Yeshua: A guide to the real Jesus and the original church

Description

Ron Moseley’s Yeshua argues that understanding Jesus (Yeshua) and early Christianity requires grounding them within their first-century Jewish context. The book emphasizes that Jesus operated as a Jewish teacher within Judaism, the original Church was structured like a synagogue, and its early leaders were entirely Jewish.

Key Themes

Jewish Identity of Jesus: Moseley presents Jesus as a Jewish rabbi who used Jewish idioms and teachings compatible with Pharisaic traditions, suggesting he may have been a Pharisee himself.

Synagogue-Church Continuity: The early Church adopted organizational structures from synagogues, including roles like the chazan (minister), who oversaw Scripture readings and prayer.

Early Church Leadership: The first 15 bishops of the Jerusalem Church were Jewish, reflecting the movement’s roots in Judaism before its gradual shift toward Gentile-majority communities.

Torah’s Purpose: Moseley explains the Torah as a guide to “hitting the mark” in life, countering interpretations that reduce it to legalism.

Jewish Sect Diversity: First-century Judaism included 26–30 groups (e.g., Pharisees, Essenes, Zealots), with the early Church emerging as one sect among them.

Scholarly Reception
The book is praised for illuminating overlooked Jewish roots, with endorsements highlighting its value for understanding historical linkages between Judaism and Christianity. However, critics note Moseley occasionally overstates continuity between Jesus and Pharisaism, underplays theological innovations in early Christianity, and includes textual errors.

Structure and Features
The work includes study questions, a glossary, and comparisons of Jewish and Greco-Roman influences on later Church development. Moseley draws on his academic background in Jewish studies and Second Temple history to bridge cultural gaps for modern readers.