The Gospel Rome Doesn't Want You to Know
Unmasking the Lost Gospel: How Rome Redefined the Faith of Yeshua
Personal Note: Today, I want to briefly reflect on what scholars often call “The Parting of the Ways”—the gradual separation between early Christianity and Judaism. This topic is incredibly nuanced, and I dedicate several chapters in my book to unpacking its historical complexities.
It’s easy to think of the separation between early Christianity and its Jewish foundations as a single event or a deliberate invention, but the reality is far more complex. This shift was a gradual process shaped by theological developments, cultural pressures, and political shifts over centuries.
In this entry, I examine the idea that Christianity was “invented” in the 4th century. While this claim holds some truth—particularly in how Rome redefined the faith—it lacks the depth of historical context. This introduction only scratches the surface of a vast and intricate subject: the Parting of the Ways. My hope is that it catalyzes deeper exploration rather than a definitive conclusion.
Ty
What if the Jesus you’ve been taught to follow isn’t the Jesus who truly lived? What if the Gospel proclaimed in most churches today is not the authentic message of Yeshua of Nazareth?
A profound truth lies at the heart of this historical and theological enigma: Jesus—Yeshua—was a Torah-observant Jew. He did not seek to abolish the Torah or nullify its commandments. Instead, he faithfully embodied the precepts given to Moses and honored the traditions of his forefathers. Yet, over centuries, Yeshua’s teachings were redefined, repurposed, and reinterpreted to form a religious system deeply infused with Greek philosophy, Roman governance, and a misreading of Pauline doctrine.
Yeshua and the Torah
The foundation of Yeshua’s teachings was firmly rooted in the Torah. He proclaimed:
“Do not think that I came to abolish the Torah or the Prophets. I have not come to abolish but to fulfill.” (Matthew 5:17)
In this context, the term 'fulfill' does not imply annulment but rather the complete realization and perfect exemplification of Torah principles. Yeshua was not advocating for the dissolution of God’s commandments; instead, he restored their true intent and purpose. He observed the Sabbath, celebrated the biblical festivals, and adhered unwaveringly to the divine statutes.
Contrary to later developments in Christian theology, Yeshua did not inaugurate a new religion. His mission was a call for the spiritual restoration of Israel and, eventually, an invitation for all nations to align themselves with the God of Israel. His language, prayers, and halakhic approach were all deeply embedded within the Jewish tradition.
However, this Torah-centric framework was deliberately obscured when the Roman Empire adopted Christianity. An empire bent on dominion could not permit a faith that championed divine law over imperial authority.
The Suppression of the Nazarene Faith
The earliest followers of Yeshua—known as "The Way," "the Nazarenes," or "Ebionites" (meaning "the poor ones")—were dedicated to Torah observance and acknowledged Yeshua as the Messiah. Yet, as Rome’s influence extended, the faith was transformed to align with the empire's socio-political aims.
The Greek language began to dominate scriptural discourse, marginalizing Hebrew and Aramaic. Philosophical constructs alien to Jewish thought infiltrated theological interpretations. Constantine, a self-professed devotee of the sun god, synchronized Sunday observance with established Roman customs, further severing the faith from its Jewish Sabbath roots.
New Testament texts substantiate the idea that early followers of Yeshua maintained Torah observance. Acts 21:20 records that Jewish believers were “zealous for the law,” affirming their continued adherence to the Torah. However, as Christianity was systematically reshaped under Roman authority, these Torah-observant believers were increasingly marginalized and labeled as heretical.
Did Paul Abandon the Torah?
Paul is frequently misrepresented as the architect of a doctrine that nullified Torah observance. However, carefully reading his epistles reveals that his intent was not to dismiss the Torah but to clarify the means by which Gentiles could enter into covenant with the God of Israel.
Paul uses the phrase "works of the law" in his letters, and in his time, the phrase “works of the law” referred to the specific requirements for Gentiles to undergo formal conversion to Judaism, including circumcision. Paul’s argument was not against the Torah itself but against the notion that legal conversion was a prerequisite for salvation. As he wrote:
"For we maintain that a person is justified by faith apart from the works of the law." (Romans 3:28)
Many have misinterpreted this passage as a rejection of the Torah altogether. However, Paul himself countered this misunderstanding:
“Do we then nullify the Law through faith? May it never be! On the contrary, we establish the Law.” (Romans 3:31)
Paul did not introduce a new religion; instead, he reinforced and expanded Yeshua’s mission, ensuring that Gentiles could enter the blessings of Israel’s covenant through faith in the Messiah without requiring legal conversion to Judaism. This distinction is critical, as it underscores Paul's role not as a reformer of the Torah but as a facilitator of inclusion within the divine covenant. Far from negating the Torah, his teachings affirmed its spiritual and moral foundations, emphasizing faith as the unifying principle between Jew and Gentile.
Rome’s Invention
The historical irony is striking: Yeshua was a Torah-observant Jew. Paul remained committed to the Torah while proclaiming salvation to the Gentiles. Yet by the 4th century, the Romanized church had labeled Torah observance as heretical.
The Council of Laodicea (circa 364 CE) was a pivotal moment in the broader transformation of early Christianity, as it sought to formalize a distinct identity separate from its Jewish roots. By issuing decrees that condemned Sabbath observance and Jewish practices, the institutional church actively distanced itself from the Torah-based faith that Yeshua and his disciples upheld. This shift was not merely theological but also political, aligning Christianity with the imperial framework of Rome.
The integration of the church into the Roman state led to the development of doctrines of exclusivity, where Jewish practices were increasingly viewed as obsolete, and centralized ecclesiastical power, which sought to unify Christian belief under an imperial structure. However, it is crucial to acknowledge that early Christian communities exhibited considerable diversity, and many maintained Torah observance despite growing marginalization.
The Council of Laodicea did not singlehandedly erase the Jewish foundations of the faith. Still, it marked a significant step in the gradual realignment of Christianity away from its original context and towards a religion shaped by Roman authority and cultural hegemony.
The message of Yeshua—a message of humility, love, and adherence to divine instruction—could not serve the ambitions of an empire founded on conquest and control. To consolidate power, Rome needed a faith that was universal in scope yet detached from the covenantal obligations of Israel. This necessitated a theological reconstruction that obscured the Jewishness of Yeshua and rebranded his movement as a separate, gentile-centric religion.
Rediscovering the Original Gospel
Yeshua never revoked the Torah. He lived, taught, and exemplified it as the path to divine truth. Paul did not advocate for its dissolution but proclaimed that Gentiles could enter a covenantal relationship with God through faith in Yeshua.
Yet, the Romanized church’s divergence from the movement’s Jewish roots led to a profound departure from Yeshua's and Paul's original teachings. The result was a faith shaped more by imperial decree than divine revelation.
Today's challenge is clear: to sift through centuries of theological distortion and rediscover Yeshua's authentic faith—a faith rooted in the Torah, enriched by divine grace, and oriented toward the Kingdom of God.
“Thus says the Lord: Stand at the crossroads and look; ask for the ancient paths, ask where the good way is, and walk in it, and you will find rest for your souls.” (Jeremiah 6:16)
Have a great day. Stay sharp, pray, and be ready to embrace your divine journey!
Ty
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'Jesus is Jewish,' a guiding light for those seeking to understand the Galilean who truly transformed the world. This book is not just a historical exploration; it is an invitation to rediscover Jesus' identity through the lens of his rich Jewish heritage. Let this be a time of profound and enlightening discovery. Begin your transformative exploration by clicking the image below.