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Questions & Answers

nPeace

Veteran Member
There are a few things I have been hearing which are both new to me, and somewhat puzzling - meaning I don't understand them.
I would like to use this thread to first understand then, and have a discussion about them.
I hope we can share without becoming angry about it.

First, could someone* explain in detail the view that the Paul of the Bible was against Jesus of the Bible.
Second, could someone* explain what is the common view of Jews, regarding what Jesus and Paul said about Jews... as a nation (for example - Matthew 23:37-39 ; Matthew 21:43 ; Acts 13:42-48).

I hope to hear from some of you. Thank you. :)
* not just one, but any amount of persons.
 

Hockeycowboy

Witness for Jehovah
Premium Member
Hello, my brother!

Yes, I’ve heard the first one, too. I’ve never had anyone explain it to me. Maybe you’ll be more successful.

Regarding the 2nd, the common view of the Jews....well, they don’t accept any writings of the Greek Scriptures as valid, so they discard it as of no value. You could say, it’s like the Quran to them.
 

nPeace

Veteran Member
Hello, my brother!

Yes, I’ve heard the first one, too. I’ve never had anyone explain it to me. Maybe you’ll be more successful.

Regarding the 2nd, the common view of the Jews....well, they don’t accept any writings of the Greek Scriptures as valid, so they discard it as of no value. You could say, it’s like the Quran to them.
Oh, okay. Do you know on what basis the Jews dismiss the first century writings?
 

rosends

Well-Known Member
Oh, okay. Do you know on what basis the Jews dismiss the first century writings?
Jews don't dismiss 1st century writings. We dismiss the gospels and the claims of any religious validity of those pieces of first century writing.
 

nPeace

Veteran Member
Jews don't dismiss 1st century writings. We dismiss the gospels and the claims of any religious validity of those pieces of first century writing.
Thank you.
What first century writings do you accept, may i ask, and on what basis do you dis miss the Gospels?
 

metis

aged ecumenical anthropologist
First, could someone* explain in detail the view that the Paul of the Bible was against Jesus of the Bible.
Second, could someone* explain what is the common view of Jews, regarding what Jesus and Paul said about Jews... as a nation (for example - Matthew 23:37-39 ; Matthew 21:43 ; Acts 13:42-48).
* not just one, but any amount of persons.
It's called "replacement theology" which, imo, is absurd and has caused immense anti-Semitism and harm to millions over the centuries.

Here:
Genesis 17:[7] And I will establish my covenant between me and you and your descendants after you throughout their generations for an everlasting covenant, to be God to you and to your descendants after you.

Genesis 17:[13] both he that is born in your house and he that is bought with your money, shall be circumcised. So shall my covenant be in your flesh an everlasting covenant.

Deuteronomy 7:[9] Know therefore that the LORD your God is God, the faithful God who keeps covenant and steadfast love with those who love him and keep his commandments, to a thousand generations,

Deuteronomy 29:[12] that you may enter into the sworn covenant of the LORD your God, which the LORD your God makes with you this day;

[13] that he may establish you this day as his people, and that he may be your God, as he promised you, and as he swore to your fathers, to Abraham, to Isaac, and to Jacob.

Psalms 89:[34] I will not violate my covenant,

or alter the word that went forth from my lips.

Psalms 105:[8] He is mindful of his covenant for ever,
of the word that he commanded, for a thousand generations,

Isaiah 44:[21] Remember these things, O Jacob,
and Israel, for you are my servant;
I formed you, you are my servant;
O Israel, you will not be forgotten by me.

Isaiah 45:[17] But Israel is saved by the LORD
with everlasting salvation;
you shall not be put to shame or confounded
to all eternity.

Isaiah 59:[20] "And he will come to Zion as Redeemer,
to those in Jacob who turn from transgression, says the LORD.
[21] "And as for me, this is my covenant with them, says the LORD: my spirit which is upon you, and my words which I have put in your mouth, shall not depart out of your mouth, or out of the mouth of your children, or out of the mouth of your children's children, says the LORD, from this time forth and for evermore."

Isaiah 66:[22] "For as the new heavens and the new earth
which I will make shall remain before me, says the LORD
;
so shall your descendants and your name remain.
 

nPeace

Veteran Member
Judaism believes in an oral law which includes writings that date from before the common era and through that period Mishna | Jewish laws

The gospels present no compelling case for belief. Why would a Christian dismiss the Quran?
Thank you.
I feel privileged to get the information directly from a Jew.

