A Look at Replacement Theology
Introduction
We begin with a question, “Why do some Christians believe that the church at large is the new and true ‘Israel’, and that it has ’superseded’ the nation of Israel as being the people of God?” This concept is often called “Replacement Theology” (also known as “Fulfillment Theology” or “Supersessionism”) It is thought by some to be punitive action taken due to the Jews rejecting Jesus as their Messiah. That now, apart from repentance and accepting Jesus and thus joining the church as individuals, there is no further connection between the nation of Israel, or the Jews, to God. But is that what the Bible teaches?
By quoting verses like Jeremiah 3:6-8 and Matthew 21:43 to justify their belief that the Jews lost their favored position before God, many theologians and denominations have embraced Replacement Theology (or similar). While these verses do indeed point to God’s chastisement and potential judgment, they are not referring to a permanent rejection. We should also understand that this idea of the church replacing Israel is not a recent development as several early church leaders and theologians initiated and developed the concept and further promoted the idea through their writings.
My prayer is if you believe that God has no further use for Jews, that the nation of Israel is not important to God, or that the Christian church is the new Israel, please read on. If limited in time I have summarized each point in the Table of Contents.
In His service,
David A. Heywood
Rediscover the Bible Ministries, Inc.
Unless otherwise noted or verses marked ESV, Scripture quotations are from the Holy Bible, English Standard Version®, copyright © 2016 by Crossway Bibles, a division of Good News Publishers. All rights reserved.
Verses marked NET are taken from The NET Bible (Second Edition). Copyright © 1996, 2006, 2019. Used by permission of Biblical Studies Press. Thomas Nelson.
Verses marked NLT are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation. Copyright © 1996, 2004, 2007. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.
Table of Contents-Summary
1. What does the Bible say?
The Bible teaches us that God cannot lie or change His mind. That when He makes a promise He will indeed fulfill it. The Bible when used as its own commentary, it demonstrates to us that it should not be interpreted allegorically. Plus, we find that God’s promises to the Jews were both conditional (like the Mosaic Covenant which they paid a heavy price for in punishment when they broke it) and unconditional (like the Abrahamic Covenant that is still valid today). But there were no promises or covenants that threatened eternal rejection or replacement if broken. The apostle Paul summarizes: “I ask, then, has God rejected his people? By no means!” (Romans 11:1a, ESV) We see that the Bible teaches that Israel and the Church are distinctly different, that the two entities should not be assumed the same or the terms used interchangeably.
Jump to Point No. 1 - What does the Bible Say?
2. What does Satan gain?
This may sound like an odd question, but there is a good reason I placed it here as Satan hates God and hates the Jews. Therefore he will do everything he can to interfere with the plans of God’s people. The hatred he has for the Jews has been ‘brewing’ for thousands of years. If he can find in any way get them to turn away from God and their Messiah, he will. And if he can get the people of the world to turn against the Jews, he will! What does he get out of doing all these things? He may be deluded to think that God will change His plans, or perhaps get more time before being cast into the lake of fire.
Jump to Point No. 2 - What does Satan gain?
3. Persecution of the Jews
It would be impossible to list all of the persecutions and atrocities the Jews had to endure in their long history. We can take snapshots of just the Roman occupation and the antisemitism movement alone and see that they have endured so many setbacks and hardships. Then to have the church join ranks against them should be inconceivable!
Jump to Point No. 3 - Persecution of the Jews
4. What do Christians gain?
Not many choose to look for a motivation behind embracing replacement theology but it seems fairly transparent. When we don’t understand something in the Bible it is often, due to our inability to see from God’s perspective, typically our first idea is to bring everything down to our point of view. But beyond our inability to comprehend, we can see some advantages for ourselves, for example, the reduction of being antagonized by any Jew (mostly first or second century), as well as being the recipient of all those “Old Testament blessings,” along with the prestige of being chosen by God, allowing us to be prideful. No! None of these are right for any Christian to think! There is no reason for a believer to hate the Jews.
Jump to Point No. 4 - What do Christians gain?
5. Misinterpretation of Scripture
One of the more grievous errors in theology is the source for one of the greatest lies that Christians have been known to promote, and that is the Jews killed Jesus. The truth of the matter is that Jesus had to die so that He could come back to life again being victorious over death making it possible for us to be saved from condemnation. The Jews are not “Christ Killers!”
Jump to Point No. 5 - Misinterpretation of Scripture
6. No millennium needed
Most (but not all) who embrace replacement theology also deny that there will be a thousand-year reign of Jesus on earth since there will not be a need for God to fulfill promises to the Jews that have not been fulfilled yet. But don’t erase those verses yet, amillennialism (the belief that there will not be a thousand-year period) is also a man-made concept that requires allegorical interpretation.
Jump to Point No. 6 - No millennium needed
Click here to read our refutation of Amillennialism
7. Early church leaders error
While I respect the many early-church leaders and theologians, especially having great memory (no computers), but when they got on the subject of Israel and the Jews, they either blindly followed past teachings or simply failed to understand God’s plan for them. Here is a brief overview of some of the key influencers:
Ignatius of Antioch - Taught that those who partake of the Passover are partakers with those who killed Jesus.
Justin Martyr - Claimed God’s covenant with Israel was no longer valid and that the Gentiles had replaced the Jews.
Irenaeus - Declared the Jews were disinherited from the grace of God.
Tertullian - Blamed the Jews for the death of Jesus and argued they had been rejected by God.
Origen - Considered the father of Biblical prophecy allegorization. Much of which led to anti-semitism.
Eusebius - Taught that the promises of Scripture were meant for the Gentiles and the curses were meant for the Jews. He claimed the Church was the “true Israel.”
Hilary of Poitiers - He wrote: “Jews are a perverse people accursed by God forever.”
Augustine - The Jews deserved death but were destined to wander the earth to witness the victory of the Church.
The Council of Nicaea - Prohibited Christians from sharing a meal with a Jew, marrying a Jew, blessing a Jew, or observing the Sabbath. They changed the celebration of Jesus’ resurrection from the Jewish Feast of First Fruits to Easter in an attempt to disassociate it from Jewish feasts.
Constantine - The Roman Emperor never became a Christian but used his clout to make significant changes that still effect Christianity today. Including the creation of a pagan-based church calendar so there wouldn't be any association with the Jews.
Martin Luther - The revered reformer did not understand the Jews so he wrote a short book which influenced antisemitism in many people including Hitler.
Each one of these points are amplified in the following pages. The seventh point, about the early church leaders, have a sample section of their writing along with a brief statement about their error. I placed the early church discussion at the end since reading through ancient text can be bothersome and tedious for some (yes, you can skip).
Jump to Point No. 7 - Early church leaders error
Conclusion
I need to ask, ‘Who or what is your spiritual authority?” If your authority is the Word of God, then you should believe Paul when he wrote, “I ask, then, has God rejected his people? By no means!” (Romans 11:1a, ESV) If your spiritual authority is someone else, a church, a denomination, a prophet, a dead theologian, an apostle, or perhaps social media, it doesn’t matter, they’re all vulnerable and subject to error or misinterpretation. The Bible is the only source of the truth, and it claims God still loves Israel! Remember, Acts 17:11, “And the people of Berea were more open-minded than those in Thessalonica, and they listened eagerly to Paul’s message. They searched the Scriptures day after day to see if Paul and Silas were teaching the truth.” (NLT)
Bibliography
Ground Rules
Before we turn to the ultimate source of truth, the Bible, we need to make sure we are speaking the same language. By the way, if you don’t believe the Bible is the ultimate source of truth stop now, you’re wasting your time, as this document is based on God’s truth as He revealed it to us through His Word, the Bible, as it more than just contains His Word, it IS His Word.
