An in-Context Study of Colossians 2 -Shabbat, Biblical Festivals, Rosh Chodesh
I completed this study during my recent pregnancy of my second child after being healed from infertility at a Bethel Australia service at All City Church in Anchorage, Alaska.
This study is in honor of my earthly father. I love my dad so much. He is one of the greatest gifts G-d ever gave to me. My dad taught me so many wonderful things, to work hard, to be excellent, to read and study the Bible. I thought he would live until he was at least 100. I told him that the year he passed away into eternity – my heart is still broken over the loss of my earthly father. When he passed, as I was cleaning his house and obeying my brother to unsubsribe my dad from his mail I came across a mailer he was subscribed to from Pennsylvania. A Christian group that celebrates the Biblical Festivals such as Passover, The Festival of Booths etc. I read some of these mailers. My dad also told one of my niece and nephew’s mother that he wanted to keep the 7th day Sabbath. I’m so THANKFUL my dad stopped celebrating Christmas when I was a little girl. He taught me that even if you are at some level ostracized that you still follow Yeshua. My dad never stopped celebrating Yeshua’s resurrection nor did he stop studying the Bible with at least one friend, and doing his best to follow the true words of the Bible rather than popular religion as Yeshua speaks about in Luqas 6:22-23, 26
“Blessed are you when people hate you,
and when they exclude you, and revile you,
and spurn your name as evil on account
of the Son of Man.
Rejoice in that day and jump for joy! For behold, your reward is great in heaven! For their fathers used to treat the prophets the same way.”
… Woe to you when all men speak well of you,
for their fathers used to treat the false prophets the same way.”
The last thing my dad said to me was to ask me to study the Bible with him. Although my sickness I had at the time prevented me from doing so, this study is a fruit of obedience to my dad, mom. and grandparents to keep on studying the Bible for my whole life.
Baruch Ha Shem, halleluyah!
“For just as the new heavens and the new earth, which I will make, will endure before Me”—it is a declaration of Adonai—“so your descendants and your name will endure.”
“And it will come to pass, that from one New Moon [Rosh Chodesh] to another,
and from one Shabbat [7th day] to another,
all flesh will come to bow down before Me,”
says Adonai. “As they leave, they will look on the corpses of the people who rebelled against Me. For their worm will not die, and their fire will not be quenched, and they will be a horror to all flesh.” Isaiah 66:22-24
In Colossians 2, Paul is writing to the church in Colossae where some of his church members were new converts to Christianity from paganism/gentile culture rather than from Judaism, this meant that much of what they were learning was completely new culturally and may have impacted their lives with physical family members, friends and coworkers as converts still experience today. In Colossians 2 Paul encourages them not to let anyone judge them for following in the footsteps of Jesus. Paul explains to his church plant contextually that the 7th day Sabbath, Biblical festivals and Rosh Chodesh are all defined by Paul as being part of the Biblical definition of “walking in Jesus”. This today may be missed altogether, seem strange, confusing or hard to understand by gentiles who are either completely unfamiliar with Jewish culture or who view these things as a tradition of the Jewish culture rather than Biblically how our Savior walked with the Sabbath and festivals being covenant commandments between Israel and G-d. When interpreting scripture we cannot interpret things through our Western American/Asian/European etc. perspective, rather we must recognize for proper interpretation that both Jesus and Paul grew up in a Torah observant Jewish family, really that all of the original disciples were sharing the gospel of Jesus fulfilling the Torah and the prophets as Jesus states in the sermon on the mount and that the gospel they were sharing has not changed.
I certainly was one of those who misunderstood Paul in Colossians 2 since childhood. When I did start to take the Sabbath commandment seriously in 2021 I was at first confused by the English language article “a ” before Sabbath in the NASB translation. (I now realize this is not the wording in all translations, some translations do say “the Sabbath ” for example). I erroneously read “a ” in a way that gave carte blanche in my mind to choosing any day of the week for rest – I have repented from this. I also just did not understand Paul’s reference to the new moon. I’m also repenting of this and unifying myself with the Jewish community by starting to follow Messianic Jewish calendars with provided blessings to recite during the new moon which starts each new month on the Hebrew calendar and are key in understanding Biblical prophecies and timings. While this practice of keeping a lunar calendar versus the solar Gregorian calendar may seem very strange to gentiles, I only ask that you bear with me and read this study for the edification of the body of Christ. I recognize that the body of Christ worldwide is very diverse. I’ve lived in Japan and am sensitive to how things can be lost in translation or where cultural differences cause stumbling blocks of offense. When I was eating at a local Thai restaurant one of the waitresses told me that many people that come to eat there are not of the typical “western American” culture and get offended by any assumption that they celebrate Christmas. Things getting lost in translation while we read the Bible does happen sometimes, especially if we are not in unity with our Jewish brothers and sisters as Paul’s churches were originally intended to be. Even if it is in truly innocent confusion this can lead to miscommunication and stumbling blocks. I confess and have repented of believing that the festivals in the Bible were ancient, irrelevant practices which is not true, they are actually commandments with prophecies in Zechariah for example showing that G-d’s people will be celebrating Sukkoth all over the world and that G-d will/does actually discipline the nations that do not do this (I’m not sure of the timing of the prophecy). Not only are the Biblical festivals part of G-d’s covenant, but they are a delight to participate in as they are studied. I’ve realized that I’m celebrating Jesus and the Holy Spirit – they are the festivals! They are the fulfillment now and to come!
As I’ve attended several Messianic Jewish gatherings, including a very formal synagogue in Louisville, Kentucky…I’ve realized a stumbling block that I didn’t know existed – that not only can things be lost in translation for largely unreached cultures such as in Japan (I learned from a missionary at my mother in law’s church that in Japan there is on average only one Christian church for every 16,000 people), but that here in the United States which has the second largest Jewish population after Israel, that not keeping the festivals in the Bible and ignoring the Sabbath can be a complete stumbling block for our Jewish neighbors concerning their acceptance of Yeshua Jesus as the Messiah! If we are out mowing our lawn on Saturday or doing as we please for recreation and not participating in Biblical festivals and then try to share Yeshua (Jesus) as Messiah we may not realize how blasphemous this may be in the eye of our neighbor due to the incongruence between saying that we worship the G-d of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob compared with what we are actually doing by breaking His commandments. After really studying this I can now see how my Jewish may view Yeshua Jesus as a false prophet based on the actions of Christians working, buying, traveling, doing as they please on the Sabbath. We will examine Yeshua Jesus’ actions on the Sabbath as part of the contextual study of Colossians 2.
This study of Colossians 2 will also attempt to interpret with proper cultural interpretation, L-rd willing to help us all to get in proper “alignment” with the King of the Universe who is at the head of His body now with gentiles grafted in through His merciful blood covenant. L-RD willing this study will bring unity and refreshment, allowing a fresh work of the Holy Spirit.
Context of Other Scriptures to Help us Interpret Colossians 2
With careful study of the New Testament we find out contextually that Jesus would keep the Sabbath day holy per G-d’s specific parameters for “how” to be holy on the 7th day.
For example in Luke 4:38-42, a keyword for proper interpretation is “the evening of the Sabbath” (on the Jewish calendar this is actually a new day as they begin at sunset rather than sunrise). At the beginning of a new day (what we know as Saturday evening, the beginning of the first day of the work week). That it was at this timing that everyone brought the sick and demon possessed to him for healing. Jesus attended synagogue on the 7th day and spent the rest of the day inside to rest. The point here is he observed the Sabbath rest and G-d the Father’s commandment to not go outside of one’s place on the 7th day:
Jesus left the synagogue and went to the home of Simon…At sunset, the people brought to Jesus all who had various kinds of sickness, and laying his hands on each one, he healed them. Moreover, demons came out of many people, shouting, “You are the Son of G-d!” But he rebuked them and would not allow them to speak, because they knew he was the Messiah. Luke 4:38a-41 NIV
“Adonai said to Moses, “How long will you refuse to keep My mitzvot and My Torah? See, Adonai has given you the Shabbat, so on the sixth day He gives you the bread of two days. Let every man stay in his place, and let no man go out on the seventh day.” So the people rested on the seventh day.” Exodus 16:28-30 Tree of Life Version (TLV) (mitzvot is transliterated Hebrew for commandments, Shabbat is the seventh day)
When we read Luke 4:38-42 we find that Jesus even stayed up all night ministering to those in need after the close of the Sabbath. This is amazing and awesome that He would stay up all night after the Sabbath to heal people. While Jesus did heal on the Sabbath we read in scripture that these healings were within the synagogue or the house he stayed in. (Luke 4:38-39 and Matthew 12:9-14). These are very important observations about Jesus because of the commandments on how to keep the Sabbath day holy in the Torah. In Acts we do read of an instance of open air worship on the Sabbath at a place for prayer along a river, this is where Lydia is saved and baptized, whether worship gatherings are indoor or outdoor is irrelevant. Worship gatherings took place in the epistles including Acts on Yom Shabbat.
