The Early Spread of Christianity Beyond the Jews

The origins of Christianity are deeply intertwined with the Jewish heritage, a link that is evident in early Christian writings and Scripture. The process of the first Christian people evolving into a global movement includes a significant shift from solely being among the converted Jews to including Gentiles, a transformation prophesied in the Old Testament and solidified in the New Testament.

The Initial Call: The Apostles and Early Followers

After the resurrection of Jesus, the initial converts were primarily from among his core Jewish followers, who later became known as the apostles. They were all Jews, including Jesus himself, who is described as a Jew (Matthew 1:1). The new covenant, established in the context of Christian belief, was with the Jews, sealed with the blood of Jesus, the Messiah (Matthew 26:28).

Romans 9:4-5 highlights the lineage and benefits exclusive to the Jewish people: “Who are Israelites, to whom pertaineth the adoption and the glory and the covenants and the giving of the law and the service of God and the promises? Whose are the fathers, and of whom, as concerning the flesh, came Christ, who is over all, God blessed forever. Amen.” These verses underscore the primacy of the Jewish people in God's plan.

The Jewish Rejection and the Gentile Call

Despite the initial promise, a significant portion of the Jewish community ultimately rejected Jesus and his message of Christianity. This rejection initiated a critical period in Christian history where God directed his message of salvation to the Gentiles, a term used to describe non-Jews.

This shift is explicitly mentioned in Deuteronomy 32:21, which contains a prophetic warning: “They have moved me to jealousy with that which is not God they have provoked me to anger with their vanities: and I will move them to jealousy with those which are not a people I will provoke them to anger with a foolish nation.” The fulfillment of this prophecy is seen in the New Testament, particularly in the book of Acts.

The Gentile Conversion: A Divine Plan

Acts 13:44-52 vividly captures this transition. It recounts how, on the next Sabbath, almost the entire city of Antioch assembled to hear the Word of God. However, when the Jews saw the large crowd, they became envious and began to oppose Paul and his teachings. Faced with this resistance, Paul and Barnabas boldly proclaimed that it was imperative for the Jews to hear the Word first, as a divine commandment: 'For so hath the Lord commanded us saying I have set thee to be a light of the Gentiles that thou shouldest be for salvation unto the ends of the earth.'

The Gentiles responded with joy and honor, accepting the word of the Lord and believing. Their positive response marked a significant milestone in the spread of Christianity. The events led to further persecution by Jewish leaders, culminating in the expulsion of Paul and Barnabas. However, these circumstances did not deter the early Christian disciples, who were filled with joy and the Holy Spirit as they moved on to Iconium.

Acts 13:45-52 emphasizes the broader reach of the gospel, stating, 'And the word of the Lord was published throughout all the region. But the Jews stirred up the devout and honourable women and the chief men of the city and raised persecution against Paul and Barnabas and expelled them out of their coasts. But they shook off the dust of their feet against them and came unto Iconium. And the disciples were filled with joy and with the Holy Ghost.'

Conclusion

The journey of Christianity from a sect within Judaism to a religion encompassing people of all nations is a testament to the divine plan and the power of revelation. The early Christian movement, marked by the preaching of the apostles, laid the foundation for a global faith that continues to spread and evolve. This narrative reminds us of the ever-expanding nature of the gospel message, which, as recorded, was to be a light for the Gentiles and a source of salvation for all peoples.

Keywords: Christianity, First Christians, Gentile conversion