Covenants
The Hebrew word ‘berît’ is first found in Genesis 6:18, it refers to a covenant, a treaty, a promise, an alliance, or an agreement, and can be found 284 times in the Old Testament. We see it as an agreement between human beings (for example, see Genesis 14:13; 21:25-34; 31:44), between nations (for example, see Psalm 83:4-12), and it is also used figuratively (for example, see Isaiah 28:15-18; Job 5:23).
But the word is best known to describe a covenant between God and mankind, for example: 1) Between God and Noah (see Genesis 9:8-17); 2) between God and Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob to increase their descendants, giving them Canaan, and making them a blessing to all nations, plus more (see Genesis 15:1-21; 17:1-14, 19-21; Exodus 2:24; Leviticus 26:40-46); 3) between God and Israel and Moses when they were at Mount Sinai (see Exodus 19:5; 24:7, 8; 34:10; Deuteronomy 29:1-29); 4) between God and Phinehas to establish an everlasting priesthood in Israel (see Numbers 25:10-18); 5) between God and David and his lineage, an eternal covenant establishing David and his descendants as the inheritors of an everlasting kingdom (see Psalm 89; Jeremiah 33:19-26); 6) in reference to a “new covenant” that God will establish in the future (see Jeremiah 31:31-40, Hebrews 8:1-13); and 7) when the concept is personified in a person, being a Servant who becomes the covenant of the people (see Isaiah 42:5-9; 49:8-26).
There are many theologians that add an Edenic covenant and an Adamic covenant, but the word ‘berît’ was never used with any of God's dealings with Adam. Some also point out that the promise given in Genesis 3:15 (promise of a coming Savior), might also be understood as a covenant.
There are two primary types of covenants in the Bible: 1) Conditional covenants that required ongoing obedience to the clauses of the promise or covenant; and 2) Unconditional covenants which are just that, they have no conditions. The Abrahamic Covenant is an example of an unconditional promise, God did not require any stipulations or rules to follow for compliance, He simply said what He was going to do. The covenant given to the Israelites on Mount Sinai, through Moses (which is why it is often called the Mosaic Covenant), did require ongoing compliance to God’s instructions and commands.
God Cannot Lie nor Change His Mind
It is important to remember that God cannot and will not lie, nor will He change His mind (see Numbers 23:19; Titus 1:2; Hebrews 6:18; James 1:17) and that He is faithful and delights in keeping His promises (see Genesis 18:14; Romans 4:20-21; Hebrews 10:23). We also know that God does not change His mind, as He freely offers forgiveness (see Numbers 23:19; Isaiah 43:25; Jeremiah 31:31-34; Matthew 26:28; Acts 2:38; Ephesians 1:7; Colossians 1:13-14).
Interpretation
The Bible says, “The unbeliever does not receive the things of the Spirit of God, for they are foolishness to him. And he cannot understand them, because they are spiritually discerned. The one who is spiritual discerns all things, yet he himself is understood by no one. For who has known the mind of the Lord, so as to advise him? But we have the mind of Christ.” (1 Corinthians 2:14-16, NET) But when we look at the state of Christianity today we find separation not unity, and that separation is due primarily to differences of Biblical interpretation. So, if all believers have the “mind of Christ,” it is baffling how Christians can have such diverse opinions on how to interpret the Bible. Some believe that there are many who call themselves Christians but have no relationship with Jesus, and therefore no Holy Spirit.
Literal versus Allegory
Perhaps the most effective tool false teachers use against the truth of Scripture is allegory. This is where the reader claims certain words to be metaphors instead of the actual definition of the word. It is true that allegory is often used in the Bible, but the problem begins when plain text that does not contain a comparative term or modifier is interpreted to mean something completely different.
When anyone picks up any book to read there is nothing more fanciful than reading and interpreting it allegorically, unless directed by the author. If we take words and believe they mean something else (be it arbitrary or logically inferred), we run the risk of changing the intended meaning. Any sentence can then mean almost anything we want! In a sense, that is what children do when they play, through their imagination, objects are transformed into nearly anything in our galaxy and perhaps beyond.
But what about prophecy? Isn’t that allegorical? To answer that question, we need to ask another question. Why do some seek allegory when interpreting some passages? I hate to say it so bluntly, but allegorizing is often an attempt to bring God down to our own level of understanding. So, let me ask yet another question, how can the infinite fit into a finite brain? Okay, that’s an unfair question since prophecy is from God for us to understand, but the answer remains true, it cannot fit. We are not “wired” to fully understand God, so there are times when we simply need to understand that we need to trust Him. If we are to understand prophecy, and I do believe we are, we also need to understand He will provide the guidance to do that and so we return to the Bible. The Bible remains the best commentary of the Bible, the answers are there within the text, thus prophecy should not be interpreted allegorically. For example: When Daniel read in the scroll of Jeremiah about the end of desolations (their captivity in Babylon) being 70 years (see Daniel 9:2), how did he interpret that? Did he interpret the time period would be a literal 70 years or did he allegorize and come up with something else? He took it to mean a literal 70-year period and it was.
Con - What is Written Against the Jews?
The Bible warns the people of Israel a number of times that disobedience will not be tolerated by God. Prior to their entrance to the Promised Land the Israelites were taught by Moses what would happen if they disobeyed God’s commandments (see Deuteronomy 28:15-68, see also Leviticus 26:14-44), beside losing all the blessings God offered (see Deuteronomy 28:1-14, see also Leviticus 26:1-13), they would be defeated by their enemies and be forced to leave the land. But if they were to repent, God promised that He would restore their fortunes and bring them back to the land (see Deuteronomy 30:1-10, see also Leviticus 26:45).
Similar warnings were given to various kings (for a few examples, see 1 Kings 9:6-9; Jeremiah 3:6-10; 12:7-13; 22:5; 24:9; 25:8-14). In every scenario God predicted that they would repent and return to the land (for example, see 1 Kings 8:47-48; Jeremiah 3:11-15; 12:15; 23:3; 24:7; 25:5; 27:16; 29:10-14; 30:3; 31:8).
In each of the gospel accounts Jesus encounters several Jewish leaders who refused to accept Jesus’ words and His signs and wonders as coming from God. Jesus responded at one point by telling the Parable of the Tenants which ended with Him saying, “Therefore I tell you, the kingdom of God will be taken away from you and given to a people producing its fruits. And the one who falls on this stone will be broken to pieces; and when it falls on anyone, it will crush him.” (Matthew 21:43-44, ESV, see also Matthew 13:12; 25:29) The following verse tells us who He was talking to, “When the chief priests and the Pharisees heard his parables, they perceived that he was speaking about them.” (Matthew 21:45, ESV) These Jewish leaders were so entrenched in their self-righteousness that they could not recognize their own Messiah. But who are the people producing its fruits? He is alluding to those who will believe and follow Him (Jesus, see Matthew 3:8; 7:16; Luke 6:43-45, see also Philippians 1:11; Colossians 1:10). God had always had in mind that His plan of salvation included everyone (see Isaiah 56:7; Mark 11:17), it wasn’t offered to non-Jews just because they rejected their Messiah.
