Exploring the Historical and Theological Aspects of Noahide Laws – Part 2
Greetings, saints of the Most High! Welcome to another installment of the Messianic Torah Observer. Today, we delve into the second part of our discussion on the Noahide Laws, a concept originating from Rabbinic Judaism and the Talmudists around the 4th to 6th centuries CE.
In our previous discussion, we explored the origins and development of the Noahide Laws. These laws, although linked to Torah, are not biblically mandated but rather a Rabbinic invention. Modern Orthodox Judaism teaches that non-Jews who keep these laws will be granted a place in the world to come, a principle not found in the Torah or the whole of scripture.
The True Purpose of Noahide Laws
The Noahide Laws were developed to guide Jewish society in dealing with non-Jews, both legally and socially. The Tosefta Avodah Zarah, a compilation of Jewish oral law, reveals that these laws were conceived with a bias against Gentiles, viewing them as idolaters who cannot be trusted. The Rabbis aimed to instruct Jewish communities on how to interact with non-Jews, especially in legal matters.
The Controversy and Modern Implications
The Noahide Laws have influenced various Western governments’ judicial systems and social norms, particularly in the United States. However, there is a conflict within Judaism regarding the exact precepts of these laws. Some believe that no Gentiles can have a part in the world to come, even if they keep the Noahide Laws, due to an erroneous interpretation of Torah.
Practical Messianic Insights
For Messianic believers, the Noahide Laws hold no bearing. We answer only to our Rabbi and Master, Yahoshua Messiah, and not to Rabbinic authority. The concept of one law for both Hebrews and Gentiles is emphasized in Torah, and we must be cautious of any teachings that suggest otherwise.
Conclusion
The Noahide Laws were developed to maintain Jewish distinctiveness and to guide interactions with non-Jews. However, they are not biblically mandated and hold no significance for Messianic believers. Our focus should remain on following the teachings of Yahoshua Messiah and the Torah.
Resurrection Truth versus Rapture Error-Part 3 of the Death, the Grave, and the Resurrection Series
Introduction This is “Resurrection Truth versus Rapture Error.” This will be the 3rd installment to our Death, the Grave, and Resurrection series which spun off from our Torah Reading 45 which was entitled “And he (Ya’achov) was Gathered Unto His People. ...
Even the Small Things Matter to God-A Messianic Study of Exodus 4:22-26-STAR-48
Introduction This is “Even the Small Things Matter to God.” This is the 48th Reading of our 3-year Torah Reading Cycle. It is contained in Exodus/Shemot 4:14-6:1. But we will be focusing just on verses 22 to 26. Looking Back to STAR-47, entitled “God’s Holy...
Rosh Chodesh 6th Month 2022-The Start of the 6th Biblical Month
Chag Sameach Rosh Chodesh beloved. Happy and blessed 6th Month to you all. As I am posting this brief discussion here on The Messianic Torah Observer, the renewed moon will have been sighted by at least two-trained observers in Yisra’el. Thus, wherever we live ...
God’s Holy Character–A Messianic Study of Exodus 3:1-4:13
Introduction This is God’s Holy Character-A Messianic Study of Exodus 3:1-4:13. It is the 47th Torah Portion of our 3-year Torah-reading cycle. Now, despite there being a great many historical and spiritual nuggets that the practical, truth-seeking...
Israel-The Birth of a Nation Through Tribulation-STAR-46
This is Israel: The Birth of a Nation Through Tribulation. It is a study of the 46th Parshah of our 3-year Torah Reading Cycle. This week's reading is found in Exodus/Shemot 1:1-2:25. Introduction to the Reading The historical record transitions from that of a focus...
Death-the Grave-the Resurrection-Part 2
Introduction This is part 2 of our discussion on death, the grave, and the resurrection. And we will be picking up where we left off in part 1, which if you haven’t had the opportunity to either read or listen to that post on any of the platforms in which...
He Was Gathered unto His People-Death-The Grave-The Resurrection–Part-1–STAR-45
Introduction This is “He Was Gathered unto His People—Death-The Grave-The Resurrection—Part 1” This will be a discussion on the 45th Torah Reading of our 3-year Torah Reading Cycle. Our focus text is Genesis/Beresheit 49:27-50:26. This passage concludes...
The 9th of Av–You Are Called by Name–STAR-44
Tisha B'Av--The 9th of Av--"The Saddest Day of the Jewish Calendar Year." According to Hillel’s Calendar, which I frequently refer to as the Jewish Calculated Calendar, as I am recording and posting this installment of TMTO Sabbath Thoughts and...
“Let No Man Judge You” in Your Keeping of Torah–A Messianic Examination of Colossians 2:16-17
This is "Let No Man Judge You" in Your Keeping of Torah--A Messianic Examination of Colossians 2:16-17. This is sort of a continuation, if you will, to our very last installment which was entitled “Did the Apostle Paul Permit the Eating of all Meats? A...
Did the Apostle Paul Permit the Eating of All Meats? A Messianic Examination of 1 Timothy 4:1-5
Setting the Table for our Discussion Here Today This is “Did the Apostle Paul Sanction/Permit the Eating of all Meats? A Messianic Examination of 1 Timothy 4:1-5.” Our discussion here today will serve as another installment to our massive Paul and Hebrew...