With so many different world religions and Christian denominations, what is ‘The Way’ that Sha’ul (Paul) mentions in his letters? ‘The Way’ is crucial to faith in the God of Israel because the earliest followers of Yeshua of Nazareth, both Jews and gentiles, did not call themselves Christians. They didn’t enjoin themselves or convert to some new religion called Christianity. In fact, the word Christian is only found three times in the new testament and ‘The Way’ at least six times in Acts alone. The first-century Messianic community referred to themselves as ‘The Way’ and followed ‘the way’ of the Messiah and the Hebrew Scriptures.
Author: Yahulia
Acts 15: The Council of Jerusalem
Each of these four requirements are found in Torah and are grounded in pagan worship. Each requirement instructed a gentile to turn away from pagan worship practices in order to faithfully turn to Adonai. Embracing these four requirements was not considered legalism nor were they the end-all of living for Adonai; these requirements set forth by the Council in Jerusalem would help a gentile began a sanctified, holy life as they joined the Messianic community.
One, Unique – Hebrew: Echad
When Yeshua was at the Temple during Hanukkah, (the Feast of Dedication), he told the people that he and his Father are an ‘undivided oneness.’ They cannot be separated into two gods or persons. They are ‘uniquely one.’
Convocation – Hebrew: Mikra
Yeshua says, “many are called, but few are chosen” when talking about guests invited to the wedding feast (Matthew 22:14). The Greek word for ‘called’ means ‘invited.’ He is saying that many are invited, but few actually make the choice to come. He says that many ‘were not interested’ in coming to the banquet. The Greek word says that they were ‘careless and paid no attention to the invite.’ The Greek word goes deeper to say that they found the invite to the wedding feast ‘rehearsal’ to have no value (Matthew 22:5).