At one time while in or near Jerusalem, Jesus said, “O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, the city that kills the prophets and stones those who are sent to it! How often would I have gathered your children together as a hen gathers her brood under her wings, and you were not willing! See, your house is left to you desolate. For I tell you, you will not see me again, until you say, ‘Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord.’ ” (Matthew 23:37-39, ESV, see also Luke 13:34-35; 19:41-44) Here Jesus is bemoaning the fact that Israel did not respond to His call. Of course since He is omniscient He knew long before His arrival that the Jews would reject Him. This is recorded in Scripture for both the Jews (so they will know how to repent and call Him back) and for us to see that the problem of the Jews not believing in Jesus is only temporary.
The apostle Paul wrote, “Did God’s people stumble and fall beyond recovery? Of course not! They were disobedient, so God made salvation available to the Gentiles. But he wanted his own people to become jealous and claim it for themselves.” (Romans 11:11, NLT) Paul recognized that the Jews had a partial hardening come upon them, but again it is only temporary (see Romans 11:25).
Pro - What is Written in Favor of the Jews?
Even though the Hebrew word for ‘covenant’ (‘berît’) is not used in Genesis 12:1-3, it is expanded and ratified in Genesis 13:14-17; 15:1-21 (Hebrew ‘berît’ used here once); 17:1-14 (Hebrew ‘berît’ found here ten times) and later reiterated to Isaac and to Jacob (see Genesis 26:2-5; 28:1-4, 12-15) who is also known as Israel. This is known as the Abrahamic Covenant. In this covenant God promises to Abraham: 1) to make a great nation; 2) to bless them and make name great; 3) that they will be a blessing; 4) will bless those who bless them; 5) dishonor those who curse them; 6) all families of the earth will be blessed through them; 7) their offspring will be like dust on the earth; 8) the land from the river of Egypt to the great river, the river Euphrates, the land of the Kenites, the Kenizzites, the Kadmonites, the Hittites, the Perizzites, the Rephaim, the Amorites, the Canaanites, the Girgashites and the Jebusites will be theirs forever; and 9) that this is an everlasting covenant. “And I will establish my covenant between me and you and your offspring after you throughout their generations for an everlasting covenant, to be God to you and to your offspring after you. And I will give to you and to your offspring after you the land of your sojournings, all the land of Canaan, for an everlasting possession, and I will be their God.” (Genesis 17:7-8, ESV) Note the absence of any conditions, and since it is an eternal and unconditional promise, it is still “in play” today.
In Jeremiah chapter 31 we read about a new covenant, “Behold, the days are coming, declares the LORD, when I will make a new covenant with the house of Israel and the house of Judah” (Jeremiah 31:31, ESV). Note who the covenant is addressed to, the Jews. So they have a ‘heads up’ that a change is coming. But which covenant does it replace? The error that many dead theologians have made is to promote the idea that this new covenant replaces all Old Testament covenants is a lie, as the following verse states, “Not like the covenant that I made with their fathers on the day when I took them by the hand to bring them out of the land of Egypt, my covenant that they broke, though I was their husband, declares the LORD.” (Jeremiah 31:32, ESV) The covenant it will replace is the Mosaic Covenant only, which was conditional, the Abrahamic Covenant is not mentioned. The reference to a “New Covenant” is where we get the name for the “New Testament,” as Jesus is the fulfillment of this new covenant where God promises, “For I will forgive their iniquity, and I will remember their sin no more” (Jeremiah 31:34b, ESV).
In the book of Romans after making one of the most concise reviews of the gospel message, Paul pours his heart out regarding his fellow Jews. In chapters nine, ten, and eleven, he walks his readers through how God dealt with them in the past, their standing today, and what plans God has for them in the future. If God did revoke their status as His chosen and forfeited their future glory to Christians being the true Israel, then what Paul wrote doesn’t make sense.
Paul writes, “I ask, then, has God rejected his people? By no means!” (Romans 11:1a, ESV) That should be every believer’s response when asked that same question! Paul explains, “I want you to understand this mystery, dear brothers and sisters, so that you will not feel proud about yourselves. Some of the people of Israel have hard hearts, but this will last only until the full number of Gentiles comes to Christ.” (Romans 11:25, NLT) While God has harden the hearts of the Jews, He offers them hope by telling them that the hardening is only temporary. There are two major points brought out in this verse: 1) He is waiting for the last Gentile to accept Jesus before He removes the hardening of every living non-believing Jew’s heart, which will likely lead them to recognize that Jesus is the Messiah; and 2) that they do not become conceited, thinking that salvation is only for the Jews.
In Revelation 7:1-8, John identifies twelve groups of men as being from twelve tribes of Israel. Through the years there have been many so-called Christian and religious groups that have claimed the 144,000 to be affiliated with their group or association. Many readers stop at the number and, in error, interpret these sealed-servants of God as being the total number of individuals to receive salvation; and of course, they associate themselves as being one of them. But note that the angel continues to state that these people were from the tribes of the sons of Israel and then proceeds to delineate the number of representatives from each tribe. These are Jews that came to accept Jesus as their Messiah, and God is going to protect them from the destruction that will soon take place on earth. They may not know what tribe they’re from but God knows.
Summary
What does the Bible say about the Jews? God is not done with the Jews. But they will go through a period of tribulation (see Daniel 9:24-27; Zephaniah 1:15-16; Matthew 24:3-51; Revelation 6-16) at which time they will call on God. Does He ignore their cry for repentance? No, He entered a covenant with them and will fulfill His promise. If God changed His mind regarding His promises to the Jews, what is there to prevent Him from changing His mind regarding our salvation? Thank God that He is holy and cannot lie nor change His mind!
Why Satan Hates God
One of the greatest angels created was called Lucifer (Latin for the Hebrew word ‘hê·lēl’, essentially meaning ‘shining one’), a Cherub (they are mighty in every sense of the word). He led an angelic rebellion against God as well as against all those who serve God. The vast percentage of what we know about Satan comes from two prophets that God used to speak to two different kings, the King of Babylon (see Isaiah 14:12-15) and to the King of Tyre (see Ezekiel 28:13-15). It would be accurate to say that the prophets were speaking to the “power behind” these kings, and that would be none other than Satan. We read that Lucifer’s “heart was proud” because of his beauty and he corrupted his understanding and wisdom for the sake of his own splendor and brightness (see Ezekiel 28:17). Though a created being himself, he was deluded by his own pride and said in his heart, “I will ascend above the heights of the clouds; I will make myself like the Most High.’” (Isaiah 14:14, ESV). He thought that he was a god or could become like God. He began a campaign against God organizing various ranks and positions of authority of dark angels (called principalities and powers in Ephesians 6:12) to fight God, His angels, and anyone else who serves Him.
Satan is referred to by many names and titles in the Bible, including: the devil (Greek word ‘diabolos’ meaning an accuser or slanderer); “a liar and the father of lies” (see John 8:44); the wicked or evil one (see Matthew 13:19, 38); a tempter (see Matthew 4:1-11; Mark 1:12-13; Luke 4:1-13; 1 Corinthians 7:5; 1 Thessalonians 3:5); the “ruler of this world” (see John 12:31); “the god of this world” (see 2 Corinthians 4:4), “the deceiver of the whole world” (see Revelation 12:9) and several others.
