First century Christianity, especially before AD70, was an Israelite, apocalyptic, messianic movement. By Israel, and for Israel, their Messiah had come to save them from the curse of their law (Galatians 3.13; Hebrews 9.15; Romans 11.26-27) and to regather the lost sheep of the two houses of Israel: Ephraim and Judah (Ezekiel 37.15-28). Israel’s Messiah had put the Old (Mosaic) Covenant to death on the cross, and inaugurated a New Covenant with His resurrection.
Israel’s Messiah also ascended up into the throne room of God, the Holy of Holies, to await and prepare for His soon return to the land to establish His kingdom on earth; an Israelite theocracy based in the holy city of Jerusalem. From there, Messiah would rule the world through an everlasting hierarchy: God – Messiah – Israel – The Nations.
A grace period was given. From the Messiah’s ascension until His return, the gospel would go out to the nations so that all scattered Israel could hear the news that their Messiah had come, and that now was the time to turn to Him, and submit to His kingship. There would be a judgment soon, and all those found unworthy would be cast out into the outer darkness. Those who believed would be saved*, resurrected to eternal life, and given a place of honor in the new kingdom.
Were non-Israelite Gentiles saved during this grace period too?** Yes, but as a means to an end, to provoke Israel to jealousy. The end goal of the gospel was that all Israel would be saved. Not all Israel is Israel, but all of the true Israel would be saved before the Messiah’s return. (See Romans 11.11-32)
This is the first Christianity, a Christianity which no longer exists. As time past, circumstances changed, and faith in Israel’s Messiah included new people and took on new forms. Much has changed.
But, that will have to be for another article…..
* Note: To be saved in the first century did not mean “going to heaven when you die.” To be saved meant to be brought into the New Covenant and to be able to stand righteous with no condemnation (delivered from wrath) before the Messiah King at the soon coming judgement.
** Note: Paul sowed the seeds for a non-Israelite, international church. First century Israel included both Judaean Israelites (those faithful to the Mosaic covenant — called “Jews” in most English bibles), and Hellenistic Israelites (those who were cut off from the Mosaic covenant, and not circumcised — called “Greeks” in most English bibles — see John 7.32-36). Did Hellenistic Israelites need to be circumcised to be reconciled back to the God of Israel? According to Paul, no. According to the Judaizers (Judaean Israelite Christians), yes. It appears Paul won that argument. And because Hellenistic Israelites didn’t need to be circumcised, then of course, non-Israelite Gentiles would not be required to do so either.
Related reading: Some Speculations on Romans 5; The Two Will Become One
Pursuit of Percipience 