I hope you don't mind my asking questions. I want to have a clear understanding.
Could you give a little more detail. I don't want to misunderstand, so please correct me if I am inaccurate about anything.

I read that the Mishna is a compilation of writings, completed in the third century consisting of specific subject matter (related to specific laws, or requirements regarding the way of Jewish life) of Jewish religious laws derived from the written and Oral Torah, based on biblical commandments, and other rabbinic writings.

I read, The Mishna supplements the written, or scriptural, laws found in the Pentateuch. It presents various interpretations of selective legal traditions that had been preserved orally since at least the time of Ezra (c. 450 BC).
Does that mean, the Jews only accept the Torah, or do you also accept the writings of the prophets, including Jeremiah, Ezekiel, etc.?
Perhaps I should not generalize, since I read that some Jews reject the idea of an oral law being authentic.
May I ask, I assume you are not a Karaite or perhaps my assumption is wrong. What Jew are you, if I may ask?
How do you validate an oral law that was centuries in the past? What response do you have for Jews who maintain that such a position is against Moses, and God?

Do you, as a Jew accept the Tanakh, including the books of the prophets?
The term "Mishnah" is related to the verb "shanah", to teach or repeat, and to the adjectives "sheni" and "mishneh", meaning "second". It is thus named for being both the one written authority (codex) secondary (only) to the Tanakh as a basis for the passing of judgment, a source and a tool for creating laws, and the first of many books to complement the Tanakh in certain aspects.

Since these prophets often spoke of the rebelliousness, and wickedness of the Jewish "rabbis", why do you think you can be confident in their writings?
(Jeremiah 23:1, 2) 1 “Woe to the shepherds who are destroying and scattering the sheep of my pasture!” 2 ...“You have scattered my sheep; you kept dispersing them, and you have not turned your attention to them.” “So I will turn my attention to you because of your evil deeds,”
 
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Eyes to See

Well-Known Member
Don't mean to interfere with the questions. I just wanted to add something here for anyone that reads it.

Over the years I've had interactions with several different types of Jews, for lack of a better word. There are the secular Jews. I worked with one, they're much like the secular Muslims. They aren't religious. They believe in God and the traditions handed down to them. But don't really follow them for the most part. I've met Jews who are really nationalistic and don't even really believe in God. There are the traditional Jews. I used to live with some Messianic Jews. Had some really long nights conversing with them outside by the swimming pool back when I was younger. We had some interesting conversations. I always respected their beliefs. And for the most part they respected mine. I had one woman who said I would persuade her to convert to a Jehovah's Witness if she kept talking with me. And actually I would baby-sit for her when she was working and her son came home from school. He would knock on the door and come in and play video or board games with my kid. And he enjoyed sitting in on our family worship when we would read the Bible together. I don't know whatever happened to them. But the son was always full of questions, and you could tell his mind was opening up as I shared Bible truths with him. He was fascinated with things foretold in the Hebrew Scriptures that were fulfilled in the Greek scriptures. It reminds me of when Jesus was walking with his disciples after his resurrection and he began to open their minds up to the prophecies concerning the Messiah and that he would have to die and all the things he had to go through.

To mention a few of the things I wanted to point out to anyone interested. The history of Paul is actually quite a fascinating one. He was a Jew, born of Jews. Today no one can claim they can trace their lineage like they could back then. Jesus Christ could trace his lineage back to David on both his mother's and his adopted father's side. The records were available for all to look at, even his enemies. And no one ever disputed his linage. Not even his most staunch enemies. Those records were destroyed when Jerusalem was destroyed for the second time in 70 C. E. Since then no one can come and claim to be the Messiah and prove their linage as did Jesus.

Paul was formerly Saul of Tarsus. A city of no small prestige in Cicilia. Tarsus was the modern-day equivalent to being in a city where Harvard University, or Standford, or Oxford University is. It was world renowned as a city of learning. And anyone who was anyone made a trip there. Saul moved from Tarsus to Jerusalem where he studied at the feet of one the founders and teachers of modern-day Judaism , Gamaliel:

I am a Jew, born in Tarsus of Ci·liʹcia, but educated in this city at the feet of Ga·maʹli·el, instructed according to the strictness of the ancestral Law, and zealous for God just as all of you are this day."-Acts 22:3.

In fact Saul was so zealous a pupil that he was surpassing his fellow pupils. He was growing up to be a strict and righteous Pharisee. Some even speculate that if Jesus did not call him out of his ignorance, he may have even succeeded Gamaliel:

"Of course, you heard about my conduct formerly in Juʹda·ism, that I kept intensely persecuting the congregation of God and devastating it;  and I was making greater progress in Juʹda·ism than many of my own age in my nation, as I was far more zealous for the traditions of my fathers."-Galatians 1:13, 14.


