The early church emerged from Judaism, fulfilled Israel’s Scriptures in Christ, and defined Jew-Gentile unity through the gospel.
Judaism and the Early Church
How Did the Essenes’ Quest for Purity Intersect With the Religious Landscape of the First Century?
The Essenes were a distinct Jewish sect emphasizing asceticism and strict communal living, separating themselves from mainstream religious practices.
How Did Jewish Parties Emerge and Shape Religious Life During the Late Second Temple Period?
Explore how different Jewish groups influenced faith and practice in ancient times. Discover their impact on early Christian beliefs.
THE ESSENES: Exploring their Lives and Beliefs Through Archaeological Finds
The Essenes were a Jewish sect that lived in Palestine during the time of the Second Temple period, from about 200 BCE to 70 CE. They are known for their strict observance of Jewish law and their focus on spiritual purity.
The Jewish Pharisees’ Stubborn Unbelief In Jesus Christ
THE Pharisees were a religious sect active in Palestine during the NT period. The Pharisees are consistently depicted in the Gospels as Jesus’ antagonists.
THE BIBLE AS HISTORY: Judaism
“Salvation is of the Jews.”1 This wonderful people, whose fit symbol is the burning bush, was chosen by sovereign grace to stand amidst the surrounding idolatry as the bearer of the knowledge of the only true God, his holy law, and cheering promise, and thus to become the cradle of the Messiah.
What Is the Truth About the Dead Sea Scrolls?
The Dead Sea Scrolls, discovered in 1947, transformed biblical scholarship, revealing diverse textual traditions and evidence of ancient Jewish practices.
Who Were the Sadducees?
Sadducees. Jewish party cited 14 times in the NT, not referred to in the OT. In the Gospel narrative they first appear together with Pharisees at John’s baptism. He addressed them as “sons of snakes” and challenged them by asking, “Who said that you could escape the coming wrath of God?” He demanded that they... Continue Reading →
Understanding the Hebrew Texts of the Old Testament
Explore the significance of ancient Hebrew writings in the Scriptures.
The Qumran Residents: Were they Essenes?
We have determined that, the Dead Sea Scrolls were the library of the Qumran community, who were its people? Early on, in 1947 Professor Eleazar Sukenik obtained three scrolls from the Hebrew University of Jerusalem; thereafter, suggesting that these scrolls had belonged to the Essene Community.
