In the biblical context, proselytes refer to individuals who have converted to the Jewish faith from other religions or ethnic backgrounds. The process of conversion involved adopting the religious practices, beliefs, and laws of Judaism, including circumcision for males, adherence to the Sabbath, and observance of dietary laws. Proselytes were welcomed into the community of Israel and were expected to uphold the covenantal laws given by God.

The Old Testament provides several references to the treatment and expectations of proselytes. In Exodus 12:48-49 , the law concerning the Passover states, "If a foreigner resides with you and wants to celebrate the LORD’s Passover, all the males in his household must be circumcised; then he may take part like one born in the land. 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 were to fully integrate into the religious life of Israel, adhering to the same laws as native-born Israelites.

Unfaithfulness among proselytes, as with native Israelites, was met with divine disapproval and punishment. The Bible emphasizes that God requires faithfulness and obedience from all who are part of His covenant community. In the prophetic literature, there are warnings against unfaithfulness and the consequences that follow. For instance, in Isaiah 56:6-7 , the prophet speaks of the blessings for foreigners who join themselves to the LORD, to serve Him and love His name, keeping the Sabbath without desecrating it and holding fast to His covenant. Conversely, failure to do so would result in exclusion from the blessings promised to the faithful.

The New Testament also addresses the issue of unfaithfulness among proselytes, particularly in the context of the early Christian church. In Matthew 23:15 , Jesus criticizes the Pharisees for their hypocritical practices, saying, "Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, you hypocrites! You travel over land and sea to win a single convert, and when he becomes one, you make him twice as much a son of hell as you are." This harsh rebuke highlights the danger of leading converts into a form of religion that lacks true righteousness and faithfulness to God.

The early church grappled with the inclusion of Gentile converts and the expectations placed upon them. In Acts 15, the Jerusalem Council addressed the issue of whether Gentile converts needed to adhere to the full Mosaic Law. The council concluded that Gentiles were not required to be circumcised or to follow all the ceremonial laws, but they were to abstain from certain practices associated with idolatry and immorality (Acts 15:28-29).

Throughout Scripture, the theme of faithfulness to God and His covenant is paramount. Proselytes, like all members of the covenant community, were called to live in obedience to God's commands. Unfaithfulness, whether among native Israelites or proselytes, was met with divine judgment, as God desires a people who are wholly devoted to Him.Ezekiel 14:7
For every one of the house of Israel, or of the stranger that sojournes in Israel, which separates himself from me, and sets up his idols in his heart, and puts the stumbling block of his iniquity before his face, and comes to a prophet to inquire of him concerning me; I the LORD will answer him by myself:
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Rom. Ii. 17, 18
... For they treated proselytes extremely ill, and these were ... and shows that they were
even punished owing to ... what the words, "Shall their unfaithfulness make the ...
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