Topical Bible: The Jews: Received Proselytes from Other Nations

◄ The Jews: Received Proselytes from Other Nations ►

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The Jewish people, as the chosen nation of God, have historically been a light to the Gentiles, drawing individuals from other nations to the worship of Yahweh. This process of receiving proselytes, or converts, is well-documented in the Scriptures and reflects the inclusive aspect of God's covenant with Israel.

Old Testament Context

The Old Testament provides several instances where non-Israelites joined the Jewish faith. The Law of Moses made provisions for the inclusion of foreigners who wished to worship the God of Israel. In Exodus 12:48-49 , it is stated, "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 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."

One of the most notable examples of a proselyte in the Old Testament is Ruth, a Moabite woman who declared her allegiance to the God of Israel and became an ancestor of King David and, ultimately, Jesus Christ (Ruth 1:16-17). Her account exemplifies the openness of the Jewish faith to those who earnestly sought to join the covenant community.

Prophetic Vision

The prophets also envisioned a time when the nations would come to worship the God of Israel. Isaiah 56:6-7 speaks of foreigners who bind themselves to the LORD: "And the foreigners who join themselves to the LORD to minister to Him, to love the name of the LORD, and to be His servants, all who keep the Sabbath without profaning it and who hold fast to My covenant—I will bring them to My holy mountain and make them joyful in My house of prayer. Their burnt offerings and sacrifices will be accepted on My altar; for My house will be called a house of prayer for all the nations."

New Testament Fulfillment

In the New Testament, the inclusion of Gentiles into the faith community becomes even more pronounced. Jesus Himself interacted with and ministered to non-Jews, such as the Roman centurion (Matthew 8:5-13) and the Syrophoenician woman (Mark 7:24-30). These interactions foreshadowed the broader mission to the Gentiles that would be carried out by the apostles.

The Book of Acts records the early church's expansion beyond Jewish boundaries, notably with the conversion of Cornelius, a Roman centurion, who is described as "a devout man who feared God" (Acts 10:2). His acceptance into the faith marked a significant moment in the early church, affirming that the gospel was for all people, regardless of ethnic background.

Jewish Proselytism in the Second Temple Period

During the Second Temple period, Jewish communities were spread throughout the Roman Empire, and there was a notable presence of God-fearers—Gentiles who were attracted to Judaism and its monotheistic beliefs. These individuals often attended synagogues and observed certain Jewish practices without fully converting. The New Testament references these God-fearers, such as in Acts 13:16, where Paul addresses both Jews and God-fearing Gentiles in the synagogue at Pisidian Antioch.

Conclusion

The reception of proselytes into the Jewish faith underscores the universal scope of God's redemptive plan. Throughout biblical history, the Jewish people have served as a conduit for God's blessings to the nations, inviting all who seek Him to join in the worship of the one true God.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Acts 2:10
Phrygia, and Pamphylia, in Egypt, and in the parts of Libya about Cyrene, and strangers of Rome, Jews and proselytes,
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Exodus 12:44,48
But every man's servant that is bought for money, when you have circumcised him, then shall he eat thereof.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

His Great Controversy
... had to seek entrance as proselytes within the ... had not ceased to be Jews; they still ...
of Cornelius had already, without circumcision, received the distinctively ...
/.../stalker/the life of st paul/chapter ix his great controversy.htm

The Angel of the Everlasting Gospel.
... this gospel the Jewish nation and a few proselytes, were for ... unto you than that ye
have received, let him ... began their mission; and when the Jews rejected their ...
/.../bliss/a brief commentary on the apocalypse/the angel of the everlasting.htm

The Conversion of Cornelius.
... estimation of the Jews; whereas proselytes of righteousness ... to do." Cornelius might
have received this information ... the distinction between the Jews and other ...
/.../dick/lectures on the acts of the apostles/lecture xiii the conversion of.htm

Acts XVII
... He has now an audience of Jews and proselytes, but an ... This was the exact truth in
the case, and the audience received the statement of it as a compliment. ...
/.../mcgarvey/a commentary on acts of the apostles/acts xvii.htm

The Propagation of Christianity.
... confined to Jews, to Jewish proselytes, and to ... disciples; the clamour of the Jews;
the complaint ... Tacitus represents Christianity to have received (repressa in ...
/.../paley/evidences of christianity/chapter ix the propagation of.htm

Thoughts Upon the Mystery of the Trinity.
... by which they were wont to admit Proselytes into their ... Son, and the Holy Ghost but
the Jews in the ... must know, that though this Mystery hath received great Light ...
/.../private thoughts upon a christian life/thoughts upon the mystery of.htm

In Jud??a and through Samaria - a Sketch of Samaritan History and ...
... forbidden, but their bread declared like swine's flesh; proselytes were not ... 1896]
The Jews termed it ... than free-will and votive offerings were received from them ...
/.../edersheim/the life and times of jesus the messiah/chapter vii in judaea and.htm

Alexandria and Rome - the Jewish Communities in the Capitals of ...
... Ptolemy Philometor not only received him kindly, but gave a ... first thing which they
taught their proselytes was to ... In order to keep the Jews separate from all ...
/.../the life and times of jesus the messiah/chapter v alexandria and rome.htm

Appendix xii. The Baptism of Proselytes
... A person under age was indeed received, but not ... or of a proselyte were regarded as
Jews, even if ... previous to Christ) the baptism of proselytes was customary ...
/.../the life and times of jesus the messiah/appendix xii the baptism of.htm

Paul and Silas in Thessalonica and Berea.
... honourable women." They were already proselytes, and they ... Paul was contemplated by
the unbelieving Jews, with great ... because it was favourably received by some ...
/.../dick/lectures on the acts of the apostles/lecture xix paul and silas.htm