principles. Followers of Jesus maintained a close connection to their Jewish foundation, observing rituals, keeping a kosher diet and adhering to the Law of Moses. This continuity emphasized a seamless the continued theological foundations and a commitment to the Abrahamic covenant of Judaism of the first century.

“While the Ebionites are often seen as marginal, they are significant for their connection to the earliest Jewish Christian traditions and their rejection of Pauline Christianity.” – Seth Schwartz

The Jewish followers of Jesus were deeply rooted in their ancestral faith. Jewish laws, monotheistic principles, and traditions formed the bedrock of their beliefs and practices. This connection is evident in the Epistle of Peter to James, where references to Moses handing over his books to his successors illustrate the perceived continuity between the Jewish Christian movement and its heritage.

“Wherefore let him be proved not less than six years. And then according to the initiation of Moses,”– The Epistle of Peter to james

Judaism in the first century was far from monolithic. From the ascetic Essenes seeking purity in the desert to the scholarly Pharisees meticulously interpreting the law, a plethora of groups with their own distinct beliefs and practices coexisted. The Zealots, driven by passionate nationalism, represented another facet of this diverse landscape. Understanding these various perspectives adds depth and complexity to the context in which the early Jewish Christian movement emerged.

“And thus they have amongst them one God, one law, one hope.”– The Epistle of Peter to James

James, the brother of Jesus, played a pivotal role in the leadership of the early Jerusalem church. His influence extended beyond familial ties, as he guided the community through a period of significant theological development. Peter, one of the twelve disciples, and Clement, an early Christian theologian, further contributed to the doctrinal foundations of Jewish Christianity. Their collective impact shaped the trajectory of the faith during its formative years.

“The early followers of Jesus were not Christians in the way we think of it today. They were Jews… they still practiced Judaism.” – James Tabor

Several figures played pivotal roles in shaping the early Jewish Christian identity. James, often identified as Jesus’ brother, led the Jerusalem church and emphasized adherence to Jewish law. Peter, a prominent disciple, navigated the delicate relationship with the Jewish authorities and broader community. Clement, an early leader, further solidified the doctrinal foundations. These figures, along with others, grappled with questions of identity, practice, and relationship to Judaism, leaving an indelible mark on the movement’s trajectory. In contrast the Marcionite letters of Paul, his Gospel, and the Gospel of John, likely an invention of a Marcionite community, left their imprint on the later developed Christianity as well, as they went the way of Pauline Christianity.

“For some from among the Gentiles have rejected my legal preaching, attaching themselves to certain lawless and trifling preaching of the man who is my enemy.2 And these things some have attempted while I am still alive, to transform my words by certain various interpretations, in order to the dissolution of the law; as though I also myself were of such a mind, but did not freely proclaim it, which God forbid! For such a thing were to act in opposition to the law of God which was spoken by Moses, and was borne witness to by our Lord in respect of its eternal continuance; for thus he spoke: “The heavens and the earth shall pass away, but one jot or one tittle shall in no wise pass from the law.”– The Epistle of Peter to James

The early Christian movement splintered into various sects, each interpreting the teachings of Jesus and the role of Jewish law differently. The Ebionites, known for their strict adherence to Jewish practices and rejection of Pauline teachings, represented one faction. On the other hand, the Nazerenes, while maintaining ties to Jewish traditions, embraced certain distinct Pauline perspectives. Both groups emerged as expressions of diverse interpretations within early Jewish Christianity.

“James, concerned with maintaining Jewish unity, insisted on Gentile converts adhering to Jewish law. Paul, aiming to expand the movement, argued for less stringent requirements.” – Seth Schwartz

As the movement expanded, adherence to Jewish law became a contentious issue. Gentile converts like Paul and later Marcion challenged the necessity of following Jewish legal codes, advocating for interpretations that seemed to dissolve these obligations. This met with strong opposition from figures like James and Peter, who argued for the continued relevance of God’s law. This tension between adhering to Jewish law and evolving Jewish Christian beliefs became a central theme in the early years of the proto-orthodox Christian movement.

“The conflict between James and Paul was not simply about Jewish law, but also about the nature of the Messiah and the future of the movement.” – James Tabor

The Jerusalem church, led by James and Simon (brother of Jesus), served as a focal point for early Jewish Christians. Following James’ martyrdom, leadership of the Jerusalem church transitioned to Simon, believed to be Jesus’ brother. After James’ death, Simon assumed a central role in the leadership. However, previous conflicts between James and Paul, regarding the integration of Gentiles into the Christian community, led to tensions within the Jerusalem synagogue. This internal strife eventually contributed to the split between the Nazerenes and Ebionites.

“Then to commit them to him, after the manner in which Moses delivered his books to the Seventy who succeeded to his chair.” – The Epistle of Peter to James

References to the initiation of Moses found in Pirkei Avot, emphasizing immersion in living water, offer intriguing parallels to early Jewish Christian practices. This ritual, involving circumcision and a six-year preparatory period, symbolically connects these early leaders to their Jewish heritage. Such details contribute to our understanding of how they sought to maintain this connection, with records even suggesting their continued presence in synagogues until the 8th century, further demonstrating their deep-rooted connection to Judaism.

“And then according to the initiation of Moses, he that is to deliver the books should bring him to a river or a fountain, which is living water,”– The Epistle of Peter to James

Unraveling the intricate relationship between the Jewish followers of Jesus, the historical Jesus, and the diverse Jewish landscape of the first century reveals a captivating narrative of continuity and divergence. The proximity to Jewish traditions, the vibrant tapestry of Jewish groups, and the pivotal roles of individuals like James, John, Peter, and Clement provide a nuanced framework for understanding the early Jewish Christian movement. The challenges regarding Jewish law and symbolic rituals further illuminate the dynamic nature of this period, laying the foundation for the evolving trajectory of Jewish Christianity before its divergence into other movements.

“Early Christianity was… a movement within Judaism, arguing that Jesus was the fulfillment of Jewish hopes and promises.” – Bart Ehrman

The most well-known point of contention involves the conflict between James and Paul. James, representing the Jerusalem church, advocated for maintaining Jewish law and customs for both Jews and Gentile converts. Paul, on the other hand, viewed Jesus as fulfilling the Law, freeing Gentile converts from its literal adherence. The split between the Nazerenes and Ebionites crystallized as a result of theological disagreements, particularly concerning the divinity of Jesus and the role of Gentiles in the faith. Both adhered to Jewish law and customs, with the Ebionites rejecting Pauline interpretations that relaxed these requirements. While the Nazerenes maintained a more open stance toward Gentile inclusion and nuanced Christological views, the Ebionites remained staunchly Jewish in their practices and rejected certain elements of mainstream Christian doctrine.

“The very earliest Christians were all Jews. They continued to practice Judaism, attending synagogue, following Jewish dietary laws, and observing Jewish holy days.” – Bart Ehrman

The early Jewish Christianity that emerged in the first centuries CE represents a complex interplay of continuity with Judaism, conflicts within the Jerusalem church, and the subsequent divergence of sects like the Nazerenes and Ebionites. This period laid the foundation for the evolving trajectory of Christianity, illustrating the challenges of navigating diverse theological perspectives within a dynamic religious landscape. The connections between key figures, the influence of James, Peter, and Clement, and the conflicts that shaped this era contribute to a rich understanding of the roots of the Christian faith.