On the Sabbath we went outside the city gate to the river, where we expected to find a place of prayer. We sat down and began to speak to the women who had gathered there. One of those listening was a woman from the city of Thyatira named Lydia, a dealer in purple cloth. She was a worshiper of G-d. G-d opened her heart to respond to Paul’s message. When she and the members of her household were baptized, she invited us to her home. “If you consider me a believer in G-d,” she said, “come and stay at my house.” And she persuaded us.” Acts 16:13-15
Examining Luke 4:38-39 and Matthew 12:9-14 we read:
After He left the synagogue, Yeshua entered Simon’s home. Simon’s mother-in-law was suffering from a high fever, and they petitioned Him concerning her. Then standing over her, He rebuked the fever and it left her. Immediately she arose to wait on them. Luke 4:38-39 TLV
Leaving from there, He went into their synagogue. A man with a withered hand was there. And so that they might accuse Him, they questioned Yeshua, saying, “Is it permitted to heal on Shabbat?” He said to them, “What man among you will not grab his sheep and lift it out, if it falls into a pit on Shabbat? How much more valuable then is a man than a sheep! Therefore it is permitted to do good on Shabbat.” Then He said to the man, “Stretch out your hand.” And he stretched it out and it was restored, as healthy as the other. But the Pharisees went out and plotted against Him, how they might destroy Him. Knowing this, Yeshua went away from there. And large crowds followed Him, and He healed them all. Matthew 12:9-15
While Yeshua was still speaking to the crowds, His mother and brothers were standing outside, trying to speak to Him. Someone said to Him, “Look, Your mother and Your brothers are standing outside, trying to speak to You.”But to the one telling Him this, Yeshua responded, “Who is My mother? And who are My brothers?” Stretching out His hand toward His disciples, He said, “Here are My mother and My brothers. For whoever does the will of My Father in heaven, he is My brother and sister and mother.” Matthew 12:6-50
Why is it so important for us to find out that Jesus did not violate the Torah to stay inside on the Sabbath other than on his way to and from worship gathering? Because in Matthew 12 we find out who Jesus’ true family members are – those that obey G-d’s commandments, and John (Yochanan) explains in his letters that obedience to G-d is the way to love G-d – by obeying His commandments. Yeshua Jesus loved G-d, we need to do the same by trusting and obeying the commandments in the Torah and the New Testament.
“If you love me, you will keep my commandments. “ John 14:15
“You shall not bow down to them or serve them, for I G-d your G-d am a jealous G-d, visiting the iniquity of the fathers on the children to the third and the fourth generation of those who hate me, but showing steadfast love to thousands of those who love me and keep my commandments.“ Exodus 20:5-6
Now we know that we have come to know Him by this—if we keep His commandments. The one who says, “I have come to know Him,” and does not keep His commandments is a liar, and the truth is not in him. But whoever keeps His word, in him the love of God is truly made perfect. We know that we are in Him by this— whoever claims to abide in Him must walk just as He walked. I John 2:3-6
In Matthew 12 we find a situation where Jesus is running out of room for ministry inside during the Sabbath, with people being outside, including his own mother and siblings…I think we can get too legalistic if we get upset with the people that could not fit inside. Jesus did not turn them around and make them go home to stay inside. This reminds me of Corrie Ten Boom and her sister Betsie. During the holocaust they were imprisoned at Ravensbruck, a Nazi death camp, and G-d miraculously allowed them to hold a service in their barracks with women of many different languages by making their barracks so infested with fleas that the Nazis wouldn’t even enter to check on them. Betsie had forced her sister Corrie to give thanks for the fleas ahead of them finding out how G-d used an infestation to protect the women’s worship of Hims. I have cried for Betsie who lost her life at Ravensbruck eventually…she had such a beautiful heart. G-d is not impressed with legalism and prefers a contrite heart over sacrifice. I’ve been thinking about people in remote areas that are not near a Messianic gathering and realized that nursing homes might make a wonderful place for a gathering in their dining/activity room with the elderly, if a gathering does run out of room that is a very good thing. How awesome would it be if the Holy Spirit moved amongst the elderly at nursing homes and they began to be healed, getting out of their wheelchairs, off their beds and into a new level of healing and rejuvenation for God’s kingdom? When I was attending the 7th Day Adventist church in Alamogordo I learned of a missionary named Abraham who decided to obey Jesus in his nineties but was told He was too old to become a missionary…He decided to go on His own dime and when to Hong Kong for the rest of his life as a 7th Day Adventist missionary – it is never too late to obey God. If Abraham went in his nineties you need to go. You need to either be a missionary where you are by obeying Matthew 28:16-20, Matthew 25 and James to be a doer of the Word… or you need to go into all the world and obey:
Now the eleven disciples went to the Galilee, to the mountain Yeshua had designated. When they saw Him, they worshiped; but some wavered. And Yeshua came up to them and spoke to them, saying, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to Me. Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, immersing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Ruach ha-Kodesh, teaching them to observe all I have commanded you. And remember! I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” Matthew 28:16-20
Now when the Son of Man comes in His glory, and all the angels with Him, then He will sit on His glorious throne. All the nations will be gathered before Him, and He will separate them from one another, just as the shepherd separates the sheep from the goats. And He will put the sheep on His right, but the goats on His left. Then the King will say to those on His right, ‘Come, you who are blessed by My Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world. For I was hungry and you gave Me something to eat; I was thirsty and you gave Me something to drink; I was a stranger and you invited Me in; I was naked and you clothed Me; I was sick and you visited Me; I was in prison and you came to Me.’ “Then the righteous will answer Him, ‘Lord, when did we see You hungry and feed You? Or thirsty and give You something to drink? And when did we see You a stranger and invite You in? Or naked and clothe You? When did we see You sick, or in prison, and come to You?’ “And answering, the King will say to them, ‘Amen, I tell you, whatever you did to one of the least of these My brethren, you did it to Me.’ Then He will also say to those on the left, ‘Go away from Me, you cursed ones, into the everlasting fire which has been prepared for the devil and his angels. For I was hungry and you gave Me nothing to eat; I was thirsty and you gave Me nothing to drink; I was a stranger and you did not invite Me in; naked and you did not clothe Me; sick and in prison and you did not visit Me.’ “Then they too will answer, saying, ‘Lord, when did we see You hungry or thirsty or a stranger or naked or sick or in prison, and did not care for You?’ Then He will answer them, saying, ‘Amen, I tell you, whatever you did not do for one of the least of these, you did not do for Me.’ These shall go off to everlasting punishment, but the righteous into everlasting life.” Matthew 25:31-46
When I visited northern Indiana for a wedding, I attended church where they met at the lake and some of the attendees attended in their boats and others on land with the preacher in the middle…what a beautiful service it was…as I stated we learn through Corrie and Betsie Ten Boom and Lydia the worship gathering location is not that important. We can worship G-d everyday together even…however the day of gathering and for rest was on the 7th Day for Jesus and the early disciples.
Another important observation is that on the day that Jesus’ disciples picked grain they were on their way to the synagogue, they were not traveling or going outside of the boundary of their place they were staying other than to go to synagogue. (Mark 2:23-28, Matthew 12:1-14). This is also significant because today Rabbi’s (including the Messianic Rabbi I asked about this as to what defines travel concerning “leaving one’s place”) have a calculation that is used to determine how far a person can “travel”with their vehicle on the Sabbath in order to keep the commandments.
