Proselytes: Required: To Observe the Law of Moses As Jews
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Topical Encyclopedia
In the context of ancient Judaism, a proselyte refers to a Gentile who has converted to Judaism, embracing the faith and practices of the Jewish people. This conversion process involved a commitment to observe the Law of Moses, aligning the proselyte with the religious and cultural identity of the Jewish community.

Biblical Foundation

The requirement for proselytes to observe the Law of Moses is rooted in the Hebrew Scriptures and is affirmed in the New Testament. The Law of Moses, encompassing moral, ceremonial, and civil precepts, was given to the Israelites as a covenantal framework for living in relationship with God. Proselytes, upon conversion, were expected to adhere to these laws as a demonstration of their genuine commitment to the God of Israel.

Old Testament Context

The Old Testament provides several references to the inclusion of foreigners and their obligation to follow the Law. In Exodus 12:48-49 , the text states: "If a foreigner resides with you and wants to celebrate the Passover to the LORD, all the males in his household must be circumcised, and then he may partake as a native of the land. But no uncircumcised man may eat of it. The same law shall apply to both the native and the foreigner who resides among you." This passage underscores the expectation that proselytes would fully integrate into the religious life of Israel, including participation in key observances like the Passover.

New Testament Affirmation

The New Testament continues to reflect the understanding that proselytes were to observe the Law of Moses. In Acts 15, during the Jerusalem Council, the early church leaders addressed the question of whether Gentile converts to Christianity were required to follow the Mosaic Law. While the council concluded that Gentile Christians were not bound by the entirety of the Law, the discussion itself highlights the prevailing assumption that proselytes to Judaism were expected to adhere to it.

Acts 15:5 records, "But some believers from the party of the Pharisees stood up and declared, 'The Gentiles must be circumcised and required to obey the Law of Moses.'" This reflects the traditional Jewish expectation that proselytes, upon conversion, would observe the Law as part of their new identity.

Cultural and Religious Integration

The process of becoming a proselyte involved not only a religious transformation but also a cultural integration into the Jewish community. This included circumcision for males, adherence to dietary laws, and participation in Jewish festivals and rituals. The commitment to the Law of Moses was seen as essential for maintaining the covenantal relationship with God and the unity of the community.

Conclusion

The requirement for proselytes to observe the Law of Moses underscores the comprehensive nature of conversion to Judaism in biblical times. It involved a wholehearted embrace of the religious, cultural, and ethical dimensions of Jewish life, as prescribed by the Mosaic Law.
Torrey's Topical Textbook
Exodus 12:49
One law shall be to him that is home born, and to the stranger that sojournes among you.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

Faustus is Willing to Admit that Christ May have Said that He came ...
... were admitted into the people of God without being made proselytes in the usual ... came
to fulfill the law and the prophets, were required to observe all these ...
/.../faustus is willing to admit.htm

The Jews Make all Ready for the War; and Simon, the Son of Gioras ...
... It is not required in the law of Moses relating to Nazarites, Numbers 6 ... [32] We may
observe here, that the Idumeans, as having been proselytes of justice ...
/.../chapter 22 the jews make.htm

The Law Established through Faith
... were either Jews or religious proselytes, (verse 43 ... properly under that covenant
which required perfect, universal ... The being obliged to observe the ceremonial ...
/.../wesley/sermons on several occasions/sermon 35 the law established.htm

Jesus' Last Public Discourse. Denunciation of Scribes and ...
... they bid you, these do and observe: but do ... rule and the other rule which required
three seasons ... [Proselytes here meant are not those converted from heathenism ...
/.../mcgarvey/the four-fold gospel/cx jesus last public discourse.htm

Book 13 Footnotes
... of the Sabbatic year, as Josephus supposed, required a rest ... receive the law of Moses,
as proselytes of justice ... [14] Those who will carefully observe the several ...
/.../josephus/the antiquities of the jews/book 13 footnotes.htm

The Conversion of Cornelius.
... in the estimation of the Jews; whereas proselytes of righteousness ... But the case required
an unusual procedure. ... Let us observe in what manner Peter was prepared ...
/.../dick/lectures on the acts of the apostles/lecture xiii the conversion of.htm

The Conversion of the Ethiopian Eunuch.
... Yet, some of the Jews and proselytes, in distant regions ... It may suffice to observe,
that it describes the ... to the exclusion of every other, was required from all ...
/.../dick/lectures on the acts of the apostles/lecture xi the conversion of.htm

Acts XIII
... upon the two speeches will observe that the ... corruption." It furnished, therefore,
the required proof that ... believe; while the Gentile proselytes, less affected ...
/.../mcgarvey/a commentary on acts of the apostles/acts xiii.htm

Chapter i
... do, in order to obtain either proselytes or hearers. ... the labours and troubles which
we observe the propagators ... so far, was both new, and required continual self ...
//christianbookshelf.org/paley/evidences of christianity/chapter i.htm

Galatians Chapter ii.
... implies that we, who are not proselytes, but educated ... to correct Peter, but his
animadversion required to be ... Here observe, how guardedly he assails it; he says ...
/.../galatians chapter ii.htm

Resources
What are Khazar Jews / Khazars? | GotQuestions.org

What is the history of Christianity? | GotQuestions.org

What was the meaning and importance of the baptism of John the Baptist? | GotQuestions.org

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Subtopics

Proselytes

Proselytes were Entitled to all Privileges

Proselytes: Described

Proselytes: from the Ammonites and Moabites Restricted for Ever From

Proselytes: from the Egyptians and Edomites Restricted to the Third

Proselytes: Later Called Devout Greeks

Proselytes: Many, Embraced the Gospel

Proselytes: Pharisees, Zealous in Making

Proselytes: Required: To be Circumcised

Proselytes: Required: To Enter Into Covenant to Serve the Lord

Proselytes: Required: To Give up all Heathen Associates

Proselytes: Required: To Give up all Heathen Practices

Proselytes: Required: To Observe the Law of Moses As Jews

Proselytes: Unfaithfulness In, Punished

Proselytes: Went up to the Feasts

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Proselytes: Required: To Give up all Heathen Practices
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