In the past, Israel is seen as a key part of God's redemptive plan, specifically as the people group through whom the promised Messiah, Jesus Christ, would come. The Bible records a number of attempts orchestrated by Satan to thwart God’s plan for our salvation and ultimately Satan’s demise. Here are a few examples: 1) The Egyptian Pharaoh not letting the Israelites leave (see Exodus 7:1-11:7; 12:29-32; 14:1-31); 2) The populating of pagan people in Canaan to make the land unacceptable to God (see Genesis 15:13-5); 3) Saul tried to kill David (see 1 Samuel 19:1-24:22; 26:1-29:11; 31:1-13); 4) Jehoram, the son of Jehoshaphat upon being made king killed most of his family to prevent anyone from prematurely succeeding him (see 2 Chronicles 21:1-20); 5) Athaliah, the mother of Ahaziah, after her son died she killed most of the royal family in order to be queen (see 2 Kings 11:1-3); 6) Haman being upset with Mordecai, plotted to kill all Jews (see Esther 3:1-9:19); 7) Jehoiachin’s disobedience (also known as Jeconiah or Coniah) resulted in a blood curse from God; 8) Herod has babies in Bethlehem two years old or younger killed (see Matthew 2:16-18); and 9) Jesus tempted by Satan (see Matthew 4:1-11; Luke 4:1-13).
Since Jesus was victorious on the cross, Satan now desires to thwart God's plan of the future which he knows includes his demise and destruction. Destroying Israel would, in his view, disrupt that plan. He knows that the Bible teaches that it will be the Jews that will trigger the second coming of Jesus. We read in Matthew 23:37-39 an interesting discourse, “O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, the city that kills the prophets and stones God’s messengers! How often I have wanted to gather your children together as a hen protects her chicks beneath her wings, but you wouldn’t let me. And now, look, your house is abandoned and desolate. For I tell you this, you will never see me again until you say, ‘Blessings on the one who comes in the name of the LORD!’” (NLT) When (not if) they collectively as a nation recognize that Jesus was their Messiah and call for His return, He will come. So various conflicts regarding Jerusalem and the land of Israel have commenced throughout the years (Roman hostility, several ‘Crusades’, etc.) We also know of the relatively recent events including the Holocaust (1941-1945 A.D.) where approximately six million Jews died, and then after the nation of Israel was officially reborn in 1948, there have been several wars and aggression against the Jews (including the War of Independence, Yom Kippur War, War of Attrition, and the October 7th 2023 War, not to mention the ongoing various raids and attacks from neighboring nations, etc.)
What Does Satan Hope to Get?
It is impossible to understand a delusional mind let alone predict an outcome or determine a reason. But with that said, it is likely one of two possibilities: 1) to stop God’s plan; or 2) delay his inevitable destruction as long as possible.
Since God is omniscient and knows all things and gave us the prophecy, “the devil who had deceived them was thrown into the lake of fire and sulfur.” (Revelation 20:10a, ESV) From His perspective it is done. While He also knows when, we are not given a timetable to know for sure when that will happen.
Rome
Throughout Rome’s occupation of Judea, the tension between the Jews and Romans continued to escalate. History tells us that the Jewish monotheistic faith and their refusal to participate in the “Roman imperial cult” were perceived by the Romans as a challenge to their authority and society order. The Jews hated Rome for their oppressive occupation and their ever-increasing taxes.
In 66 A.D., the Jews in Judea started to revolt against the Romans, primarily due to heavy taxation. In response, the governor had the Temple plundered in the name of the emperor and ordered many prominent Jews to be arrested, which only sparked greater violence and rebellion, which was named the “First Jewish-Roman War.” Even though the insurrection forced the Roman leadership to leave, Rome responded and eventually claimed victory in 73 A.D. when they successfully sieged Masada, the last Jewish stronghold. The war left many dead, many cities in ruin, including Jerusalem, and the Temple destroyed.
Another major battle broke out throughout Judea in 115 A.D. (referred to as the Kitos War) forcing Roman leadership again to flee the region. Many Romans, both military and citizens, were killed. The Roman army quickly defeated the Jews in 117 A.D. leaving much of the land devastated. Then in 132 A.D., in a war that history calls the “Bar Kokhba Revolt,” the Jews revolted again with some success and began to rebuild the Temple. However, by the year 136 A.D. the Romans completely ended the revolt and retook Jerusalem and per Emperor Hadrian’s order, Jerusalem was leveled. The area once known as the nation of Israel became desolate and for several hundred years continued to be the site of much bloodshed due to several invasions, battles, and crusades.
Remember Jesus’ words, “See, your house is left to you desolate.” (Matthew 23:38, ESV). The resultant complete destruction and devastation of Israel was seen much later by Samuel L. Clements (the popular author that wrote under the name of Mark Twain) in 1864. He wrote about his tour of the world in his book, “The Innocent Abroad” where he described the area as being bleak and dismal. Here are a few of excerpts from his book:
We traversed some miles of desolate country whose soil is rich enough, but is given over wholly to weeds—a silent, mournful expanse....A desolation is here that not even imagination can grace with the pomp of life and action....The further we went the hotter the sun got, and the more rocky and bare, repulsive and dreary the landscape became. There could not have been more fragments of stone strewn broadcast over this part of the world, if every ten square feet of the land had been occupied by a separate and distinct stonecutter’s establishment for an age. There was hardly a tree or a shrub any where. Even the olive and the cactus, those fast friends of a worthless soil, had almost deserted the country. No landscape exists that is more tiresome to the eye than that which bounds the approaches to Jerusalem. The only difference between the roads and the surrounding country, perhaps, is that there are rather more rocks in the roads than in the surrounding country....I would not desire to live here.[1]
While the book contains Clements’ classic and very popular wit and humor, he is brutally honest regarding his observations. It is interesting to note the difference between what he saw in 1867 and the current condition of Israel today. The contrast is stunning, the people of Israel are back in the land and the land has been transformed into a thriving nation once again, another testimony to the fact that God always keeps His promises.
Antisemitism
Antisemitism, or Jew-hatred, refers to hostility, prejudice, or discrimination directed towards Jews. An individual who possesses or expresses such sentiments is referred to as an antisemite. There are two primary forms of antisemitism, the first being racial antisemitism, and the second being religious antisemitism. In the former case, a person's hostility is driven by the belief that Jews constitute a distinct race with inherent traits or characteristics that are repulsive or inferior to the preferred traits or characteristics within that person's society. In the latter case, a person's hostility is driven by their religion's perception of Jews and Judaism, typically encompassing doctrines of supersession (such as replacement theology) that expect or demand Jews to turn away from Judaism and submit to Christianity or some other religion.
It would be an impossible task to briefly categorize and list the accusations Jews have and continue to be blamed for over the last decade, let alone all of history. Jesus called Satan “the father of lies” (see John 8:4) and he has had great success in convincing many Christians to believe the lies that the Jews are responsible for the condition the world is in today.
Reduction of Antagonism
The early church was often antagonized by the Jews. To them who had spent their lives following strict protocols and rituals would not accept change, especially radical shifts such as working on the Sabbath. Plus, in reading the prophecies regarding the Messiah, they expected a military leader not a humble servant who died on a cross, Jesus simply did not match their expectations. Since the Temple was destroyed in 70 A.D. much of the bluster of their antagonizing Christians has stopped.
Promises, Prestige and Prominence
Some Christians will debate that these are reasons to justify their belief in a replacement theology, but when asked most will proudly announce that the promises that were given to the Jews have been forfeited and now belong to the church. Many of which bring (at least in their minds) prestige and prominence as being the “Chosen People.”