One Sabbath day as Jesus was walking through some grainfields, his disciples began breaking off heads of grain to eat. But the Pharisees said to Jesus, “Look, why are they breaking the law by harvesting grain on the Sabbath?” Jesus said to them, “Haven’t you ever read in the Scriptures what David did when he and his companions were hungry? He went into the house of G-d (during the days when Abiathar was high priest) and broke the law by eating the sacred loaves of bread that only the priests are allowed to eat. He also gave some to his companions.” Then Jesus said to them, “The Sabbath was made to meet the needs of people, and not people to meet the requirements of the Sabbath. So the Son of Man is G-d, even over the Sabbath!” Mark 2:23-28
At about that time Jesus was walking through some grainfields on the Sabbath. His disciples were hungry, so they began breaking off some heads of grain and eating them. But some Pharisees saw them do it and protested, “Look, your disciples are breaking the law by harvesting grain on the Sabbath.” Jesus said to them, “Haven’t you read in the Scriptures what David did when he and his companions were hungry? He went into the house of G-d, and he and his companions broke the law by eating the sacred loaves of bread that only the priests are allowed to eat. And haven’t you read in the law of Moses that the priests on duty in the Temple may work on the Sabbath? I tell you, there is one here who is even greater than the Temple! But you would not have condemned my innocent disciples if you knew the meaning of this Scripture: ‘I want you to show mercy, not offer sacrifices.’ For the Son of Man is G-d, even over the Sabbath!” Then Jesus went over to their synagogue, where he noticed a man with a deformed hand. The Pharisees asked Jesus, “Does the law permit a person to work by healing on the Sabbath?” (They were hoping he would say yes, so they could bring charges against him.) And he answered, “If you had a sheep that fell into a well on the Sabbath, wouldn’t you work to pull it out? Of course you would. And how much more valuable is a person than a sheep! Yes, the law permits a person to do good on the Sabbath.” Then he said to the man, “Hold out your hand.” So the man held out his hand, and it was restored, just like the other one! Then the Pharisees called a meeting to plot how to kill Jesus. Matthew 12:1-14
Part of what Jesus is referring to concerning David and being G-d of the Sabbath in Mark 2 and Matthew 12 is something that was not yet revealed in full at the time of Jesus’ earthly ministry, specifically that Jesus is the fulfillment of the Davidic covenant and that Jesus is also the High Priest in heaven, explained to us in Hebrews 4:14-16. Jesus refers to both his fulfillment of the Davidic Covenant throne and his fulfillment as High Priest to be able to allow His disciples to pick some food to eat (priesthood authority allows priests to work their priestly duties on the Sabbath. Paul writes all followers of Yeshua (obeyers of G-d) after Yeshua’s ascension are part of G-ds royal priesthood. I have not yet hear a Messianic Rabbi’s interpretation of I Peter 2, I do know that many rabbis interpret the Torah’s commandments concerning the temple literally versus figuratively while Peter seems to take things into a spiritual level even while the actual temple was still in Jerusalem (I agree with those that view the wailing wall as an open-air temple. I am interested in their discussion of this passage and how to obey commandments with I Peter 2 in-context with the Torah.
“Therefore, since we have a great high priest who has passed through the heavens, Jesus the Son of G-d, let’s hold firmly to our confession. For we do not have a high priest who cannot sympathize with our weaknesses, but One who has been tempted in all things just as we are, yet without sin. Therefore let’s approach the throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace for help at the time of our need.” Hebrews 4:14-16
“Then G-d Yeshua, after He had spoken to them, was taken up into heaven and sat down at the right hand of G-d.” Mark 16:19
Baptism, which corresponds to this, now saves you, not as a removal of dirt from the body but as an appeal to G-d for a good conscience, through the resurrection of Jesus Christ, who has gone into heaven and is at the right hand of G-d, with angels, authorities, and powers having been subjected to him.” I Peter 3:21-22
“He is the radiance of the glory of G-d and the exact imprint of his nature, and he upholds the universe by the word of his power. After making purification for sins, he sat down at the right hand of the Majesty on high,” Hebrews 1:3
“The one who conquers, I will grant him to sit with me on my throne, as I also conquered and sat down with my Father on his throne.” Revelation 3:21
“I do not cease to give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers, that G-d of our G-d Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give you the Spirit of wisdom and of revelation in the knowledge of him, having the eyes of your hearts enlightened, that you may know what is the hope to which he has called you, what are the riches of his glorious inheritance in the saints, and what is the immeasurable greatness of his power toward us who believe, according to the working of his great might that he worked in Christ when he raised him from the dead and seated him at his right hand in the heavenly places, far above all rule and authority and power and dominion, and above every name that is named, not only in this age but also in the one to come. And he put all things under his feet and gave him as head over all things to the church, which is his body, the fullness of him who fills all in all.” Ephesians 1:16-23
So get rid of all malice and all deceit and hypocrisy and envy and all lashon ha-ra. As newborn babes, long for pure spiritual milk, so that by it you may grow toward salvation— now that you have tasted that the Lord is good. As you come to Him, a living stone[c] rejected by men but chosen by God and precious, you also, as living stones, are being built up as a spiritual house—a holy priesthood to offer up spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Messiah Yeshua. For it says in Scripture, “Behold, I lay in Zion a stone, a chosen, precious cornerstone. Whoever trusts in Him will never be put to shame.” Now the value is for you who keep trusting; but for those who do not trust, “The stone which the builders rejected—this One has become the chief cornerstone,” and “a stone of stumbling, and a rock of offense.” They stumble because they are disobeying the word—to this they were also appointed. But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for God’s own possession, so that you may proclaim the praises of the One who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light. Once you were “not a people,” but now you are “God’s people.” You were shown “no mercy,” but now you have been shown “mercy.” Loved ones, I urge you as strangers and sojourners to keep away from the fleshly cravings that war against the soul. Keep your conduct honorable among the Gentiles. Then while they speak against you as evildoers, they may—from noticing your good deeds—glorify God in the day of visitation. I Peter 2:1-10
At the time of eating on the way to the synagogue it is important to recognize that Jesus was not buying or selling, clear violations that cause people to work on the Sabbath. Nehemiah kicked merchants out of Jerusalem for this violation like when Jesus kicked the money changers out of the temple for profaning the temple (Matthew 12:21-17).
“In those days, I saw in Judah some people treading winepresses on the Shabbat, some bringing and loading heaps of grain on donkeys, as well as wine, grapes, figs and various other burdens, bringing them into Jerusalem on the Shabbat day. So I warned them about selling food on that day. Men from Tyre who lived there were bringing fish and all kinds of merchandise and were selling it on the Yom Shabbat to the children of Judah, even in Jerusalem. So I complained to the nobles of Judah and asked them, “What is this evil thing that you are doing? You are profaning Yom Shabbat! Didn’t your ancestors do exactly the same causing our G-d to bring all this evil upon us and upon this city? So now you are bringing even more wrath upon Israel by profaning Yom Shabbat.” When evening darkness began to fall on the gates of Jerusalem before Yom Shabbat, I commanded the doors to be shut. I further commanded that they should not be opened till after Yom Shabbat. I appointed some of my attendants over the gates so that no burden could enter during Shabbat. Once or twice the traders and those selling all kinds of merchandise camped outside Jerusalem. But I warned them and said to them, “Why are you camping next to the wall? If you do so again, I will lay hands on you.” From that time they no longer came on the Shabbat.” Nehemiah 13:15-21
We must also recognize that the accusation against Jesus and His disciples of harvesting is an exaggeration. Picking enough fruit, vegetable or grain to fill one’s stomach is very different from harvesting. I grew up in an orchard and recognize this. I can easily have my fill of fruit for example without harvesting large amounts, the latter I have done to the point my fingers bleed if I don’t wear gloves from the abundance of hours upon hours of picking. Casually eating breakfast fresh from some trees or grain stalks while walking on the way to synagogue on the Sabbath for corporate worship is not really work. Healing on the Sabbath, in the synagogue, is good.