Paul was born a Benjaminite, a Jew, from the strictest sect of the Pharisaic tradition, and also a Roman citizen. He knew both Greek and Hebrew.

"Though I, if anyone, do have grounds for confidence in the flesh. If any other man thinks he has grounds for confidence in the flesh, I have more: circumcised the eighth day, of the nation of Israel, of the tribe of Benjamin, a Hebrew born from Hebrews; regarding law, a Pharisee; regarding zeal, persecuting the congregation; regarding righteousness based on law, one who proved himself blameless."-Phillipians 3:4-6.

In Paul's day there were two sects, the Sadducees and the Pharisees. The Pharisees believed in the resurrection. The Sadducees did not. On one occasion when Paul was put on trial in the Jewish high court he told the Sanhedrin that he was being accused over his faith in the resurrection (as Jesus Christ was raised from the dead):

"Now Paul, knowing that the one part was made up of Sadducees but the other of Pharisees, cried out in the Sanʹhe·drin: “Men, brothers, I am a Pharisee, a son of Pharisees. Over the hope of the resurrection of the dead I am being judged.” 7 Because he said this, a dissension arose between the Pharisees and the Sadducees, and the assembly was split. 8 For the Sadducees say that there is neither resurrection nor angel nor spirit, but the Pharisees accept them all. 9 So a great uproar broke out, and some of the scribes of the party of the Pharisees rose and began arguing fiercely, saying: “We find nothing wrong in this man, but if a spirit or an angel spoke to him—.” 10 Now when the dissension grew great, the military commander feared that Paul would be torn apart by them, and he commanded the soldiers to go down and snatch him from their midst and bring him into the soldiers’ quarters."-Acts 23:6-10.

And Paul was not the only Pharisee that believed in Jesus Christ. The Bible account tells us a number of Pharisees did convert to Christianity. Paul's case was singular. He was so zealous for God as a Pharisee that he was breathing threat and murder against the Christians:

"But Saul, still breathing threat and murder against the disciples of the Lord, went to the high priest and asked him for letters to the synagogues in Damascus, so that he might bring bound to Jerusalem any whom he found who belonged to The Way, both men and women."-Acts 9:1, 2.

Recognizing that he was zealous for God, but not according to accurate knowledge Jesus Christ appeared to Saul as he was traveling to Damascus to murder the Christians, and set matters right with him:

"Now as he was traveling and getting near Damascus, suddenly a light from heaven flashed around him, 4 and he fell to the ground and heard a voice say to him: “Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting me?” 5 He asked: “Who are you, Lord?” He said: “I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting."-Acts 9:3-5.

Jesus opened Saul's eyes to the truth. And Paul realizing he was sinning and blaspheming against God repented and converted to Christianity. He himself later admitted:

Formerly I was a blasphemer and a persecutor and an insolent man. Nevertheless, I was shown mercy, because I was ignorant and acted with a lack of faith.”-1 Timothy 1:13.

Many Jews today are in the state Saul was in at one time. In a state of dire sin and blasphemy, but they act with ignorance because of their lack of faith.

Paul was given more gifts than anyone else mentioned in the Greek Scripture, aside from Jesus Christ, and in fact did far more than many of the apostles. Or least he is mentioned far more, than some apostles whose names are only mentioned.

He was also given supernatural visions which are never revealed in the scriptures themselves, because it was not lawful for him to speak of them:

"I have to boast. It is not beneficial, but I will move on to supernatural visions and revelations of the Lord. 2 I know a man in union with Christ who, 14 years ago—whether in the body or out of the body, I do not know; God knows—was caught away to the third heaven. 3 Yes, I know such a man—whether in the body or apart from the body, I do not know; God knows— 4 who was caught away into paradise and heard words that cannot be spoken and that are not lawful for a man to say."-2 Corinthians 12:1-4.

Paul was a more righteous and strict Jew than any you are likely to meet today. He was more educated, and at the very feet of one of the founder's of modern-day Judaism. And he spoke with authority. And as a Christian he suffered more than many of his false Christian brothers. He was envied and lied about by both Jews and false Christians:


"Are they Hebrews? I am one also. Are they Israelites? I am one also. Are they Abraham’s offspring? I am also. 23 Are they ministers of Christ? I reply like a madman, I am more outstandingly one: I have done more work, been imprisoned more often, suffered countless beatings, and experienced many near-deaths. 24 Five times I received 40 strokes less one from the Jews, 25 three times I was beaten with rods, once I was stoned, three times I experienced shipwreck, a night and a day I have spent in the open sea; 26 in journeys often, in dangers from rivers, in dangers from robbers, in dangers from my own people, in dangers from the nations, in dangers in the city, in dangers in the wilderness, in dangers at sea, in dangers among false brothers, 27 in labor and toil, in sleepless nights often, in hunger and thirst, frequently without food, in cold and lacking clothing."-2 Corinthians 11:22-27.
 

