Jews

The term "Jews" refers to the descendants of the patriarchs Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, and is often used to describe the people of Israel, the chosen people of God. The Jewish identity is deeply rooted in the covenantal relationship established by God with Abraham, as recorded in Genesis 12:1-3, where God promises to make Abraham a great nation. This covenant is further affirmed with Isaac and Jacob, establishing the Israelites as God's chosen people.

Throughout the Old Testament, the Jews are depicted as a people set apart for God's purposes. They are given the Law through Moses, which includes moral, ceremonial, and civil commandments, as seen in Exodus 20 and Deuteronomy 5. The Law serves as a guide for living in a way that honors God and distinguishes the Israelites from surrounding nations. The Jews are also entrusted with the oracles of God (Romans 3:2), serving as custodians of divine revelation.

The history of the Jews is marked by periods of faithfulness and rebellion. The Old Testament recounts their journey from slavery in Egypt to the Promised Land, their establishment as a kingdom under Saul, David, and Solomon, and their eventual exile due to disobedience. Despite their failures, God remains faithful to His covenant, promising a future restoration and the coming of a Messiah, as prophesied in Isaiah 9:6-7 and Micah 5:2.

In the New Testament, the Jews play a central role in the unfolding of God's redemptive plan. Jesus Christ, the promised Messiah, is born into a Jewish family, fulfilling the prophecies of the Old Testament. The early Christian church emerges from within the Jewish community, with the apostles initially preaching the gospel to the Jews (Acts 2:5-41). However, as the message of salvation through Christ is rejected by many Jews, the apostles turn to the Gentiles, as seen in Acts 13:46-48.

Converts to Judaism

Converts to Judaism, also known as proselytes, are non-Jews who embrace the Jewish faith and become part of the Jewish community. The Old Testament provides for the inclusion of foreigners who wish to join the Israelites in worshiping Yahweh. In Exodus 12:48-49, provisions are made for the participation of foreigners in the Passover, provided they undergo circumcision, signifying their full acceptance of the covenant.

The book of Ruth offers a poignant example of conversion to Judaism. Ruth, a Moabite woman, declares her allegiance to the God of Israel and becomes an ancestor of King David and, ultimately, Jesus Christ (Ruth 1:16-17; Matthew 1:5). This narrative underscores the openness of the Jewish faith to those who genuinely seek to follow the God of Israel.

In the New Testament, the presence of proselytes is noted during significant events, such as the Day of Pentecost, where "both Jews and converts to Judaism" are present (Acts 2:10). The early church grapples with the inclusion of Gentile converts, leading to the Jerusalem Council's decision that Gentiles need not fully adhere to the Mosaic Law to be part of the Christian community (Acts 15:1-29).

The inclusion of converts to Judaism highlights the universal scope of God's redemptive plan, foreshadowing the New Testament revelation that in Christ, there is neither Jew nor Gentile, but all are one in Him (Galatians 3:28). This theological development emphasizes the breaking down of barriers and the formation of a new covenant community composed of both Jews and Gentiles who believe in Jesus as the Messiah.