In Exodus 16, families were told to prepare double with G-d’s provision the day before Shabbat so that leftovers would be ready and they were promised from G-d that no decay or worm would be present the next day because He would preserve their food for them to help them keep the commandment without a refrigerator or even a root cellar in the wilderness, the leftovers were to be consumed without kindling a fire in order for none of His covenant people to work on the 7th day. His kindness is everlasting. What an amazing, compassionate and loving Father we have, that He would do this for families so that mothers, aunts, and daughters did not have to prepare food, and so that fathers, grandpas, sons etc. would not have to gather wood. In fact this commandment is so serious that one man did lose his life for gathering wood on the Sabbath through G-d’s discipline (Numbers 15:32-36 ). The Israelites (religious) have had and continue to have endurance by the help of G-d now for centuries to keep the seventh day holy after they were disciplined in the wilderness. I’ve listened to a pastor share how when He visited Israel how everything shut down for the Sabbath, He was in Capernaum I believe it was when He experienced a “whole” country obeying the Sabbath. How amazing is that! The closest thing I can relate to for this is New Year’s in Okinawa, Japan where everything shuts down and it is so quiet outside with no one that I recall being out and about (perhaps there were a tiny few, but the impression lasts as my husband and I were trying to find something to eat and everything was closed in the area we were living). G-d willing we can also have as James writes in His letter “endurance like Job” concerning obedience to G-d like the observant Jewish community who very sadly has been hated by people and yet continues in obedience. Interestingly Job’s name in Hebrew translates to “hated”. Job was/is G-d’s friend and even respected by G-d as we learn from the prophet Ezekiel: “Son of man, if a land sins against Me by acting unfaithfully, and I stretch out My hand against it to cut off its supply of food, to send famine upon it, and to cut off from it both man and beast, then even if these three men— Noah, Daniel, and Job— were in it, their righteousness could deliver only themselves, declares G-d G-d.” Ezekiel 14:13-14 After the discipline I went through I do agree that it is better to be “hated” by people and obey G-d, than to please the culture we are living in. My husband and I were stationed in Alaska where salmon are created by G-d to swim upstream as part of their lifecycle. I think of the salmon when I think of James’ letter for us to have endurance like Job – for us to “swim against the flow” of popular culture to obey G-d, having endurance in the race as Paul describes.
Another observation of the grain picking is that Jesus and his disciples consisted of 13 grown men possibly with some wives traveling with them to help cook, clean clothing etc. (Peter was married). Preparing double food for that many people every Friday is a lot of work and also requires a large amount of food. Praise G-d for their hosts as they traveled for ministry. The fact that there is an example of one Sabbath where they had gone hungry for some reason should not be surprising that this would happen at least once given how many grown men there were to feed. The ministry of hospitality was of no light manner, we all think of Martha and Mary’s role in this but seldom think of how much food planning and preparation went into the hospitality part of Jesus’ministry. When Jesus responds to the Pharisees by citing the need for mercy over condemnation he is referring, I think, to their hunger during Shabbat when cooking is forbidden as we learned a man was put to death for gathering sticks on the Sabbath. This is very serious. Mercy is desired over condemnation, especially when the consequence is life or death and the heart of the individual(s) are of good motive. We find out how serious violation of the Sabbath is when the Pharisees immediately began to plot the death of Jesus after he healed within the synagogue right after His disciples and Him ate some uncooked grain on the way to the worship gathering.
Jesus never transgressed G-d’s commands, He was without sin. When religious leaders or members of the body “hunt” for ways to trip up an individual in order to accuse and condemn them rather than how to help the person succeed in following G-d they are guilty of listening to the enemy rather than to the Holy Spirit.
When we read Luke 4:12-30, Luke 4:31-37 and Luke 4:44 we find further scriptural examples of when Jesus attended synagogue during Shabbat.
But answering, Yeshua said to him, “It is said, ‘You shall not put Adonai your G-d to the test.’” And when the devil had completed every test, he departed from Him until another occasion. Yeshua returned in the power of the Ruach to the Galilee, and news about Him went out through all the surrounding region. He taught in their synagogues, and everyone was praising Him. And He came to Natzeret, where He had been raised. As was His custom, He went into the synagogue on Shabbat, and He got up to read. When the scroll of the prophet Isaiah was handed to Him, He unrolled the scroll and found the place where it was written, “The Ruach Adonai is on me, because He has anointed me to proclaim Good News to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim release to the captives and recovery of sight to the blind, to set free the oppressed, and to proclaim the year of Adonai’s favor.” He closed the scroll, gave it back to the attendant, and sat down. All eyes in the synagogue were focused on Him. Then He began to tell them, “Today this Scripture has been fulfilled in your ears.” All were speaking well of Him and marveling at the gracious words coming out of His mouth. And they were saying, “Isn’t this the son of Joseph?” But He said to them, “Doubtless you will say to Me this proverb, ‘Doctor, heal yourself!’ and ‘What we have heard was done at Capernaum, do as much here also in your hometown.’” But He said, “Truly, I tell you, ‘No prophet is accepted in his own hometown.’ But with all truthfulness I say to you, that there were many widows in Israel in the days of Elijah, when heaven was closed for three and a half years and there came a great famine over all the land. Elijah was not sent to any of them, but only to Zarephath in the land of Sidon, to a widowed woman. There were many with tzara’at in Israel in the time of Elisha the prophet, and none of them were purified apart from Naaman the Syrian.” Now all in the synagogue were filled with rage upon hearing these things. Rising up, they drove Him out of the town and brought Him as far as the edge of the mountain on which their city had been built, in order to throw Him off the cliff. But passing through the middle of them, He went on His way.” Luke 4:4-30
When Jesus was escaping from the crowd trying to kill Him during the Sabbath He was the lamb being saved from the “well”/pit/death. “He said to them, “What man among you will not grab his sheep and lift it out, if it falls into a pit on Shabbat? How much more valuable than is a man than a sheep! Therefore it is permitted to do good on Shabbat.” Matthew 12:11-12 TLV
“Yeshua came down to Capernaum, a town in the Galilee. He was teaching them on Shabbat, and they were astounded at His teaching because His message had authority. In the synagogue was a man who had an unclean demonic spirit, and he cried out with a loud voice, “Ah! What have we to do with You, Yeshua of Natzeret? Have You come to destroy us? I know who You are! You are the Holy One of G-d!” Yeshua rebuked him, saying, “Quiet! Come out of him!” And when the demon threw him down in their midst, it came out without hurting him. They were all amazed, and they spoke to one another, saying, “What is this message? For with authority and power He commands the unclean spirits, and they come out.” So His reputation grew, spreading to every place in that region. Luke 4:31-37
“But He said to them, “I must proclaim the Good News of the kingdom of G-d to the other towns also. It was for this purpose I was sent.” So He kept preaching in the synagogues of Judea.” Luke 4:43-44
We also find out with careful study that scripture also teaches that the Sabbath day that Jesus kept and that Pual taught the Christian churches to teach is the seventh day. In order to verify this finding look up the word “Sabbath” used by Paul in Hebrews 4 and in Colossians 2 using a Greek dictionary and/or lexicon to find out that He is referring specifically to the seventh day. In fact when using Strong’s Greek dictionary paired with a concordance we find out that the Greek word Paul chooses in Colossians is actually of Hebrew origin concerning the seventh day. This study is not an exhaustive reference for every use of the word “Shabbat”/Sabbath/Yom Shabbat in the old testament, rather it is focused on the New Testament. However we do recognize one of G-d’s qualities is being unchanging/same yesterday today and forever:
G-d the Father designated the 7th day as holy during creation week in Genesis 2:3.
Then G-d blessed the seventh day and sanctified it, for on it He ceased from all His work that G-d created for the purpose of preparing. Genesis 2:3
G-d designated the 7th day Sabbath as an appointed feast (not just a rest) Leviticus 23:1-3
G-d spoke to Moses, saying, “Speak to the people of Israel and say to them, These are the appointed feasts of G-d that you shall proclaim as holy convocations; they are my appointed feasts. “Six days shall work be done, but on the seventh day is a Sabbath of solemn rest, a holy convocation. You shall do no work. It is a Sabbath to G-d in all your dwelling places.