Eyes to See

Well-Known Member
And yet he loved his fellow Jews. Expressing his endearing love for his people. Why do many then reject him? I think this final statement recorded explains why. It reveals the utter lack of faith of the Jews. And it shows that they have been rejected by God. A stinging condemnation for a proud and a haughty people that lack faith in God:

"So I ask, They did not stumble and fall completely, did they? Certainly not! But by their false step, there is salvation to people of the nations, to incite them to jealousy. 12 Now if their false step means riches to the world and their decrease means riches to people of the nations, how much more will their full number mean!
13 Now I speak to you who are people of the nations. Seeing that I am an apostle to the nations, I glorify my ministry 14 to see if I may in some way incite my own people to jealousy and save some from among them. 15 For if their being cast away means reconciliation for the world, what will the acceptance of them mean but life from the dead? 16 Further, if the part of the dough taken as firstfruits is holy, the entire batch is also holy; and if the root is holy, the branches are also.
17 However, if some of the branches were broken off and you, although being a wild olive, were grafted in among them and became a sharer of the richness of the olive’s root, 18 do not be arrogant toward the branches. If, though, you are arrogant toward them, remember that you do not bear the root, but the root bears you. 19 You will say, then: “Branches were broken off so that I might be grafted in.” 20 That is true! For their lack of faith, they were broken off, but you are standing by faith. Do not be haughty, but be in fear. 21 For if God did not spare the natural branches, neither will he spare you. 22 Consider, therefore, God’s kindness and severity. There is severity toward those who fell, but toward you there is God’s kindness, provided you remain in his kindness; otherwise, you too will be lopped off. 23 And they also, if they do not remain in their lack of faith, will be grafted in, for God is able to graft them back in. 24 For if you were cut out of the olive tree that is wild by nature and were grafted contrary to nature into the garden olive tree, how much more will these who are natural branches be grafted back into their own olive tree!

25 For I do not want you to be unaware of this sacred secret, brothers, so that you do not become wise in your own eyes: A partial dulling of senses has come upon Israel until the full number of people of the nations has come in, 26 and in this manner all Israel will be saved. Just as it is written: “The deliverer will come out of Zion and turn away ungodly practices from Jacob. 27 And this is my covenant with them, when I take their sins away.” 28 True, with respect to the good news, they are enemies for your sakes; but with respect to God’s choosing, they are beloved for the sake of their forefathers. 29 For the gifts and the calling of God are not things he will regret. 30 For just as you were once disobedient to God but have now been shown mercy because of their disobedience, 31 so also these now have been disobedient with mercy resulting to you, so that they themselves may also now be shown mercy. 32 For God has confined all of them together in disobedience so that he might show all of them mercy
."-Romans 11:11-32.
 

rosends

Well-Known Member
Does that mean, the Jews only accept the Torah, or do you also accept the writings of the prophets, including Jeremiah, Ezekiel, etc.?
The jewish written "bible" is called the Tanach -- this is a Hebrew acronym for the 3 section, the Torah (five books of Moses), the Prophets, and the writings. For info on what texts are included in the Tanach, see here.
Perhaps I should not generalize, since I read that some Jews reject the idea of an oral law being authentic.
The historical Saduccees and the Karaites reject the oral law as we have it. The Karaites have a different sense of what the oral law is and believe in a different conception of it. The Saduccees were closer to being textual literalists. I'm neither of those 2 categories, though. I'm just a run of the mill Jew. We have been following a religion infused with oral law ideas for over 2000 years. Without the oral law, many things in the written text would make no sense.

Since these prophets often spoke of the rebelliousness, and wickedness of the Jewish "rabbis", why do you think you can be confident in their writings?
None of the biblical texts mention rabbis -- the wickedness was often from the Jews, and sometimes their leaders, and even some who purported to be prophets but misled the people. The fact that our canon includes the texts which tell of our and our people's shortcomings should tell you something. We don't shy away from acknowledging mistakes, and we read about them to learn from them and improve.
 

