Understanding the Salvation Continuum: How Did Early Apostles Continue Keeping Feasts and Sabbath After Jesus' Resurrection?
In the early years of Christianity, a point of heated discussion amongst believers involved the adherence of early apostles to traditional Jewish practices such as the Sabbath and appointed feasts. Understanding this context provides insight into the complex decision-making processes of early Christians, and sheds light on how religious traditions continued to influence their worldview and mission.
The Confusion and Conundrum: Missing Jesus' Revelation?
Early apostles, being devout Jews, remained faithful to the traditions established by Moses, including the observance of the Sabbath and the appointed feasts. This was not without confusion; seemingly, they had missed Jesus' revelation that He would nullify these laws. Yet, Jesus never revoked the Sabbath or the feasts listed in the Hebrew Scriptures (such as Passover, Pentecost, Feast of Trumpets, and so forth), emphasizing that He came to fulfill, not destroy, the Law of Moses (Matthew 5:17).
The Basis for Sabbath and Feasts: Tradition and Scripture
The apostles based the observance of the Sabbath and feasts on two sources: tradition and scripture. Tradition, honed by centuries of Jewish practice, helped maintain continuity with their faith roots. However, their commitment to scripture, particularly the books of Leviticus, reinforced the importance of these practices. In doing so, they maintained a connection to their ancestral faith while unintentionally contradicting Jesus' instructions as recorded.
Why Bother: The Cultural and Political Context
The apostles faced a stark choice in adhering to these traditions. To break with these practices could have led to immediate persecution and death in a time when breaking the Sabbath was a capital offense. The law of the land, which included the observance of the Sabbath, was part of their socio-political reality. Disregarding this would have been akin to defying the authority of the Roman Empire and its enforcers, facing dire consequences.
Thus, the apostles followed the laws with discernment. For instance, Acts 15:21 mentions that Gentiles would visit synagogues and listen to the Word of Moses on the Sabbath, suggesting that the apostles made strategic decisions to engage with Jewish customs while maintaining the core message of Christ. This approach allowed them to keep the faith while remaining relevant in the eyes of the Jewish community and the broader cultural context.
Strategic Mission and Persistent Commitment
The apostles' unwavering commitment to their mission underpinned their decision to observe the Sabbath and celebrate the appointed feasts. Their goal was to spread the gospel of Christ, and they understood that maintaining a strong connection to Jewish traditions facilitated this mission. Despite knowing that these practices were now secondary, they pursued a strategy of gradual transformation, rather than abrupt rejection, in line with Jesus' instruction to love your neighbor and wholeheartedly follow His commandments.
Conclusion: A Lifelong Journey of Faith
The early apostles' adherence to the Sabbath and appointed feasts serves as a powerful testament to their faith and strategic mission. It highlights the complex interplay of traditions, faith, and historical context in the early days of Christianity. Through their discernment and strategic engagement, the apostles set a foundational precedent for the integration of new beliefs with established practices.
Today, as we grapple with modern religious and cultural challenges, understanding the salvation continuum and the strategic decisions made by the early apostles can offer valuable insights. Just as they navigated a delicate balance between tradition and innovation, so too can we find ways to integrate our faith with the dynamic world around us.