John Smithson wrote:
>It seems to me that a Pharisee who believes in the
>Christ, would be considered "apostate" by definition.
No, it seems to me that this conclusion would be an anachronism. At this
point in history, believing in the Christ was not grounds for being
apostate. (Note that "preaching Christ" as opposed to "believing in Christ"
was sometimes grounds in Judaism for punishment but not apostasy). If Paul
had taught that Jews did not need to be circumcised, or that the Torah no
longer mattered, these would be the grounds for being apostate. Of course,
Paul taught none of these things. Paul taught in the Jewish synagogues that
Yeshua was Messiah. This was allowed and acceptable within the guidelines
of being a Pharisee at this point in history.
Actually, Slade has made this very point several days ago -- I have since amended my thinking. Good observation, however.
In modern times, teaching that Yeshua is and was Messiah is grounds for
rejection by Judaism, but even today, there are sects within Judaism that
allow this teaching that Yeshua is Messiah. I read in the Wall Street
Journal that of those living in the land of Israel, those who believe in
Yeshua as Messiah outnumber Reformed Jew.
How did the street preaching go? Converts?
John
