The Hebrew word derech means ‘way’ and is found 706 times in the Hebrew Scriptures. The word means path, road, distance, and journey. It also has the added meaning of ‘conduct’ and ‘action.’
Author: Yahulia
‘The Way’ and the First-century Messianic Community
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.
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.
Israel War Update – Day 46
Netanyahu said to the ministers at the beginning of the government cabinet meeting, “I would like to make it clear – we are at war, and we will continue the war, until we achieve all our goals. Yesterday evening, together with the members of the War Cabinet, I met the members of the families of the abductees, I listened, and paid close attention to their plight. I am committed to the return of the abducted, we will return them all. War has stages, and the return of the abducted also has stages, but we will not let up until we achieve complete victory. This is my sacred duty, and that of all of us.”