Paul teaches the church at Colossae to not let anyone judge them for keeping the Sabbath day “Therefore, do not let anyone pass judgment on you in matters of food or drink, or in respect to a festival or new moon or Shabbat. These are a foreshadowing of things to come, but the reality is Messiah.” Colossians 2:16 -17 TLV
The word translated as “Shabbat or Sabbath” in this verse is the Greek word “σάββατον” transliterated to “Sabbaton” which is translated to English as “the Sabbath”. The Strong’s Greek dictionary definition for σάββατον is “the Sabbath, i.e. the seventh day…”. (https://www.blueletterbible.org/lexicon/g4521/kjv/tr/0-1/)
The Strong’s Greek dictionary also tells us this Greek word is of Hebrew origin, the Hebrew word of origin is given, it is שַׁבָּת transliterated from Hebrew as “Shabbath” which is defined by Strong’s as “intermission, i.e (specifically) the Sabbath:—(+ every) sabbath.” (https://www.blueletterbible.org/lexicon/h7676/kjv/wlc/0-1/)
After looking this verse up with the Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance, we learn that Paul is referring to the seventh day Sabbath, not a “choice” of any day of the week. When studying the Torah we do find there are a few extra sabbaths commanded as part of festivals, such as Passover having an extra sabbath day.
While some translations such as the NASB say “a Sabbath” – the article choice by translators of “a” is not giving you a choice of days (this is what I used to think – erroneously) as the Greek dictionary reveals thankfully. This would be an example of me obeying my interpretation of a translator’s word choice rather than the word of G-d. Even if we take the time to find a translation we feel like we understand, studying the Hebrew and the Greek is still imperative because not all translators use the same word choice and even the smallest mark such as a comma, or article choice makes a huge difference in understanding. Let me explain this concerning both the article “a” as well as the mark (comma). I attend a Biblical Hebrew class on Tuesday at New Beginnings Church in Alamogordo and have found out that sometimes translators have to choose articles that “make the most sense” to them for a translation. Such as “the inseparable preposition in Hebrew represented by the Hebrew letter “בּ”. Transliterated, the letter is called/pronounced “bet”. Translators have to choose between “in, with, by, on, among and against” for an English translation. Furthermore I found out in 2021 that Wycliff Bible Translators are now developing software to rely on computer software to translate removing the human ability to have the accountability of asking for example a rabbi whose native tongue and culture is Hebrew, or an Aramaic or Greek native speaker who also grew up culturally similar to the apostle Paul (orthodox Jewish converting to Messianic) along with the help of the Holy Spirit to help with translation word by word….We have to recognize that even the best second language translation from the Hebrew and best from the Greek will still have some things skewed or lost in translation culturally, historically or literally. We will unpack this “lost in translation” in addition to translator word choice more as we study Paul’s reference to the festivals and new moon.
Secondly, the use of a comma, earlier in this study I wrote the sentence “In Exodus 16, families were told to prepare double with G-d’s provision the day before Shabbat…”. Initially I actually wrote this sentence without the comma, as I was reading the study out loud I read my own sentence wrong and understood briefly (and wrongly) that only 16 families were told to prepare the day ahead…I had to reread my own sentence and realize there needed to be a comma after 16! Otherwise someone could read this sentence and think G-d only told 16 families to prepare ahead of time for rest instead of the whole nation of Israel! In the same way we are all supposed to be preparing ahead of time for eternity through obedience to G-d including by keeping the Sabbath Day holy. Approaching obedience to G-d’s commandments with joy is such a blessing rather than the inconvenience our culture or family members may try to make Sabbath rest out to be. We can exhort/encourage others in a culture that is very different than Israel through this joyful obedience:
Today is Yom ShiShi (Friday) – today is the day to prepare for Shabbat…what I love about this is that this is prophetic. We are spending our lives preparing for eternity, for those in covenant with Adonai through Christ we will spend “shabbat” (eternal rest) with G-d in paradise. G-d willing we will enter into heaven having spent our time on earth storing up treasures in heaven, obeying Jesus to feed the hungry, clothe the naked, visit the prisoner…then we get to reap the rewards with Him in heaven for obedience. Today is not my normal Shabbat deep cleaning routine since Patrick and Caleb are G-d willing getting into Alaska today from Canada…however I’ve got breakfast for tomorrow cooking, bread rising for tonight (the start of Shabbat), grape juice prepared, a special dinner ready for me to spend with my spiritual Bridegroom, again prophetically as I look forward to in faith the marriage supper of the Lamb of G-d, our Bridegroom Jesus. See how beautiful this all is! See how wonderful G-d is in His commandments to keep the Shabbat day holy…see how He has blessed the traditional practices of the Jewish community to be prophetic? Just like when He announced the coming of the Holy Spirit during the traditional water pouring ceremony of Sukkot (The Feast of Tabernacles). To prepare for rest physically each Friday through cleaning and preparing food ahead of time in order to not be hungry and to rest without work is a way to remind us to prepare for rest eternally in Yeshua Jesus by working for His kingdom and preparing so we are not late with the “oil in our lamp”. Taste and see that Adonai, G-d is good!
G-d does not change (Hebrews 13:8, John 10:30-38). Also, when we humbly recognize that Jesus was and still is completely Jewish, sitting on the throne of Israel (Davidic covenant fulfilled) at the right hand of the Father in Heaven we start to have a better understanding of Paul’s teaching in Romans 11 of how He brings gentiles into the family of Abraham – not the other way around, Jesus does not bring people out from the family of Abraham. Trying to make a Jewish person celebrate pagan festivals or even trying to make them celebrate coptic Christian traditions, and trying to teach them to break the Sabbath is not good…We all need to fear G-d. As one of the chaplains at Hollomon stated you don’t have to celebrate Christmas to go to heaven, he also told the congregation the truth – Christmas is not in the Bible. I state these things not to be decisive but to encourage unity between believers in Yeshua and the Jewish community without changing scripture. I would rather stop and turn my back on all festivals I grew up with than to cause a stumbling block for one Jewish person who is actually following the festivals…Isn’t that what missionaries around the world requiring of converts, to stop celebrating and worshiping the dead, practicing magic and festivals in honor of the dead, of the dragon and of witchcraft for example? Shouldn’t Americans be able to turn their back on things like Disney and coptic traditions that are not in the Bible for the sake of the apple of G-d’s eye, Israel in order for Yeshua, the true Jewish Messiah to become recognizable to a people largely without the New Testament rather than obscured in man-made traditions?
