Douglas Jacoby Podcast

Messianic Judiasm: Roots & Terms

Episode Summary

Douglas continues a series entitled Messianic Judaism and examines the roots of this movement, as well as some of its terminology.

Episode Notes

For additional notes and resources check out Douglas' website.

Main ideas:

• 1st century: apostles agree Gentiles are not obligated to follow Torah (Acts 15:1-35; Titus 1:10-11).
• 19th century: rooted in evangelism of Jews, Zionism, and Dispensationalism.
• 20th century: birthed in groups like "Jews for Jesus" (1960s-1970s).
• In short, there is no "Messianic Judaism" until a few generations ago. The movement is marked not by its antiquity, but by its novelty.
• Terminology: many Semitic words are embraced, like Yeshua. Words historically offensive to Jews are avoided (e.g. crusade, cross, baptism, BC & AD). The term "Messianic" means that they accept Jesus as the Messiah.