Is Paul anti-Semitic? 1 Thessalonians 2:13-116
A. According to one person:
(These are) four versesconstitute some of the most virulent anti-Jewish polemic(attacks) present in the New Testament,
…an anti-Jewish outburst by the Apostle Paul… that says the Jews are the enemy of the rest of mankind. This motif derives from pre-Christian pagan anti-Semitism, where it appears many times.
B. These two statement are both about a short section in the New Testament book of Thessalonians written by Apostle Paul
1. We are in the midst of our study entitled, Living Today…
2. A different tact today in looking at this passage in light of the charges made.
C. Not investigating whether the church through the centuries has fallen to violent anti-Semitism, tragically it has.
1. From the Crusades, to the writings of Martin Luther, forced conversions, imprisonments and death to often attitude and actions towards Jews.
2. I want to see if Paul’s words and even broader teaching of N.T. supports an anti-Semitic view and in particular “Christ Killer’.
B. Background
1. Paul ministered in Thessalonica in northern Greece. After some time,Paul had to leave quickly.
a. South to Athens, sent Timothy back to check on them and report
2. Thus far in Letter
a. Two weeks ago, expression of thankfulness that their faith remains strong in spite of opposition
Is Paul anti-Semitic? 1 Thessalonians 2:13-116
b. Last week answered critics who alleged Paul was just another religious con man out to make a buck.
C. Now
1. 2:13-14a : Celebrates that they did not fall to the false attacks, and embraced Paul and message and thereby imitators of sisters and brothers in Judea who also believed in midst of opposition.
2. 14b-16 Problem passages!
D. Some want to say this is not Paul talking so opposite of what he writes elsewhere - Someone else’s writings somehow slipped in.
1. Attractive solution, but no indication.
Have to do more work, but to do it, I want to start back away to the life and ministry Jesus and his relationship to his fellow Jews and the Jewish faith – More information on website.
Jesus’ coming was not in opposition to Judaism but the fulfillment of it.
A. The three great covenants in the Old Testament fulfilled
1 Abraham. As Abraham’s descendent, Jesus was the final fulfillment of God’s promise to the Abraham that God would bless the world through Him (John 8:56-59; Galatians 3:14-18), and that those who put their faith in Christ would become true children of Abraham. (Romans 4:1-18)
2. Moses: Jesus came to fulfill the Old Testament Law and to be the final and perfect Passover Lamb and Atonement Sacrifice. (Matthew 5:17-19
3. David: As David’s descendent, Jesus will reign as eternal king. (Luke 1:32)
Is Paul anti-Semitic? 1 Thessalonians 2:13-116
B. Jesus’ primary focus during his ministry was to the Jewish people
1. Matthew 10:5-6; 15:24 – Great response
Conflict between Jesus and many, but not all in the Religious establishment, (Pharisees, Sadducees, Teachers of the Law) began early and escalated as time went on.
A. Began with John the Baptist before Jesus arrived on the scene Matthew 3:6-8
1. John recognized a systemic problem within establishment – Self-Righteousness and Legalism. Check off an item on their religious “to do “ list but not heartfelt repentance
B. As they watched Jesus, they observed and heard things that fed their opposition
1. Jesus ate with sinners and tax collectors (Matthew 9:10-12)
2. He seemed indifferent to Sabbath Laws (Matthew 12:1-13)
3. He offered forgiveness for sin (Matthew 9:1-8)
4. He called God Father (John 5:17-18)
5. He disrupted the Temple activities during the Passover. (Mark 11:12-19)
6. He pronounced God’s judgment on them (Matthew 23:1-36)
C. Plot against Him
1. Trap him with questions (Matthew 19:2-4; John 8:1-6)
a. Back him into a corner so however he responded, he’s be discredited.
2. Accused him of being league with the devil (Matthew 9:33-34; John 8:48)
Is Paul anti-Semitic? 1 Thessalonians 2:13-116
3. Conspire with Judas and Roman authorities to have Jesus arrested and killed as a threat and a fraud. (Matthew 26-27)
a. Arrested and tried before the high priest and the Sanhedrin. He was convicted of blasphemy and sent to Pilate
b. They stirred up the crowd who gathered with Pilate to demand Jesus’ death.
4. John 1:10-11 Hs own did not receive him
D. In spite of all this, Jesus never wavered in his love for the Jewish people
1. Luke 19:41-44
As the church grew the gospel was brought to the Jewish people, but with that also came opposition and persecution
A. As the Apostle Paul ministered, he often would first go to the Jewish synagogue and as Jews and Gentiles came to faith they came together to be the Church. (Acts 13:14; 14:1; 17:1-4)
B. Often persecution came from Jewish authorities (Acts 5-8; 13:44-45; 14:1-2; 17:1-15).
1. Rome would be drawn in but usually secondary. When opposition spilled over into public safety or peace
C. In spite of what he experienced,
1. His deep love for his fellow Jews never wavered. (Romans 9:1-5; 10:1-4)
a. Romans 9:1-5
Is Paul anti-Semitic? 1 Thessalonians 2:13-116
2. He recognized the foundational role the Old Testament prophets play in the church. (Ephesians 2:19-20)
3. He taught that God is not through with the Jewish people, and now, even as the church is indebted to them, we are called to bring them the good news of their Messiah Jesus. (Romans 10-11)
a. 10:14-15
Brings us back 1 Thessalonians 2:14b-16
A. Just as you are imitating your Judean Christian brothers and sisters in your faith, so are you also in your experience of opposition and persecution by your “own countrymen.”
1. The same opposition that lead some Jewish to conspire to kill Jesus continues in those now oppose his gospel and his people.
a. Upon them and all who oppose the gospel, God’s judgment on them
b. John 3:16-18
D. Matter of the comma
1Thess. 2:14-15 NIV 1990“...suffered from the Jews, who killed the Lord Jesus…
1 Thess. NIV 2011suffered from the Jews who killed the Lord Jesus…
We should wonder aboutmembers of Charlton Baptist Church, who like and drink Moxie…
We should wonder about members of Charlton Baptist Church who like and drink Moxie.
E. Makes much sense as blaming Italians for Rome’s involvement
Is Paul anti-Semitic? 1 Thessalonians 2:13-116
If you want to assign blame, Isaiah gives vital help
A. 4-8
1. Acts 8 Philip and the Ethiopian
2. Our sins are what sent Jesus to the cross.
The “blame” for Jesus’ crucifixion should not be placed on the Jewish race, but on the human race.
You and I and our sins are responsible for sending Jesus to the cross and why every month we remember that death and the freedom and hope it give us and all who by faith to Jesus.
Conclusion Story of Isaiah 53 being read in school.
A school allowed Bible reading but only from Old Testament to insure that Christian and Jewish students would not feel left out. After one reading Jewish students went home and complained that a portion of the New Testament was read.
When principal investigate, turned out what was read was Isaiah 53!