Yeshua the Messiah is the same yesterday, today, and forever. Hebrews 13:8
I and the Father are one.” Again the Judean leaders picked up stones to stone Him. Yeshua answered them, “I’ve shown you many good works from the Father. For which of these are you going to stone Me?” The Judean leaders answered, “We aren’t stoning you for a good work, but for blasphemy. Though You are a man, You make Yourself G-d!” Yeshua answered them, “Isn’t it written in your Writings, ‘I have said you are G-ds’? If he called them ‘G-ds,’ to whom the Word of G-d came (and the Scripture cannot be broken), do you say of Him, the One the Father set apart and sent into the world, ‘You speak blasphemy,’ because I said, ‘I am Ben-Elohim’? “If I don’t do the works of My Father, don’t believe Me! But if I do, even if you don’t trust Me, trust the deeds. Then you may come to know and continue to understand that the Father is in Me, and I am in the Father.” John 10:30-38
Paul in the same way as Yeshua is recorded to have kept the Shabbat during his missionary travels:
Now Paul and his companions set sail from Paphos and came to Perga in Pamphylia. And John left them and returned to Jerusalem, but they went on from Perga and came to Antioch in Pisidia. And on the Sabbath day they went into the synagogue and sat down. After the reading from the Law and the Prophets, the rulers of the synagogue sent a message to them, saying, “Brothers, if you have any word of encouragement for the people, say it.” So Paul stood up, and motioning with his hand said:…” Acts 13:13-16
And he was debating every Shabbat in the synagogue, trying to persuade both Jewish and Greek people…After leaving there, Paul went into the house of a man named Titius Justus, a God-fearer whose house was next door to the synagogue. Crispus, the synagogue leader, put his faith in the Lord, along with his whole household. And many of the Corinthians, upon hearing, were believing and being immersed….When they arrived at Ephesus, Paul left Priscilla and Aquila there. But he himself went into the synagogue and debated with the Jewish people. When they asked him to stay longer, he declined, instead taking leave of them while saying, “God willing, I’ll return to you again.” He set sail from Ephesus. Now a Jewish man named Apollos, a native of Alexandria, came to Ephesus. He was a learned man, well versed in the Scriptures. He had been instructed in the way of the Lord. With a fervent spirit, he was speaking and teaching accurately the facts about Yeshua—while only being acquainted with the immersion of John. This man began speaking out boldly in the synagogue. But when Priscilla and Aquila heard him, they took him aside and explained the way of God more accurately.” Acts 18:4, 7-8,19-21
Paul reiterates the importance of the commandment to rest on the 7th day in Hebrews 4:
“Let us fear then! Though a promise of entering His rest is left open, some of you would seem to have fallen short. For we also have had Good News proclaimed to us, just as they did. But the word they heard did not help them, because they were not unified with those who listened in faith. For we who have trusted are entering into that rest. It is just as G-d has said, “So in My wrath I swore, ‘They shall never enter My rest,’” even though His works were finished since the foundation of the world. For somewhere He has spoken about the seventh day in this way: “And G-d rested on the seventh day from all His works,” and again in this passage: “They shall never enter My rest.” So then it remains for some to enter into it; yet those who formerly had Good News proclaimed to them did not enter because of disobedience. Again, G-d appoints a certain day—“Today”—saying through David after so long a time, just as it has been said before, “Today, if you hear His voice, do not harden your hearts.” For if Joshua had given them rest, G-d would not have spoken of another day later on. So there remains a Shabbat rest for the people of G-d. For the one who has entered G-d’s rest has also ceased from his own work, just as G-d did from His. Let us, therefore, make every effort to enter that rest, so that no one may fall through the same pattern of disobedience. For the word of G-d is living and active and sharper than any two-edged sword—piercing right through to a separation of soul and spirit, joints and marrow, and able to judge the thoughts and intentions of the heart. No creature is hidden from Him, but all are naked and exposed to the eyes of Him to whom we must give account. Therefore, since we have a great Kohen Gadol who has passed through the heavens, Yeshua Ben-Elohim, let us hold firmly to our confessed allegiance. For we do not have a kohen gadol who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but One who has been tempted in all the same ways—yet without sin. Therefore let us draw near to the throne of grace with boldness, so that we may receive mercy and find grace for help in time of need.” Hebrews 4
In confirmation of translation, the Greek word used for “seventh” day in Hebrews chapter four is ἕβδομος, transliterated hebdomos. The Strong’s definition for ἕβδομος is “seventh:—seventh”. (https://www.blueletterbible.org/lexicon/g1442/kjv/tr/0-1/). Paul was not being symbolic concerning the day of rest in Hebrews 4, He wrote this in the literal.
*Paul started this passage in Hebrews under the premise of us fearing G-d. In Psalm 19 we learn that the fear of the L-rd is clean. My understanding so far is that obeying G-d keeps us clean, yes we are saved by the propitiation of Yeshua’s righteousness through grace by faith, however if/when we disobey G-d we still suffer consequences leading to us praying like David, create a clean heart within me Adonai and renew a steadfast spirit within me. This restoration begins with godly sorrow leading to obedience to G-d as our spiritual husband as a result of repentance.
We have learned that Jesus keeps (still today through the Holy Spirit) the Sabbath day holy by following G-d’s commands to
not buy/sell
to not travel
to stay inside His place
to not work, nor be what some may consider disruptive except to help/do good to save someone (healing in the synagogue or inside the home he rested in and to escape from death)
to not do as He pleased (*Some rabbis do allow their congregation to take a walk as a family on the Sabbath, this study does not attempt to go outside of rabbi authority., if you feel personally convicted to stay within your property line and this causes disagreement, please consult your Rabbi).
In western culture we can relate to this term of doing “as you please” mostly by shopping, recreational, and sport activities which take place very commonly on the 7th day. However in Isaiah doing as you please is also defined as not speaking your usual speech in addition to not doing your own ways:
“If you turn back your foot from Shabbat,
from doing your pleasure on My holy day,
and call Shabbat a delight,
the holy day of Adonai honorable,
If you honor it, not going your own ways,
not seeking your own pleasure,
nor speaking your usual speech,
then you will delight yourself in Adonai,
and I will let you ride over the heights of the earth,
I will feed you with the heritage of your father Jacob.”
For the mouth of Adonai has spoken.”
Isaiah 58:13-14
What a glorious promise in Isaiah 58 for keeping Shabbat holy! Notice “…THEN you will delight yourself in Adonai…”…Many people are familiar with the promise that if we delight ourselves in the LORD that He will give you the desires of your heart…but how many of us know HOW to delight ourselves in the LORD? Isaiah 58 is at least part of the answer.
My understanding so far concerning canon history is that in 1647, starting with the Presbyterians, the book of Jubilees (Yobellim) was removed from the Christian canon (except it was and still is preserved by the Ethiopian Orthodox church for their canon) and I’ve learned that this book had been suppressed by Christian churches it sounds like prior to that…This was largely due to an erroneous belief that it was of Greek origin. This belief was disproved by the Dead Sea Scrolls. “Between 1947 and 1956, approximately 15 Jubilees scrolls were found in five caves at Qumran, all written in Hebrew. The large quantity of manuscripts (more than for any biblical books except for Psalms, Deuteronomy, Isaiah, Exodus, and Genesis, in descending order) indicates that Jubilees was widely used at Qumran. A comparison of the Qumran texts with the Ethiopic version, performed by James VanderKam, found that the Ethiopic was in most respects an accurate and literalistic translation.” (https://www.halleluyahscriptures.com/six-new-books/).
In Chapter 50 of Jubilees further instruction is given on how to keep Yom Shabbat (the seventh day) holy be defining further how to refrain from doing one’s own pleasure as commanded in Isaiah 58. I am choosing to share this scripture study of Yobellim with you not to be controversial, but simply because it is from Qumran and is recognized by the Ethiopian Orthodox church and Jewish Ethiopian community as well as some Messianic Judaism communities. This is not meant to be decisive or to cause any disputes amongst believers and is shared knowing that most communities in the world do not have a copy of this book:
“And see, the Command regarding the Shabbathoth, I have written down for you and all the Right-Rulings of its Laws.
Six days you shall labour, but on the seventh day is the Shabbath of Hashem your Elohim. In it you shall do no manner of work, you and your sons, and your male servants, and your female servants, and all your cattle and the sojourner also who is with you. And the man that does any work on it shall die.
Whoever profanes that day,
whoever lies with his wife or
whoever says he shall do whatever on it –
that he shall depart on a journey thereon in regard to any buying or selling –
and whoever draws water thereon which he had not prepared for himself on the sixth day,
and whoever takes up any burden to carry it out of his tent or out of his house shall die.
You shall do no work whatever on the Shabbath day except that you have prepared for yourselves on the sixth day, so as to eat, and drink, and rest,
and guard the Shabbath from all work on that day,
and to barak Hashem your Elohim, who has given you a day of Festival, and a qodesh day, and a day of the qodesh reign for all Yisra’el is this day among their days forever. For great is the honour which Hashem has given to Yisra’el that they should eat and drink and be satisfied on this Festival day, and rest thereon from all labour which belongs to the labour of the children of men, except burning frankincense and bringing offerings and slaughterings before Hashem for days and for Shabbathoth. This work alone shall be done on the Shabbath-days in the Miqdash of Hashem your Elohim; that they may atone for Yisra’el with offering continually from day to day for a memorial well-pleasing before Hashem, and that He may receive them always from day to day accordingly as you have commanded.
