Summary of New Testament From a Jewish Point of View Class - 7/17/2022

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Monday mornings are getting to be quite fun!  As usual, our class was great.  Jo Ann, Dan, Steve, Karen, Merrill, Dave, David, Jay, Norky, and Jessica attended.  We missed Robin and Randy and Odette.

Below is a summary written by Dan of what went on:

NT from Jewish Point of View July 18, 2022 – Galatians chapter 5 and 6

In case we missed the message earlier in his letter, the Apostle Paul makes it explicit that gentiles (adults at least) may not allow themselves to be circumcised. Doing so would obligate a person to obey the whole of the law of Moses. He wrote that for such a person “Christ will be no value to you at all”, he will be “alienated from Christ” and “fallen away from grace”. Ouch. 

He goes on to say that all you need to do is love your neighbor as yourself. Then he lists a series of bad activities and attitudes to avoid and to instead exhibit the “fruit of the spirit”. Simple. David said later on the church came up with its own set of laws which included the “seven deadly sins”. 

Additions From Jo Ann:

After we were done reading Galatians, together we read a very though provoking letter from Norky about religion and discussed it.  She is on a spiritual search and wants to learn the New Testament from a Jewish perspective.  

We also, of course sang “Give Me That Old Time Religion” at the beginning of our study and sang the Misheberach healing prayer at the end.  We had a fun time just talking before and after the study.  

Merill asked if Jewish people pray and David and other explained Jewish prayers.

Next week, before beginning Ephesians, we will read the essay on Messianic Judaism that is the Jewish Annotated New Testament.

Again, please add anything that has been forgotten from this summary.


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