Antipathy towards Jews continues to blight our communities. Antisemitism is endemic in many of our institutions and our universities. Boycotting Israeli produce, vandalism and graffiti on Jewish property, extreme political rhetoric, and direct victimisation continue in our 'tolerant' society. But where did it all begin? Unfortunately the church has a lot to answer for.
One day the disciples of Jesus were remarking on the magnificent building work of the temple in Jerusalem, to which Jesus predicted that not one stone would be left on top of another (Mk 13:1-2). And so it came to pass. Some three decades after the death and resurrection of Christ a provocative decision by Roman authorities in Jerusalem and an obstinate reaction from the nationals sparked off a Jewish insurrection and massive Roman retribution. There are graphic descriptions of the atrocities and cruelty during siege then massacre and finally in AD70 the burning and dismantling of the beautiful temple. Even today an untidy heap of huge stone blocks at the foot of the Temple Mount are a reminder of Jesus' words.
Roman aggression was by no means limited to the Jews. Britain had been conquered a few years before, albeit with less troops. Overwhelming military force was more motivated by the need to boast of victory in the ensuing 'triumph' parade in Rome, bolstering tyrannical emperors, than any discrimination against a particular race. In more peaceful times the Jews had benefitted from the Roman policy of religious tolerance, even being exempted from the requirement to worship Caesar or any other gods on the grounds of Torah prohibitions.
The early Christians were not so favoured. Those who worshipped Jesus and refused to bow to Roman deities often ended their earthly lives in the arena.
In 132AD under the emperor Hadrian a further rebellion in Judaea was violently put down. A new city, Aelia Capitolina, was built over the ruins of Jerusalem which became the home of the Roman tenth legion, and Jews were denied access to their ancient capital. Again this was not so much racial discrimination as a reaction to sedition.
By now the number of Christians was growing. Having begun as a Jewish sect Christianity was now predominantly Gentile. Theology was being developed and tested, and emerging heresies exposed.
Marcion began teaching that the God of the New Testament was different from that of the Old, so the people of that era, the Jews, were finished with. His extreme ideas were rejected but were not without influence. Justin Martyr, regarded as the greatest early exponent of God's Word, was hostile to anything Jewish, considering the Jews to be 'an accursed people'. He blamed the Jews exclusively for the rejection and death of Jesus, even though it was Roman soldiers under Roman orders who drove in the nails. He believed, along with other early Christian apologists, that the destruction of the temple and the removal of the Jews from Jerusalem was divine judgement and gloated over their just punishment.
These ideas were welcomed into early Christian thinking and gave rise to 'replacement theology' - the concept that all the Biblical promises (though apparently not the warnings) have been transferred from Israel to the Church. Subsequent influential church fathers such as Chrysostom and Gregory perpetuated the prejudice. When Constantine fought his way to power he Christianised his empire and created laws against Judaism, establishing antisemitism for the duration of the Byzantine era (1100 years) and beyond.
The lesson of history is that we, the gentile church, are the ones who need to repent and to return to the clear teaching of Paul.
For example: Ephesians 2:11-18 Therefore remember that at one time you Gentiles in the flesh, called “the uncircumcision” by what is called the circumcision, which is made in the flesh by hands—12 remember that you [gentiles] were at that time separated from Christ, alienated from the commonwealth of Israel and strangers to the covenants of promise, having no hope and without God in the world.
13 But now in Christ Jesus you who once were far off have been brought near by the blood of Christ. 14 For he himself is our peace, who has made us both one and has broken down in his flesh the dividing wall of hostility [between Jew and Gentile] 15 by abolishing the law of commandments expressed in ordinances, that he might create in himself one new man in place of the two, so making peace, 16 and might reconcile us both [Jew and Gentile] to God in one body through the cross, thereby killing the hostility. 17 And he came and preached peace to you who were far off and peace to those who were near. 18 For through him we both [Jew and Gentile] have access in one Spirit to the Father.
Today large numbers of Jews are coming to know Jesus their Messiah. God's promises will be fulfilled and together we will share His Kingdom with those who recognise Him as Lord.
Jesus was, is and ever shall be a Jew. One day He will return to the mount of Olives on the eastern side of Jerusalem (Zech 14). In the new creation the New Jerusalem will have the names of twelve Jewish disciples on its foundations and the names of twelve Hebrew tribes on its gates (Rev 21). At least 95% of our Bible was written by Jews. Our roots and our future are tied to this chosen people. We Gentiles are 'fellow heirs, members of the same body, and partakers of the promise in Christ Jesus through the gospel.' (Eph 3:6). Literally translated: joint-heirs, joint-body, joint-partners - together.
Author: John Plumb
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Let us keep our eyes fixed on Jesus and His Word. The Jews are still His people and we are adopted into His family. Replacement theology is wrong theology. Great blog Be blessed.
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