And every man who who does any work thereon, or
goes a journey, or
tills his field, whether in his house or any other place,
and whoever lights a fire, or
rides on any beast, or
travels by ship on the sea, and
whoever smites or kills whatever or
slaughters a beast or a bird, or
whoever catches an animal or a bird or a fish, or
whoever fasts or
goes to battle on the Shabbathoth:
The man who does any of these matters on the Shabbath shall die, so that the children of Yisra’el shall observe the Shabbathoth according to the Commands regarding the Shabbathoth of the land, as it is written in the tablets, which He gave into my hands that I should write out for you the laws of the seasons, and the seasons according to the division of their days. Thus is complete the account of the division of the days.” Excerpt from Chapter 50 from Jubilees
Please remember we obey because we love G-d, obedience is how we love Him, when we fail, cited the following in your confession and repentance:
“My children, I am writing these things to you so that you will not sin. But if anyone does sin, we have an Intercessor with the Father—the righteous Messiah Yeshua. 2 He is the atonement for our sins, and not only for our sins but also for the whole world.” 1 John 2:1-2
I personally believe that just as I was held in the merciful kindness from the time that I was a little girl until I started studying the Sabbath in 2021 (and thankfully still am held in mercy for the thing I don’t and understand and for the things I won’t until i’m in heaven), that many such as myself are receiving mercy as we begin to learn about how to keep the Sabbath correctly. I believe there is a lot of mercy extended to the gentile churches because of things lost in translation due to cultural and traditional practices, and also because of things like the suppression of the Jubilees book/scroll for example. There are some people who only have a few pages or one book of the Bible and who are doing their best to obey G-d from that perspective of one book, one of the most common books to spread in isolation is the book of John for example which does not discuss the Sabbath to my knowledge. G-d judges the heart and it is wrong for us to judge and condemn one another, even in the United States where there is a prolific amount of study resources for the Bible as well as concordances, lexicons (etc.)…some people are still illiterate, others have had very poor schooling concerning English and grammar, some are too poor to purchase these things, some are ignorant of their existence and don’t even understand how or why they would need to study beyond their Bible translation they have, and other may have a very low IQ. G-d does not judge so harshly, He is impartial concerning these things and wants us all to love Him with childlike faith. I was filled with the Holy Spirit before I had read much of the Bible on my own for example. However I also believe that we need to study to be approved in order to obey scripture as we are able (2 Timothy 2:15) and trust G-d through sacrificial obedience once we find out the truth. In John we are told that we shall know the truth and the truth shall set us free – truth is freeing, not enslaving.
Study to shew thyself approved unto G-d, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.
2 Timothy 2:15 KJV
“You will know the truth, and the truth will set you free!” John 8:32
“Sanctify them with Truth, Your Word is Truth” John 17:17
Further Context to Understand and Interpret Colossians 2
In His letter to the Colossae church Paul also mentions some things that really require I now realize the help of our Jewish brothers and sisters to understand or we will likely lose the meaning due to cultural misunderstanding through the translation and/or through just being completely unfamiliar with what Paul is talking about. Before examining Colossians 2 directly, we again will look at some scriptural context to help us see examples of when a commandment is lost in translation due to cultural misunderstanding.
A Biblical example of one of these commandments that Jesus obeyed that is largely misunderstood today by gentiles is the wearing of tzitzit (tassels) in obedience to G-d the Father’s commandment in Numbers 15:37-41 and Deuteronomy 22:12. When English readers read Matthew 9:20-22; Luke 8:43-48, Matthew 14:34-36, and Mark 6:56 this is oftentimes translated in a way that we don’t ever understand because of a word choice being used other than tzit-tzit. For example you may read a translation that says “garment”, “fringe” or “corner” instead of “tzit-tzit” which is actually the correct translation. This also causes confusion for the orthodox and secular Jewish community who if they read the New Testament they will not see the word of something they are familiar with and may not realize Jesus was not disobeying G-d, rather He was obeying G-d (the Torah) – this is very important because from a Jewish perspective Christianity may seem like a false religion to them when G-d’s commandments are being disobeyed (like the Sabbath and not wearing tzit-tzit) and Paul instructs believers that the gospel is to the Jew first and then also to the gentile. Taking time to understand these cultural and literal “lost in translation” examples will help us overcome barriers of miscommunication in order for us to be free in obedience as discussed with the Sabbath – and also to be free to share the gospel with our Jewish neighbors without seeming like a different religion, how else can they see that Jesus came to fulfill the Law and the prophets, not to abolish them?
“Don’t misunderstand why I have come. I did not come to abolish the law of Moses or the writings of the prophets. No, I came to accomplish their purpose. I tell you the truth, until heaven and earth disappear, not even the smallest detail of G-d’s law will disappear until its purpose is achieved. So if you ignore the least commandment and teach others to do the same, you will be called the least in the Kingdom of Heaven. But anyone who obeys G-d’s laws and teaches them will be called great in the Kingdom of Heaven.” Jesus in Matthew 5:17-19
“If you love me, obey my commandments.” Jesus in John 14:15
“For I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of G-d that brings salvation to everyone who believes: first to the Jew, then to the Gentile.” Romans 1:16
“Until John the Baptist, the law of Moses and the messages of the prophets were your guides. But now the Good News of the Kingdom of G-d is preached, and everyone is eager to get in. But that doesn’t mean that the law has lost its force. It is easier for heaven and earth to disappear than for the smallest point of G-d’s law to be overturned.” Jesus in Luke 16:16-17
Let’s take a look at what a concordance says about the part of the garment that people touched when they were healed by Jesus in Matthew 9:20-22; Luke 8:43-48, Matthew 14:34-36, and Mark 6:56. Let’s use the word “fringe” from the English NASB translation. Prior to deeper study I did not think of a fringe on a cloak the way a Jewish person would, I did not even know what a tzit-tzit is even though my brother found out our family on our paternal grandmother’s side is believed to be descendants of Jewish refugees that hid their faith while fleeing from Spain’s persecution of the Jews in the 1500s! We can’t make assumptions that we understand something just because we are educated in our own language and culture. A person can be highly educated in their own language, but if they don’t know anything about Jewish culture or way of thinking, such as the tzit-tzit, things get easily lost in translation and misunderstood, this was again the case for me. The word “fringe” for what the woman with the issue of blood touched in the Greek is defined in Thayer’s Greek Lexicon as “…in the N. T. for Hebrew צִיצִית, i. e. a little appendage hanging down from the edge of the mantle or cloak, made of twisted wool; a tassel, tuft: Matthew 9:20; Matthew 14:36; Matthew 23:5; Mark 6:56; Luke 8:44. The Jews had such appendages attached to their mantles to remind them of the law, according to Numbers 15:37…”
If you want an accurate translation of these miracles in the New Testament that shows the true obedience of Jesus to wear tzit-tzit and to avoid confusion for yourself and Jewish neighbor(s) about Yeshua Jesus’ authenticity as the Messiah foretold by the prophets, please read from the Tree of Life translation, Halleluyah Scriptures translation, Institute for Scripture Research translation, or from the Orthodox Jewish Bible, although the latter does require knowledge of Hebrew to understand. The following translations are the Tree of Life Version:
Just then a woman, losing blood for twelve years, came from behind and touched the tzitzit of His garment. For she kept saying to herself, “If only I touch His garment, I will be healed.” But then Yeshua turned and saw her. “Take heart, daughter,” He said, “your faith has made you well.” That very hour the woman was healed.” Matthew 9:20-22 TLV
And there was a woman with a blood flow for twelve years, who could not be healed by anyone. She came up from behind and touched the tzitzit of Yeshua’s garment. Immediately, her blood flow stopped. Yeshua said, “Who touched Me?” When everyone denied it, Peter said, “Master, the crowds are surrounding You and pressing in!” But Yeshua said, “Someone touched Me, for I recognized power going out from Me.” Then seeing that she did not escape notice, the woman came trembling and fell prostrate before Him. In the presence of all the people, she confessed why she had touched Him and how she had been healed immediately. He said to her, “Daughter, your faith has made you well. Go in shalom.” Luke 8:43-48 TLV
After they had crossed over, they came to land at Gennesaret. And when the men of that place recognized Yeshua, they sent word into all the surrounding region. And they brought to Him all those who were in bad shape and kept begging Him that they might just touch the tzitzit of His garment—and all who touched it were cured. Matthew 14:34-36 TLV
And wherever He entered villages, towns, or countryside, people were placing the sick in the marketplaces and begging Him to let them touch even the tzitzit of His garment—and all who touched it were being healed.” Mark 6:56 TLV
All their works they do to be noticed by men. They make their tefillin wide and their tzitziyot long. Matthew 23:5
To help keep us in context with scripture rather than reacting based off our traditional or cultural upbringing we must remember that Paul clearly writes that gentiles who put their faith in Jesus for salvation are grafted into Israel through Jesus. Christianity whether Catholic or Protestant is not supposed to be a separate religion that alienates secular and Orthodox Jews from Jesus through disobedience to the commandments. Jesus did not do this, Paul didn’t either. Another cultural “mistranslation” that occurs commonly with gentiles is Paul’s occupation as “tentmaker”. The idea of what a “tent” is to a modern American is very different than the reality of his occupation. Paul was a maker of the prayer shawl with tzit-tzit on its four corners that men and today some women wear. In Jewish culture when a man wears this prayer shawl (tallit) he is referred to as “standing at the door of his tent”…incredible! I really believed growing up that Paul made tents for nomads. I understood the tent was probably different looking, but never would I have understood that the tent was a tallit/prayer shawl without cultural explanation.