Nakosis

Non-Binary Physicalist
Premium Member
There are a few things I have been hearing which are both new to me, and somewhat puzzling - meaning I don't understand them.
I would like to use this thread to first understand then, and have a discussion about them.
I hope we can share without becoming angry about it.

First, could someone* explain in detail the view that the Paul of the Bible was against Jesus of the Bible.
Second, could someone* explain what is the common view of Jews, regarding what Jesus and Paul said about Jews... as a nation (for example - Matthew 23:37-39 ; Matthew 21:43 ; Acts 13:42-48).

I hope to hear from some of you. Thank you. :)
* not just one, but any amount of persons.


My experience with Christians is that when asking questions about their theology they almost without exception refer back to Paul. So not so much not Paul is against Jesus but that Paul added some of his own ideas about God. Some still have a problem with What Jesus taught. I generally don't. I question Paul's authority to add to what Jesus taught.
 

nPeace

Veteran Member
My experience with Christians is that when asking questions about their theology they almost without exception refer back to Paul. So not so much not Paul is against Jesus but that Paul added some of his own ideas about God. Some still have a problem with What Jesus taught. I generally don't. I question Paul's authority to add to what Jesus taught.
OK, thanks. What are some thing that Paul added that were not already part of the Tanakh, hence in fulfillment of things pertaining to God's promise?
I think that may be the problem. Was Paul out of harmony with the will of God?

For example, say your mom sent you to the store to order on purchase a wardrobe, but then she sent your brother ten days later, with his truck, to pick up the wardrobe, no one would think that your brother came up with an idea to steal what you brought.
It took time for the item to arrive, and your brother had the means of receiving it.

Similarly, God sent Jesus to fulfill a role, which he did, but later, God used the Christian congregation, to complete what Jesus started.
In fact the scriptures say, concerning Paul...
But the Lord said to him: “Go! because this man is a chosen vessel to me to bear my name to the nations as well as to kings and the sons of Israel. (Acts 9:15)
(Jesus is the one who intercepted Paul on his journey against Jesus' followers, as Jesus was fully involved in seeing God's will to its finish.)

We see here that God chose Paul for this role.
Paul said, "For the purpose of this witness I was appointed a preacher and an apostle - I am telling the truth, I am not lying - a teacher of nations in the matter of faith and truth." (1 Timothy 2:7 ;Galatians 2:7)

We must remember that God is the one working out his purpose and will... using persons during different periods.
However, there must be harmony and agreement,
That's why I want to understand from persons, where is the disagreement with Paul, and Jesus?

So, evidently, it seems another question to ask would be... Was Paul not in agreement with God's will?
Do you think he wasn't? Can you give a example, and point to a reference where that was the case?
 

Hockeycowboy

Witness for Jehovah
Premium Member
Oh, okay. Do you know on what basis the Jews dismiss the first century writings?

To be technically accurate, I didn’t say “first century writings.” I said “the Greek Scriptures,” meaning what’s commonly called the New Testament.

You know the main reason we as Jehovah’s people don’t refer to the Greek Scriptures as the New Testament, because calling one “New”, and the Hebrew Scriptures “Old”, sorta makes it sound like the Old are obsolete. As if the New supersedes the Old. And nothing could be further from the truth!

All of it is Jehovah’s Word. Well, to us as His witnesses.
 

Nakosis

Non-Binary Physicalist
Premium Member
OK, thanks. What are some thing that Paul added that were not already part of the Tanakh, hence in fulfillment of things pertaining to God's promise?
I think that may be the problem. Was Paul out of harmony with the will of God?

For example, say your mom sent you to the store to order on purchase a wardrobe, but then she sent your brother ten days later, with his truck, to pick up the wardrobe, no one would think that your brother came up with an idea to steal what you brought.
It took time for the item to arrive, and your brother had the means of receiving it.

Similarly, God sent Jesus to fulfill a role, which he did, but later, God used the Christian congregation, to complete what Jesus started.
In fact the scriptures say, concerning Paul...
But the Lord said to him: “Go! because this man is a chosen vessel to me to bear my name to the nations as well as to kings and the sons of Israel. (Acts 9:15)
(Jesus is the one who intercepted Paul on his journey against Jesus' followers, as Jesus was fully involved in seeing God's will to its finish.)

We see here that God chose Paul for this role.
Paul said, "For the purpose of this witness I was appointed a preacher and an apostle - I am telling the truth, I am not lying - a teacher of nations in the matter of faith and truth." (1 Timothy 2:7 ;Galatians 2:7)

We must remember that God is the one working out his purpose and will... using persons during different periods.
However, there must be harmony and agreement,
That's why I want to understand from persons, where is the disagreement with Paul, and Jesus?