Before the church was revealed, the Jews were chosen by God. Here is an early announcement from God to the Israelites before they entered the Promised Land: “For you are a people holy to the LORD your God. The LORD your God has chosen you to be a people for his treasured possession, out of all the peoples who are on the face of the earth. It was not because you were more in number than any other people that the LORD set his love on you and chose you, for you were the fewest of all peoples, but it is because the LORD loves you and is keeping the oath that he swore to your fathers.” (Deuteronomy 7:6-8, ESV, emphasis added, see also Exodus 19:5; Deuteronomy 14:2; 26:19; 28:9) The psalmist of Psalm 105 captures two important points: “O offspring of Abraham, his servant, children of Jacob, his chosen ones! He is the LORD our God; his judgments are in all the earth. He remembers his covenant forever, the word that he commanded, for a thousand generations, the covenant that he made with Abraham, his sworn promise to Isaac, which he confirmed to Jacob as a statute, to Israel as an everlasting covenant, saying, “To you I will give the land of Canaan as your portion for an inheritance.” (Psalm 105:6-11, ESV emphasis added) Does that sound like a conditional covenant?
Freedom to Hate?
This subject is particularly difficult to write about, as God calls all believers to love (see John 13:34-35). And not just love, but to love unconditionally (see 1 Corinthians chapter 13), a love so extraordinary that it must come from God. If we are to love our enemies (see Matthew 5:44) then when and where is it okay to hate anyone, let alone the Jews? I have personally heard several Christians spout out some hateful words, we need to understand as believers in Jesus, we have no freedom to hate anyone!
Misinterpretation of Scripture
Killing God
It may come as a surprise to many readers, but the number one book that is considered antisemitic is the gospel according to John. There are many who believe that John was anti-Jewish. In his book we find several derogatory comments made regarding the Jews. For example: That their father is the devil (see John 8:44); they are not of God (see John 8:47); and he reports that they were going to stone Jesus (see John 8:59; 10:33). Many ask who is John referring to when he uses the Greek word ‘ioudaioi’,[2] which is typically translated as “the Jews?” When the book is read for the first time, one can definitely see that the words “the Jews” carry a negative connotation. So, who is he writing about? The Jews in general (such as those living in Judea, see John 7:1); those that uphold the appointed times and law (see John 7:2); a politically powerful group (see John 7:13); or perhaps religious leaders (see John 9:22; 12:42)? Any of them, or all of them? It is easy to see why this gospel account appears to be anti-Jew, as the reader remains uninformed.
Then when Jesus is arrested by the Jews (see John 18:12), subjected to three Jewish trials (see John 18:13-14, 19-24), and then sent to the Roman governor Pilate, who then tells the Jewish leaders to “judge him by your own law,” (John 18:31a, ESV), but is given the response, “It is not lawful for us to put anyone to death” (John 18:31b, ESV). Which to most readers sounds like the Jews were indeed responsible for Jesus’ death, regardless of who actually did the execution. Therefore, we can surmise that the Jews are “Christ Killers! It was the Jews that “Killed God!” Right? No, let’s take a closer look at who John was writing about when he wrote “the Jews.”
The Jews, in nearly every application the word was used, John was referring to a group of strong-willed, stubborn, pious, prideful, and usually Scripturally knowledgeable men. They were often mixed, not being always from the same sects of Judaism (Pharisees, Sadducees, etc.), some were scribes (also called lawyers), others of significant political or religious influence (High Priests, Sanhedrin, etc.) But they did not represent all Jews. They knew Scripture very well but failed to comprehend it. For example, since they knew that working on the Sabbath was a violation of the law given to Moses on Mount Sinai (see Exodus 20:8-11), they determined (man’s wisdom) that anyone who claims to be from God would never perform a miracle on a Sabbath (see John 5:1-17; 9:1-41). In their minds Jesus was a liar and a blasphemer, John records, “This was why the Jews were seeking all the more to kill him, because not only was he breaking the Sabbath, but he was even calling God his own Father, making himself equal with God.” (John 5:18, ESV)
I have seen similar phenomena with Christians (and people associated with other religions), where they were raised or taught early in life a concept that they believe to be true with all their hearts and will not change their minds. This is when presuppositions can become dangerous as they can close our minds to the truth about someone or something.
Before we begin to accuse any group of murdering Jesus, we need to remember what He came to do. Jesus explains, 'For even the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.” (Mark 10:45, ESV, see also Isaiah 53:10; Daniel 9:26; John 10:15). He came for a number of reasons, but He came to die for our sins is the primary reason. Jesus’ death and resurrection provided an open door to heaven for those who believe in Him (see 1 Corinthians 15:12-22). So His death was necessary. Please excuse the terseness of this statement, but whether executed by the Romans or the Jews, someone had to kill Jesus. If we have an innate need to blame someone, as mentioned earlier, start with the person we see in a mirror.
Even if the many accusations John made regarding “the Jews” in his gospel account referred to all Jews everywhere, we don’t see in the Bible any long-term penalty or total rejection of any group of people for not accepting Jesus as Savior. As individuals we can say no to Jesus, but certainly not an entire race unless they are all like-minded. The Jews need Jesus just like we do. As for the nation of Israel and the Jewish community at large, as discussed earlier, the Bible records several times that God has not and will not turn His back on them (for example see 1 Samuel 12:22; Romans 11:1). If He changed His mind about them what keeps Him from changing His mind about us when we continue to sin?
But with all this said, there is one question we haven’t explored yet, and that is, “Why does He love us so much that He would die for us?” If He is willing to forgive us our sins and offer eternal life with Him, wouldn’t it make sense that He would forgive “the Jews” too?
Erase These Verses
In the first six verses of Revelation chapter twenty we hear about a thousand-year period where Jesus will reign on earth. It is believed that during this time God will fulfill His promises to Israel that were made in the past but have yet to be fulfilled (primarily those involving the size of the nation).
There are some Christians that believe that the verses in Revelation chapter twenty should be allegorically interpreted and instead of a 1,000 years it may be just a few days (see Psalm 90:4; 2 Peter 3:8, but requires both verses to be taken out of context) if any. And since many also believe that the Jews have been rejected there is no reason to have a millennial reign of Jesus.
My response is who gets to decide what God means in the Bible since it appears to be open for interpretation. Is God that bad of a writer that something or someone else is necessary to determine what He wrote? Of course not! He means what He says and says what He means.
For differing reasons many of the early church leaders and theologians presented the Jews and the nation of Israel negatively. Some of the issues were due to: incorrect interpretation of Scripture, presuppositions from previous theologians, incorrect opinion (often due to lack of resources), and sadly, jealousy. The following is a list of a few early church influencers, this is not an exhaustive list, nor are the selected text sections exhaustive. Since much of the current mindset toward Jews and Israel have been influenced directly or indirectly (by presupposition) by these early church fathers, a brief analysis is provided.
Ignatius of Antioch (late first century)
Selected segment of writing: If any one celebrates the passover along with the Jews, or receives the emblems of their feast, he is a partaker with those that killed the Lord and His apostles.
Source: The Epistle of Ignatius to the Philippians[3]
Error: The Jews did not execute Jesus, the Romans did. But without His death and subsequent resurrection Christianity would be a phony religion. Paul wrote, “And if Christ has not been raised, your faith is futile and you are still in your sins. Then those also who have fallen asleep in Christ have perished. If in Christ we have hope in this life only, we are of all people most to be pitied.” (1 Corinthians 15:17-19) He died for our sins, again, if we feel we need to blame some we can begin by looking at ourselves.
Justin Martyr (early second century)
Selected segment of writing: Jesus Christ, and abide by their confession even unto death, and maintain piety. Moreover, by the works and by the attendant miracles, it is possible for all to understand that He is the new law, and the new covenant, and the expectation of those who out of every people wait for the good things of God. For the true spiritual Israel, and descendants of Judah, Jacob, Isaac, and Abraham (who in uncircumcision was approved of and blessed by God on account of his faith, and called the father of many nations), are we who have been led to God through this crucified Christ, as shall be demonstrated while we proceed.
