DLL,
You bring up an interesting point when you ask whether Paul ceased to be Jewish when he was saved.
What did the Scribes, Elders, Sadduces, Pharisees, and other doctors of the law think of Paul after he was converted. Did they consider him a Jew after their traditions? Let's both be honest, they had one agenda only, and that was to murder him. They completely disassociated themselves with him. They tried his words and only in the light of their own doctrine could they find grounds of accusation.
These were the best minds of Israel, and yet they stood against Paul and his teachings. They proclaimed that they were the true Jews because they held up the law. Now Paul went on to say that a Jew on the outwards doesn't make a person a Jew, but he that is one the inward. Unfortunately they still reject his interpretation over their own. So which one are you asking me to base his Jewishness on, theirs or his?
Why do you think that G-d chose such a well schooled Pharisee to take his message to the Gentiles?
Certainly not so he or any Jew could brag about it. In fact he himself said he was the chief of sinners. Ask one of those who sat in the Jewish judgement seat if they were a sinner and they would probably have spit in your face for such an insult.
"A Messianic Jew is simply a Jew who recognizes his Messiah."
As Shalom pointed out, the word Messianic is used as an adjective. I believe the purpose of an adjective is to put more emphasis or weight on a noun. Are you agreeing that putting Messianic before Jew is to emphasize that you differ from the same opinions as Pauls Jewish accusers? If so then your admitting that there are two different type Jews. So again, what am I to base your question on?
<<It seems obvious to me that G-d had some important points to make about the Meshiach through Jewish traditions, and that is why he chose the Jews in the first place.>>
It is not so obvious to me. It seems to me that men cultivate their own traditions pertaining to the things God has said or done.
<<I don't think one can even fully understand the New Testament without the light of the Old. >>
I am in full agreement with that statement.
-Chris |