So, evidently, it seems another question to ask would be... Was Paul not in agreement with God's will?
Do you think he wasn't? Can you give a example, and point to a reference where that was the case?

Did Jesus ever say he needed to be worshiped?
Did Jesus ever say that salvation was through faith in him alone?
Did Jesus ever say that one need not follow Mosaic law?

Certainly, if you are going to pick up an order you ought to expect your right to pick up that order questioned. If you are placing the order you at least ought to identify to the seller the person who'll pick up the order.

I certainly wouldn't want to do business with someone who'd give my order to anyone claiming to be my brother. If I was the seller, I'd refuse to release to order if not given proper notification of the person who'd be picking it up.
 

Neuropteron

Active Member
There are a few things I have been hearing which are both new to me, and somewhat puzzling - meaning I don't understand them.
I would like to use this thread to first understand then, and have a discussion about them.
I hope we can share without becoming angry about it.

First, could someone* explain in detail the view that the Paul of the Bible was against Jesus of the Bible.
Second, could someone* explain what is the common view of Jews, regarding what Jesus and Paul said about Jews... as a nation (for example - Matthew 23:37-39 ; Matthew 21:43 ; Acts 13:42-48).

I hope to hear from some of you. Thank you. :)
* not just one, but any amount of persons.

Paul who was appointed as an Apostles to the Nation summarized in Acts what Jesus had foretold, namely that the Jewish Nation would be rejected (as a nation, not individuals of that netion) since they continually turned their back on Jehovah their God and systematically broke the covenant they had with him, as well as worshipping false god's predominantly Baal.

History shows that -as Jesus explained- they had time and time again rejected the counsel of the prophets Jehovah had sent to help them, often going to the extreme of killing them. Jesus in an illustration prophesied that eventually they would kill the son of God.

In 66 CE the foretold destruction of Jerusalem started it's course, but as Jesus had foretold, time would be allocated to allow those that believed in the prophesy of that destruction to escape the city.
So it was that 4 years later the Roman army came and destroyed the city and the temple making impossible for a continued worship of Jehovah -for the nation of Israel- according to the requirement of the Mosaic law, since the lineage of the Levitical priesthood was destroyed along with the temple.

Thus the text that you mentioned came to pass."Therefore say I unto you, The kingdom of God shall be taken from you, and given to a nation bringing forth the fruits thereof".
 

nPeace

Veteran Member
The jewish written "bible" is called the Tanach -- this is a Hebrew acronym for the 3 section, the Torah (five books of Moses), the Prophets, and the writings. For info on what texts are included in the Tanach, see here.

The historical Saduccees and the Karaites reject the oral law as we have it. The Karaites have a different sense of what the oral law is and believe in a different conception of it. The Saduccees were closer to being textual literalists. I'm neither of those 2 categories, though. I'm just a run of the mill Jew. We have been following a religion infused with oral law ideas for over 2000 years. Without the oral law, many things in the written text would make no sense.
When you say, "The Saduccees were closer to being textual literalists." what text are you referring to, which they take literal? Are you referring to what Moses wrote down ((Exodus 24:4) . . .So Moses wrote down all the words of YHWH. . .), and what was copied, as common Jewish practice ((Deuteronomy 17:18) . . .When he takes his seat on the throne of his kingdom, he must write for himself in a book a copy of this Law, taken from the one kept by the Levitical priests.)?
(Deuteronomy 28:58 ; 29:19-21 ; 30:8-10)

I think if I were Jewish, I would follow this written law, because of Moses earning respect as God's instrument, and since he wrote it down, I would agree with those who opposed the idea that oral law was authentic.

(Joshua 8:34, 35) 34After this he read aloud all the words of the Law, the blessings and the curses, according to all that is written in the book of the Law. 35There was not a word of all that Moses had commanded that Joshua did not read aloud in front of all the congregation of Israel, including the women and children and the foreign residents who were living among them.
Here, we see Joshua orally conveying what was written... but he was reading from what was written.
So even during that time, the Jews had the written law... given by Moses.

In fact, I would remember that there were prominent Jews who wanted Moses' position, and opposed him (Numbers 16), and I would remember those who wanted to be God's prophets, but were false (Jeremiah 14:15), and I would stick to what was written.

