storytime

Question: In the bible story, were proseltyes the non Jews who were being prepared for final conversion to Judaism? If so, were these the uncircumcised James and Paul said were zealous for the law? And, were these proseltyes the ones Paul took his gospel to and not the other Gentiles who had no intention of converting to Judaism?

From my reading, it seems as though Paul is teaching his gospel to people[gentiles/proseltyes] eager to join Judaism and he is telling them they were also at one time idol worshipers as the Gentiles. So, I've drawn a division between Gentiles as I see it in the story. How would Jews have ruled on Gentiles in those days? Would there have been a preparation process for recruits[proseltyes] thus allowing Jews to teach Gentiles and this why a few basic laws were given from the Jerusalem Council for Gentile observance?

Also, this proseltyism seems to tie itself into the just and the unjust in the resurrection. Maybe you can help me figure it out? :huh:

thank you

Toto

It would help if you quoted or cited the "bible story." This is all very confusing.

There was a category of "God fearers" who where gentiles attracted to Judaism, but who had not gone through conversion, involving circumcision. This seems to have been a significant group of people.

Anyone who was "zealous for the law" would be someone who obeyed all of the ritual requirements, including circumcision.

storytime

It's confusing for me also and why I'm trying to figure out how Jewish rabbis in those days made rule concerning the preparation of Gentile converts who were converting to Judaism (not Christianity).

In Acts 15:3 "And being brought on their way by the church, they passed through Phoenicia and Samaria declaring the conversion of the Gentiles..." These do not seem to be zealous for the law, as Paul had taught faith alone. These Gentiles were being taught a different doctrine than what the Pharisees were teaching in circumcision and law of Moses.

Those Gentiles who were zealous for the law believed as the Jews believed and joined the Jews in assault against Paul and Barnabas. (Acts 14:5)

Acts 15:1-2 "And certain men who came down from Judaea taught the brethren, and said, Except ye be circumcised after the manner of Moses ye cannot be saved.

vs.2 "When, therefore, Paul and Barnabas had no small dissension and disputation with them, they determined that Paul and Barnabas, and certain other of them, should go up to Jerusalem unto the apostles and elders about this question."