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.
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 Jews.
Peace be with you.
David Miller.
---------- "Let your speech be always with grace, seasoned with salt, that you may know how you ought to answer every man." (Colossians 4:6) http://www.InnGlory.org
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