Is there any reason you think this is not the correct way?
Jesus was able to quote scripture, all the way back to Moses writings. He said, "It is written..."
 

nPeace

Veteran Member
None of the biblical texts mention rabbis -
I'm sorry. I thought the word rabbi, meant teacher.
I was thinking of those assigned to teach the people...
(Deuteronomy 4:1, 2) 1 “Now, O Israel, listen to the regulations and the judicial decisions that I am teaching you to observe, so that you may live and go in and take possession of the land that YHWH, the God of your forefathers, is giving you. 2 You must not add to the word that I am commanding you, neither must you take away from it, so as to keep the commandments of YHWH your God that I am commanding you.

YHWH commanded me to teach you regulations and judicial decisions, which you are to observe in the land you will enter to take possession of. Deuteronomy 4:14

I was using an everyday term among Jews. Sorry.

- the wickedness was often from the Jews, and sometimes their leaders, and even some who purported to be prophets but misled the people. The fact that our canon includes the texts which tell of our and our people's shortcomings should tell you something. We don't shy away from acknowledging mistakes, and we read about them to learn from them and improve.
I cannot take that position to speak in general terms so positively, especially of a people whose entire nation excluding a very small number, were rebellious, went astray, breaking their covenants with their God, and in many cases doing so deliberately.

As you mentioned, we have a written record of their deeds, but the record does not stop at the completion of the Tanakh, which contain these words... “And now, O priests, this commandment is for you. If you refuse to listen and to take it to heart to glorify my name,” says YHWH of armies, “I will send on you the curse, and I will turn your blessings into curses. Yes, I have turned the blessings into curses, because you are not taking it to heart.” (Malachi 2:1, 2)

“But you yourselves have turned aside from the way. You have made many stumble with regard to the law. You have ruined the covenant of Levi,” says YHWH of armies. “So I will make you despised and low before all the people, because you did not keep my ways but showed partiality in applying the law.” (Malachi 2:8, 9)

To my mind, that doesn't just sound serious. It is serious! Don you agree?
This is the record we have, don't we.
We have no other record of faithfulness of the Jews toward God.

In fact, this was prophesied. This is what the Tanakh itself says...
(Deuteronomy 31:24-27) . . .As soon as Moses had completed writing the words of this Law in a book in their entirety, 25 Moses commanded the Levites who carry the ark of YHWH's covenant, saying: 26“Take this book of the Law and place it at the side of the ark of the covenant of YHWH your God, and it will serve as a witness there against you. 27For I myself well know your rebelliousness and your stubbornness. If you have been so rebellious against YHWH while I am still alive with you, then how much more so will you be after my death!

We also have Jews later, in a record that - I see no reason to discard. Perhaps you can share what good reason the Jews have for rejecting the writings in the Gospels - is consistent with the Tanakh, saying the same.
John the Baptist for example , said...
(Matthew 3:1-8) ...“Repent, for the Kingdom of the heavens has drawn near.” ...‘Prepare the way of YHWH! Make his roads straight.’. . .
When he caught sight of many of the Pharisees and Sadducees coming to the baptism, he said to them: “You offspring of vipers, who has warned you to flee from the coming wrath? Therefore, produce fruit that befits repentance.

I understand from reading the Tanakh, that there was a written law from the days of Moses onward.
So what is the oral law... Is it not an interpretation of various - not all - portions of the written law, and other later writings?

(Joshua 1:7-9) 7 “Only be courageous and very strong, and observe carefully the entire Law that Moses my servant commanded you. Do not deviate from it either to the right or to the left, so that you may act wisely wherever you go. 8This book of the Law should not depart from your mouth, and you must read it in an undertone day and night, in order to observe carefully all that is written in it; for then your way will be successful and then you will act wisely. 9 Have I not commanded you?. . .

(Joshua 23:6) . . .“Now you must be very courageous to observe and carry out all that is written in the book of the Law of Moses by never deviating from it to the right or to the left,

(2 Kings 22:8-13) 8 Later Hilkiah the high priest said to Shaphan the secretary: “I have found the book of the Law in the house of YHWH.” So Hilkiah gave the book to Shaphan, who began to read it. 9 Then Shaphan the secretary went to the king and told him: “Your servants have poured out the money that was found in the house, and they have handed it over to those appointed over the work in the house of YHWH.” 10 Shaʹphan the secretary also told the king: “There is a book that Hilkiah the priest has given me.” Then Shaphan began to read it before the king. 11As soon as the king heard the words of the book of the Law, he ripped his garments apart. 12 Then the king gave this order to Hilkiah the priest, Ahikam the son of Shaphan, Achbor the son of Micaiah, Shaphan the secretary, and Asaiah the king’s servant: 13“Go, inquire of YHWH in my behalf, in behalf of the people, and in behalf of all Judah concerning the words of this book that has been found; for YHWH’s rage that has been set ablaze against us is great, because our forefathers did not obey the words of this book by observing all that is written concerning us.”