Source: Dialogue of Justin with Trypho, a Jew.[4]
Error: Martyr identifies the “true spiritual Israel” (also being descendants of Judah, Jacob, Isaac, and Abraham) as being those who have been led to God through the crucified Christ (Christians). Paul does call Abraham the father of us all (see Romans 4:16), but there is no mention of believers being the true spiritual Israel or one superseding the other in the Bible.
Irenaeus of Lyons (middle second century)
Selected segment of writing: For truly this prediction was uttered before the removal of the people to Babylon; that is, anterior to the supremacy acquired by the Medes and Persians. But it was interpreted into Greek by the Jews themselves, much before the period of our Lord’s advent, that there might remain no suspicion that perchance the Jews, complying with our humour, did put this interpretation upon these words. They indeed, had they been cognizant of our future existence, and that we should use these proofs from the Scriptures, would themselves never have hesitated to burn their own Scriptures, which do declare that all other nations partake of [eternal] life, and show that they who boast themselves as being the house of Jacob and the people of Israel, are disinherited from the grace of God.
Source: Irenæus against Heresies[5]
Error: Referring to the prophecy of Isaiah 7:14, “Therefore the Lord himself will give you a sign. Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and shall call his name Immanuel.” Even though there was some debate as to what the Hebrew word translated here as ‘virgin’ meant, Irenaeus points out that the Greek translation of the Hebrew text (the Septuagint) clearly identifies that the promised Messiah would be born of a human virgin woman. That the Jews should have been more receptive to Jesus. He further notes that if the Jews knew that Christian Church was coming they would burn any evidence that stated that the Messiah would come into this world to save all humanity. Irenaeus then erroneously states that “their own Scriptures” show that the Jews are disinherited from God’s grace. Perhaps open to interpretation, the word ‘disinherited’ is a strong word implying no chance of redemption, which is not true.
Tertullian (160 A.D. - 240 A.D.)
Selected segment of writing: But having asserted that our religion is supported by the writings of the Jews, the oldest which exist, though it is generally known, and we fully admit that it dates from a comparatively recent period—no further back indeed than the reign of Tiberius—a question may perhaps be raised on this ground about its standing, as if it were hiding something of its presumption under shadow of an illustrious religion, one which has at any rate undoubted allowance of the law, or because, apart from the question of age, we neither accord with the Jews in their peculiarities in regard to food, nor in their sacred days, nor even in their well-known bodily sign, nor in the possession of a common name, which surely behoved to be the case if we did homage to the same God as they. Then, too, the common people have now some knowledge of Christ, and think of Him as but a man, one indeed such as the Jews condemned, so that some may naturally enough have taken up the idea that we are worshippers of a mere human being. But we are neither ashamed of Christ—for we rejoice to be counted His disciples, and in His name to suffer—nor do we differ from the Jews concerning God. We must make, therefore, a remark or two as to Christ’s divinity. In former times the Jews enjoyed much of God’s favour, when the fathers of their race were noted for their righteousness and faith. So it was that as a people they flourished greatly, and their kingdom attained to a lofty eminence; and so highly blessed were they, that for their instruction God spake to them in special revelations, pointing out to them beforehand how they should merit His favor and avoid His displeasure. But how deeply they have sinned, puffed up to their fall with a false trust in their noble ancestors, turning from God’s way into a way of sheer impiety, though they themselves should refuse to admit it, their present national ruin would afford sufficient proof. Scattered abroad, a race of wanderers, exiles from their own land and clime, they roam over the whole world without either a human or a heavenly king, not possessing even the stranger’s right to set so much as a simple footstep in their native country. The sacred writers withal, in giving previous warning of these things, all with equal clearness ever declared that, in the last days of the world, God would, out of every nation, and people, and country, choose for Himself more faithful worshippers, upon whom He would bestow His grace, and that indeed in ampler measure, in keeping with the enlarged capacities of a nobler dispensation.
Source: The Apology[6]
Error: This complex series of run-on sentences is just a snapshot of Tertllian’s writing style, a form of Scriptural commentary mixed with his own opinion (which of course all commentators do along the way). He saw the Jews during the time of Christ being prideful, which many were, but then condemns them as a lower-class of God-fearing people. According to author David Efroymson,
Tertullian represents the Gentile church as a new and superior people, supplanting the old in accordance with God’s design. As a Gentile people, drawn from all nations, it is superior to the ethnocentric Jews. Gentile means non-Jewish and in Tertullian’s anti-Jewish scheme it becomes a code signifying whatever is more than, other than, and better than Jewish. The original distinction between Jews and Gentiles, made by the Bible and adhered to by Jews, is retained, but Tertullian has reversed its meaning. The Gentiles, originally considered worse off, are now held to be superior to the Jews, precisely on the ground of lacking what for the Bible had been the great advantage of the people of Israel over the nations, the sanctifying and life-giving commandments of the Torah. The Gentiles have replaced Israel because they are a worthier and more honorable people.[7]
The Bible makes it clear that no one is worthy (or worthier than others, remember Isaiah 64:6), nor are some more honorable.
Origen (circa 185 A.D. - circa 253 A.D.)
Although Origen of Alexandria is not generally considered an antisemite, his writings have been interpreted as reflecting and potentially contributing to Christian anti-Jewish sentiments. He wrote about Jewish texts and traditions, sometimes critically, and his allegorical interpretations influenced subsequent Christian understandings of Judaism.
Selected segment of writing: (From a commentator, not Origen) The Jews’ sense of being a “chosen people” with a unique role to remain obedient to God’s Torah had annoyed many over the centuries. The Roman writers Tacitus and Juvenal complained that Jews were misanthropic. The church father Origen suggested that the Jews had “formed a conspiracy against the human race.” It is not hard to find such complaints throughout history in pagan, Christian, and Muslim sources. This racial, essentialist anti-Semitism would prove the deadliest form of anti-Semitism to date. It would also be the most persistent. It endures in both religious and secular society to this day.
Source: Separated Siblings: An Evangelical Understanding of Jews and Judaism[8]
Error: Origen is considered the father of allegorical interpretation of Scripture. It appears his motivation was more political than theological.
Eusebius of Caesarea (circa 260 A.D. - 339 A.D.)
Selected segment of writing: And I ask you to consider whether this name Josedekeim, by which the disciples of Jesus are called by God, be not formed from Joshua; they would thus be named by men from the name of Christ which is Greek (i. e. Christians), and by the prophets, from Jesus, in the Hebrew tongue, because they are saved by Him, Josedekeim. So it is said, "And this is the name by which the Lord shall call them, Josedekeim among the prophets." So, then, we see that the people that are to become through the subject of the prophecy the spiritual Jews and the true Israel, will be called Josedekeim from Joshua, and they will be called by this name, he says, not by men, but by God, and by His prophets. For you must note carefully the passage that says, "And this is the name which the Lord shall call them, Josedekeim by his prophets." And its translation in Greek is. as I said, "God's just ones." And God promises that He will break from those who are thus to be saved the old heavy yoke of bitter daemons and shatter the bonds of the sins by which they were held of old, so that they will no more serve strange gods, but bear fruit and please Him only. Compare with this the oracle in the Second Psalm concerning the Coming of Christ and the calling of the Gentiles, which says: "Let us break their bonds asunder, and cast off their yoke from us."
