Messianic Judaism: Galatians, Romans, the Jew-Gentile Controversy, & the Israel of God

<p>For additional notes and resources check out Douglas' <a href="https://www.douglasjacoby.com/messianic-judaism-11-romans-galatians-the-jew-gentile-controversy-the-israel-of-god/">website</a>.</p><p>Main ideas</p><p><i>The Jew-Gentile Controversy</i></p><ul><li>Just how “Jewish” do Christians need to be?</li><li>The answer: Not at all, although it is okay for actual Jews to hold on to cultural markers—provided they do not force these on others.</li><li>This was the broadest dispute in the first century church, from 30-70 AD. Later centuries had their own hot topics.</li></ul><p><i>Romans</i></p><ul><li>Paul writes this letter not only to secure mission funding (chapter 15), but also to "inoculate" the Roman believers against the Galatian controversy.</li><li>Chapters 1-3: No ethnic group enjoys a privileged status in the eyes of God.</li><li>Chapters 4-8:  God displays covenant faithfulness to all Abraham’s descendants on the basis of faith, not Torah. (4:11-13).</li><li>Chapter 5: The new distinction is between “in Adam” and “in Christ,” not Gentiles v. Jews.</li><li>Chapters 12-15: 13:10 – We fulfill the law by loving our neighbor (13:10). These chapters show <i>how</i> we are to fulfill the Law. Note that there is no mention of a need for circumcision, Sabbath, etc…</li></ul><p><i>Galatians</i></p><ul><li>Law = Law of Moses</li><li>Paul is a prime example of someone who knows Torah, and is zealous for Torah—and yet does not rely on Torah for justification in God's sight.</li><li>What was dismantled (system of Torah) must not be rebuilt (2:21).</li><li>Passages read: 1:6, 13-14; 2:11-14, 16, 21; 3:2-3, 23-28; 4:1, 3-11; 16-17, 21-26, 31; 5:1-4, 6-8, 11; 6:15-16.</li></ul><p><i>"The Israel of God"</i></p><ul><li>We have already seen that Jewish-sounding passages, like Micah 4:1-2 and Amos 9:11, were interpreted as fulfilled in Christ and his church. Now let’s look at passages supporting the interpretation that "the Israel of God" simply means the church.</li><li>Review: Matt 3:9; Rom 2:28-29; 9:6-7; Gal 3:28-2