(2 Kings 23:25) There was no king like him prior to him, who returned to YHWH with all his heart and with all his soul and with all his strength, according to all the Law of Moses; nor did anyone like him rise up after him.

(2 Chronicles 17:7-9) 7 In the third year of his reign he sent for his princes, Benhail, Obadiah, Zechariah, Nethanel, and Micaiah, to teach in the cities of Judah. 8 There were Levites with them: Shemaiah, Nethaniah, Zebadiah, Asahel, Shemiramoth, Jehonathan, Adonijah, Tobijah, and Tobadonijah, and along with them Elishama and Jehoram the priests. 9They began teaching in Judah, taking with them the book of YHWH’s Law, and they went around through all the cities of Judah teaching among the people.

(2 Chronicles 35:26) As for the rest of the history of Josiah and his deeds of loyal love, in keeping with what is written in the Law of YHWH. . .

(Nehemiah 8:1-8) . . .All the people then gathered with one accord at the public square in front of the Water Gate, and they told Ezra the copyist to bring the book of the Law of Moses, which YHWH had commanded Israel. 2 So Ezra the priest brought the Law before the congregation of men, women, and all who could listen with understanding, on the first day of the seventh month. 3And he read aloud from it before the public square in front of the Water Gate, from daybreak until midday, to the men, the women, and all who could understand; and the people listened attentively to the book of the Law. 4 And Ezra the copyist was standing on a wooden podium made for the occasion; and standing alongside him on his right were Mattithiah, Sheʹma, Anaiah, Uriah, Hilkiah, and Maaseiah; and on his left were Pedaiah, Mishael, Malchijah, Hashum, Hash-badʹdanah, Zechariah, and Meshullam. 5Ezra opened the book in the sight of all the people, for he was above all the people. As he opened it, all the people stood up. 6 Then Ezra praised YHWH the true God, the great One, at which all the people answered, “Amen! Amen!” and lifted up their hands. They then bowed low and prostrated themselves to YHWH with their faces to the ground. 7 And Jeshua, Bani, Sherebiah, Jamin, Akkub, Shabbethai, Hodiah, Maaseiah, Kelita, Azariah, Jozabad, Hanan, and Pelaiah, who were Levites, were explaining the Law to the people, while the people remained standing. 8 And they continued reading aloud from the book, from the Law of the true God, clearly explaining it and putting meaning into it; so they helped the people to understand what was being read.

(Nehemiah 8:17-9:3) 17 Thus all those of the congregation who had come back from the captivity made booths and were dwelling in the booths, for the Israelites had not done it this way from the days of Joshua the son of Nun until that day, so that there was very great rejoicing. 18And day by day there was a reading from the book of the Law of the true God, from the first day until the last day. And they held the festival for seven days, and there was a solemn assembly on the eighth day, as was required.

(Nehemiah 13:1-3) . . .On that day the book of Moses was read in the hearing of the people, and it was found written that no Ammonite or Moabite should ever enter the congregation of the true God, 2 for they had not met the Israelites with bread and water, but instead they had hired Balaam against them to curse them. However, our God had changed the curse into a blessing. 3 As soon as they heard the Law, they began to separate from Israel all those of foreign descent.

Would that not invalidate it, since it can be based on traditions of men ... as shown by the following?
(Mark 7:1-8) 1 Now the Pharisees and some of the scribes who had come from Jerusalem gathered around him. 2 And they saw some of his disciples eat their meal with defiled hands, that is, unwashed ones. 3(For the Pharisees and all the Jews do not eat unless they wash their hands up to the elbow, clinging to the tradition of the men of former times, 4and when they come from the market, they do not eat unless they wash themselves. There are many other traditions that they have received and cling to, such as baptisms of cups, pitchers, and copper vessels.) 5 So these Pharisees and scribes asked him: “Why do your disciples not observe the tradition of the men of former times, but they eat their meal with defiled hands?” 6He said to them: “Isaiah aptly prophesied about you hypocrites, as it is written, ‘This people honor me with their lips, but their hearts are far removed from me. 7 It is in vain that they keep worshipping me, for they teach commands of men as doctrines.’ 8 You let go of the commandment of God and cling to the tradition of men.”

Also, could the oral law not have excluded God's requirements, as we saw in the days of Josiah, and during Ezra's time?
 
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