Source: Demonstratio Evangelica (Being the Proof of the Gospel) translated Ferrar, W.J. (1920)[9]
Error: Eusebius identifies Christians being the “spiritual Jews” in prophecy and the “true Israel.” He also wrote elsewhere that the promises of Scripture were meant for the Gentiles and the curses were meant for the Jews. Again, none of which is Biblical.
Hilary of Poitiers (291 A.D. - 371 A.D.)
Selected segment of writing: The Son of God has here no word of blame for the devout confidence of those who combine the confession that He is true God, the Son of God, with their own claim to be God's sons. What He is blaming is the insolence of the Jews in daring to claim God as their Father, when meanwhile they did not love Him, the Son:-If God were your Father, ye would surely love Me; for I went forth from God. All, who have God for their Father through faith, have Him for Father through that same faith whereby we confess that Jesus Christ is the Son of God. But to confess that He is the Son in a sense which covers the whole company of saints; to say, in effect, that He is one of the sons of God;-what faith is there in that? Are not all the rest, feeble created beings though they be, in that sense sons? In what does the eminence of a faith, which has confessed that Jesus Christ is the Son of God, consist, if He, as one of a multitude of sons, have the name only, and not the nature, of the Son? This unbelief has no love for Christ; it is a mockery of the faith for these perverters of the truth to claim God as their Father. If He were their Father, they would love Christ because He had gone forth from God.
Source: On the Trinity[10]
Error: Hilary of Poitiers wrote that the Jews are a perverse people and later called them accursed by God forever. While the current spiritual blindness of the Jews (see Romans 1:25) may fall under the heading of a curse, it is only temporary.
John Chrysostom (349 A.D. - 407 A.D.)
Selected segment of writing: Let that be your judgment about the synagogue, too. For they brought the books of Moses and the prophets along with them into the synagogue, not to honor them but to outrage them with dishonor. When they say that Moses and the prophets knew not Christ and said nothing about his coming, what greater outrage could they do to those holy men than to accuse them of failing to recognize their Master, than to say that those saintly prophets are partners of their impiety? And so it is that we must hate both them and their synagogue all the more because of their offensive treatment of those holy men.
Source: Adversus Judaeos (Against the Jews)[11]
Error: John Chrysostom stated that the Jews could never receive forgiveness and that Christians should hate Jews and everything associated with them.
Augustine of Hippo (354 A.D. - 407 A.D.)
Selected segment of writing: Then God says to Cain: “Thou art cursed from the earth, which hath opened its mouth to receive thy brother’s blood at thy hand. For thou shalt till the earth, and it shall no longer yield unto thee its strength. A mourner and an abject shalt thou be on the earth.” It is not, Cursed is the earth, but, Cursed art thou from the earth, which hath opened its mouth to receive thy brother’s blood at thy hand. So the unbelieving people of the Jews is cursed from the earth, that is, from the Church, which in the confession of sins has opened its mouth to receive the blood shed for the remission of sins by the hand of the people that would not be under grace, but under the law…That is, the Church admits and avows the Jewish people to be cursed, because after killing Christ they continue to till the ground of an earthly circumcision, an earthly Sabbath, an earthly passover, while the hidden strength or virtue of making known Christ, which this tilling contains, is not yielded to the Jews while they continue in impiety and unbelief, for it is revealed in the New Testament.
Source: Reply to Faustus the Manichæan.[12]
Error: Augustine makes a blunt statement that, like Cain was cursed, so are the Jews cursed to wander the earth. But note later in the same paragraph he notes “while they continue in impiety and unbelief,” which implies, like all non-believers, can later believe. I believe Augustine’s alleged antisemitism was taken out of context by other early church leaders.
Council of Elvira (circa 300 A.D.)
Selected segment of writing: If any of the clergy or the faithful eats with Jews, he shall be kept from communion in order that he be corrected as he should.
Source: Canon 50[13]
Error: The Council of Elvira in Spain was a group of bishops, presbyters, deacons, and laymen that developed 81 'canons' regarding procedures and 'proper Christian' behavior, several of which prohibited Christians from associating with a Jew.
Council of Nicaea (325 A.D.)
Selected segment of writing: We ought not, therefore, to have anything in common with the Jews, for the Saviour has shown us another way; our worship follows a more legitimate and more convenient course (the order of the days of the week); and consequently, in unanimously adopting this mode, we desire, dearest brethren, to separate ourselves from the detestable company of the Jews, for it is truly shameful for us to hear them boast that without their direction we could not keep this feast. How can they be in the right, they who, after the death of the Saviour, have no longer been led by reason but by wild violence, as their delusion may urge them? They do not possess the truth in this Easter question; for, in their blindness and repugnance to all improvements, they frequently celebrate two passovers in the same year. We could not imitate those who are openly in error. How, then, could we follow these Jews, who are most certainly blinded by error? for to celebrate the passover twice in one year is totally inadmissible. But even if this were not so, it would still be your duty not to tarnish your soul by communications with such wicked people [the Jews].
Source: Eusebius Caesariensis – Vita Constantini (The Life Of The Blessed Emperor Constantine)[14]
Error: It is apparent that Emperor Constantine and the church leaders in attendance wanted nothing to do with Judaism, Israel, or the Jews. Instead of following God’s appointed times and festivals, they created their own “church calendar” that minimized any Old Testament connection to Christianity. Sadly, as a result, through the years much of the Old Testament stopped being taught as well.
Constantine the Great (Roman Emperor 272 A.D. - 337 A.D.)
The relationship between the Roman Empire and the Jews varied from emperor to emperor. Some were more tolerant than others, but few were more conniving than Constantine. The Catholic Church adores him, even though he never became a Christian. He may have placed Jesus among other gods and goddesses in his personal pantheon, but he was never a monotheistic believer in Jesus or God. The Council of Niacea was convened and subsequently controlled by him. Like several of his predecessors he likely had an elevated view of himself. He came up with the tile “Pontifex Maximus” meaning “great father” (sounds god-like to me). He is responsible for moving the Sabbath to “Deis Solis” (the day of the sun, we know it as Sunday), he desired to make Christianity as unpalatable to the Jews, believed to have edited much of the New Testament by changing the word ‘Messiah’ to ‘Christ’ to further upset the Jews (and possibly other edits too), and organized the Roman Catholic Church which included appointing the first Pope. In his mind the cause of all evil were the Jews.
Martin Luther (1483 A.D. - 1546 A.D.)
Selected segment of writing: I had made up my mind to write no more either about the Jews or against them. But since I learned that these miserable and accursed people do not cease to lure to themselves even us, that is, the Christians, I have published this little book, so that I might be found among those who opposed such poisonous activities of the Jews and who warned the Christians to be on their guard against them. I would not have believed that a Christian could be duped by the Jews into taking their exile and wretchedness upon himself. However, the devil is the god of the world, and wherever God’s word is absent he has an easy task, not only with the weak but also with the strong. May God help us. Amen.[15]
Source: On the Jews and Their Lies
Error: One doesn’t need to go beyond Luther’s opening words to hear his frustration with the Jews, but he does call them accursed and wretched, which can also serve as a summary of this short book. The comments made in this book alone have perplexed and embarrassed Christians who otherwise generally hold a high regard for the Reformer. Consequently, they have prompted accusations that Luther was “one of the church fathers of anti-Semitism.” Furthermore, Luther’s assertions have been interpreted as contributing to the rise of Hitler.
Let’s review, 1) What does the Bible say? That the Jews are still an integral part of God’s plan. 2) What does Satan gain? In the long run nothing, perhaps more time. 3) What does persecution of the Jews tell us? Through the years the Jews have persevered through intense persecution and hatred, for simply being born Jewish. Not exactly what one might consider for God’s chosen until you bring in Satan into the equation. 4) What do Christians gain? A fair question as the idea was promoted by theologians and church leaders. They get greater honor and yes, more ‘bragging’ rights. 5) Was the Bible misinterpreted regarding the Jews? They may have been responsible for for the execution of Jesus, but it was our sin that required His death. They are not Christ Killers, we are. 6) The thousand-year reign of Jesus on earth would not be necessary since God would not need to fulfill His currently unfulfilled promises to Israel. But that belief would essentially mean God is a liar, which He is not. 7) Could the early church leaders and theologians been wrong in their Scriptural interpretations and subsequent theology? Were they in error? Sadly, yes, they saw the Jews as lost causes, and then covered the truth by making people believe that judgment came from God.
It is true that many (if not most) of the Jews did not accept Jesus and they did turn their uniqueness (their holiness) into pride that prevented them from effectively representing the true nature God. And as a result they were blinded to see that truth (see Matthew 23:37-39; John 12:37-42), all while Gentiles (non-Jews) became God’s focus to make the Jews jealous (see Romans 10:18-21; 11:11-14). But they were not ‘banned’ for life, the idea of the church (believers) replacing the people of Israel or the nation of Israel was a manufactured concept developed by man’s thinking and without a doubt initiated by Satan. In other words Replacement Theology is a lie!
Baker, W., & Carpenter, E. E. (2003). In The complete word study dictionary: Old Testament. AMG Publishers.
Eusebius. (1926–1932). The Ecclesiastical History and 2: English Translation (T. E. Page, E. Capps, W. H. D. Rouse, L. A. Post, & E. H. Warmington, Eds.; K. Lake & J. E. L. Oulton, Trans.; Vol. 1). William Heinemann; G. P. Putnam’s Sons; Harvard University Press.
Gritsch, E. (2012). Martin Luther’s Anti-Semitism: Against His Better Judgment. Wm. B. Eerdsman Publishing. Grand Rapids, MI
Fredriksen, P. (2008) Augustine and the Jews: A Christian Defense of Jews and Judaism. Yale University Press. New Haven
Harris, R. L., Archer, G. L., Jr., & Waltke, B. K., eds. (1999). In Theological Wordbook of the Old Testament (electronic ed.). Moody Press.
Houck, R. (2009) Epidemic: Examining the Infected Roots of Judaism and Christianity. Negev Publishing. Corsica, TX
Knight, D. A., & Levine, A.-J. (2024). The Meaning of the Bible: What the Jewish Scriptures and Christian Old Testament Can Teach Us. HarperOne.
Levine, A.-J., & Brettler, M. Z., eds. (2017). The Jewish Annotated New Testament: New Revised Standard Version Bible Translation (Second Edition). Oxford University Press.
The Lexham Greek-English Interlinear New Testament. (2008).
Liddell, H. G., Scott, R., Jones, H. S., & McKenzie, R. (1996). In A Greek-English lexicon. Clarendon Press.
Louw, J. P., & Nida, E. A. (1996). In Greek-English lexicon of the New Testament: based on semantic domains (electronic ed. of the 2nd edition.). United Bible Societies.
Luther, M. (1999). Luther’s works, vol. 47: The Christian in Society IV (J. J. Pelikan, H. C. Oswald, & H. T. Lehmann, Eds.). Fortress Press.
Nicholls, W. (1993). Christian antisemitism: a history of hate. Jason Aronson, Inc.
M’Clintock, J., & Strong, J. (1891–1894). In Cyclopædia of Biblical, Theological, and Ecclesiastical Literature: Vols. I–X. Harper & Brothers, Publishers.
Phelan, J. E., Jr. (2020). Separated Siblings: An Evangelical Understanding of Jews and Judaism. William B. Eerdmans Publishing Company.
Roberts, A., Donaldson, J., & Coxe, A. C., eds. (1885). Latin Christianity: Its Founder, Tertullian (Vol. 3). Christian Literature Company.
Roberts, A., Donaldson, J., & Coxe, A. C., eds. (1885). The Apostolic Fathers with Justin Martyr and Irenaeus (Vol. 1). Christian Literature Company.
Salmon, M. J. (2006). Preaching without contempt: overcoming unintended anti-Judaism. Fortress Press.
Schaff, P., & Wace, H., eds. (1892). St. Athanasius: Select Works and Letters (Vol. 4). Christian Literature Company.
Schaff, P., ed. (1887). St. Augustin: The Writings against the Manichaeans and against the Donatists (Vol. 4). Christian Literature Company.
Strong, J. (1995). In Enhanced Strong’s Lexicon. Woodside Bible Fellowship.
Zodhiates, S. (2000). In The complete word study dictionary: New Testament (electronic ed.). AMG Publishers.
[1] The publication "The Innocents Abroad or The New Pilgrims' Progress" is a travel book written by Mark Twain (Samuel Clements), first published in 1869. It chronicles what Twain called his "Great Pleasure Excursion" on board the chartered vessel Quaker City through Europe and the Holy Land with a group of American travelers in 1867.
[2] Seen in both singular and plural forms 194 times in the New Testament, it can be found 71 times in the book of John alone, more than any other book.
[3] Pseudo-Ignatius of Antioch. (1885). The Epistle of Ignatius to the Philippians. In A. Roberts, J. Donaldson, & A. C. Coxe (Eds.), The Apostolic Fathers with Justin Martyr and Irenaeus (Vol. 1, p. 119). Christian Literature Company.
[4] Justin Martyr. (1885). Dialogue of Justin with Trypho, a Jew. In A. Roberts, J. Donaldson, & A. C. Coxe (Eds.), The Apostolic Fathers with Justin Martyr and Irenaeus (Vol. 1, p. 200). Christian Literature Company.
[5] Irenaeus of Lyons. (1885). Irenæus against Heresies. In A. Roberts, J. Donaldson, & A. C. Coxe (Eds.), The Apostolic Fathers with Justin Martyr and Irenaeus (Vol. 1, p. 451). Christian Literature Company.
[6] Tertullian. (1885). The Apology. In A. Roberts, J. Donaldson, & A. C. Coxe (Eds.), & S. Thelwall (Trans.), Latin Christianity: Its Founder, Tertullian (Vol. 3, p. 35). Christian Literature Company.
[7] Nicholls, W. (1995). Christian antisemitism: a history of hate. Jason Aronson, Inc.
[8] Phelan, J. E., Jr. (2020). Separated Siblings: An Evangelical Understanding of Jews and Judaism (p. 261). William B. Eerdmans Publishing Company.
[9] Eusebius of Caesarea: Demonstratio Evangelica. Tr. W.J. Ferrar (1920) -- Book 7. (2025). Tertullian.org
[10] Hilary of Poitiers: On the Trinity - Book 6 (2025) HistoricalChristian.faith
[11] John Chrysostom, Against the Jews. Homily 3 (2025) Tertullian.org
[12] Augustine of Hippo. (1887). Reply to Faustus the Manichæan. In P. Schaff (Ed.), & R. Stothert (Trans.), St. Augustin: The Writings against the Manichaeans and against the Donatists (Vol. 4, p. 187). Christian Literature Company.
[13] 81 Canons of the Synod of Elvira. StrannikJournal.wordpress.com (2025)
[14] On the Keeping of Easter. HistoricalChristian.faith (2025)
[15] Luther, M. (1999). Luther’s works, vol. 47: The Christian in Society IV (J. J. Pelikan, H. C. Oswald, & H. T. Lehmann, Eds.; p. 137). Fortress Press.