For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but one who in every respect has been tempted as we are, yet without sin. Hebrews 4:15
I have thought and spoken about this with my son, that Yeshua Jesus was without sin, He did not ascend to the right hand of the Father without clothing…He must be wearing tzit-tzit still today on the throne…He IS the King of Israel fulfilling the Davidic covenant in order to disobey the commandment to wear tzit-tzit in Numbers 15:37-41 and Deuteronomy 22:12
G-d said to Moses, “Speak to the Israelites and say to them: ‘Throughout the generations to come you are to make tassels on the corners of your garments, with a blue cord on each tassel. You will have these tassels to look at and so you will remember all the commands of G-d, that you may obey them and not prostitute yourselves by chasing after the lusts of your own hearts and eyes. Then you will remember to obey all my commands and will be consecrated to your G-d. I am G-d your G-d, who brought you out of Egypt to be your G-d. I am G-d your G-d.’ Numbers 15:37-41
Make tassels on the four corners of the cloak you wear. Deuteronomy 22:12
Again, another misunderstanding from my western upbringing. Paul writes to the Romans the following verses concerning the Torah:
“Do we then nullify the Torah through the belief? Let it not be! On the contrary we establish the Torah” Romans 3:31
“For I delight in the Torah of [G-d’s Holy Name] according to the inward man,” Romans 7:22
“So then, with the mind I myself truly serve the Torah of [G-d’s Holy Name]…”Romans 7:25b
“…so that the righteousness of the Torah should be completed in us who do not walk according to the flesh but according to the Ruah.” Romans 8:4 (Ruah is the Spirit)
“Because the mind of the flesh is enmity towards Elohim, for it does not subject itself to the Torah of [G-d’s Holy Name], neither indeed is it able, and those who are in the flesh are unable to please Elohim.” Romans 8:7-8
“For Mashiah [Messiah] is the goal of the ‘Torah unto righteousness to everyone who believes.” Romans 10:4
(Halleluyah scripture translation)
My former youth pastor has asked me to do a study on the book of Galatians which I have begun a few weeks ago in order to protect me from making the mistake that the Galatians church made. So far my understanding of this study in context with everything in this Colossians study is that Galatians is focused on motive, especially with Paul’s statements that we establish the Torah, that he delighted in the Torah, served the Torah, that the righteousness of the Torah should be completed in us, and that the Messiah is the goal of the Torah. Paul wrote to the Romans AFTER writing to the Galatians (https://www.esv.org/resources/esv-global-study-bible/chart-40-00-nt-timeline/ ). This chronological order is important to interpret Galatians in context withRoman’s, we should be viewing Galatians through the viewpoint of Romans. Furthermore, Galatians in context with Jesus’ command recorded by the apostle John in John 14:15 that to obey the commandments is to love Him and John’s statements in I John 1:1-6 about the evidence of our faith in being obedient to the commandments and that if we don’t obey God’s commandments that we are liars, very strong statements by an apostle that ministered with Jesus. It is wrong to negate the words of Jesus and John and even Paul’s own teachings by taking Galatians out of context chronologically and by isolating the text. Paul states in his conclusion to the church of Galatia that Galatians is about the motive, we are not supposed to be doing works “for show” or “as a means to salvation”…rather as a loving response to our heavenly Father…Contextually we are to obey the Torah because we love God and submit to Him as our spiritual husband. That is my conclusion so far as I’m working on the other study.
“Loved ones, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see if they are from G-d. For many false prophets have gone out into the world. You know the Ruach Elohim by this—every spirit that acknowledges that Messiah Yeshua has come in human flesh is from G-d, but every spirit that does not acknowledge Yeshua is not from G-d. This is the spirit of the anti-messiah, which you have heard is coming and now is already in the world. You are from G-d, children, and you have overcome them, because greater is He who is in you than he who is in the world. They are from the world, so they speak from the world and the world listens to them. We are from G-d; whoever knows G-d listens to us, but whoever is not from G-d does not listen to us. By this we know the Spirit of truth and the spirit of error.” I John 4:1-6
“If you love Me, you will keep My commandments.” John 14:15
Colossians 2:10 – Jesus as Head
…and in Him you have been filled to fullness. He is the head over every ruler and authority. Colossians 2:10
In this verse of Colossians 2, Jesus is introduced as the head over every ruler and authority.
Contextual Examination of Colossians 2:16-17 – Food
“Therefore, do not let anyone pass judgment on you in matters of food or drink, or in respect to a festival or new moon or Shabbat. These are a foreshadowing of things to come, but the reality is Messiah.” Colossians 2:16 -17
Scripture Context for Food
In Romans 14:22 Paul says to keep matters of your own opinion and interpretation concerning food to yourself, in Romans 14 we are instructed not to argue about food and to choose unity rather than eating something that is a stumbling block for someone else (including Paul writes if necessary to abstain from eating all meat and wine). Paul writes we are supposed to love one another more than food preferences and/or interpretations. If arguing over an interpretation occurs instead of sacrificial abstinence out of love for another person, we are in sin. We must remember the second greatest commandment is to love your neighbor, Matthew 22:39. Exceptions about this that are not to be compromised include blood eating/drinking, and meat sacrificed to idols per the Jerusalem Council (Acts 15). We have to choose righteousness and obedience over appetite (Phillipians 3:17-19).
“Brothers and sisters, join in following my example and notice those who walk according to the pattern you have in us. (For many walk who are enemies of the cross of Messiah—I have often told you about them, and now I am even weeping as I tell you. Their end is destruction—their G-d is their belly and their glory is in their shame. They set their minds on earthly things.)” Philippians 3:17-19
Now accept the one who is weak in faith, but not for the purpose of disputes about opinions. One person has faith to eat anything, but the weak eats only vegetables. Don’t let the one who eats disparage the one who does not eat, and don’t let the one who does not eat judge the one who eats, for G-d has accepted him. Who are you to judge another’s servant? Before his own master he stands or falls. Yes, he shall stand, for G-d is able to make him stand. One person esteems one day over another while another judges every day alike. Let each be fully convinced in his own mind. The one who observes that day does so to G-d. The one who eats, eats to G-d, for he gives thanks to G-d; and the one who abstains, abstains to G-d, and he gives thanks to G-d..So then each one of us shall give account of himself to G-d. Therefore let us not judge one another from now on, but rather decide this—not to put a stumbling block or a trap in the way of a brother. I know, and am persuaded in G-d Yeshua, that nothing is unholy in itself; but it is unholy for the one who considers it unholy. For if your brother is grieved on account of food, you are no longer walking according to love. Do not destroy by your food the one for whom Messiah died. Therefore do not let what is good for you be spoken of as evil— for the kingdom of G-d is not about eating and drinking, but righteousness and shalom and joy in the Ruach ha-Kodesh. For the one who serves Messiah in this manner is pleasing to G-d and approved by men. So then let us pursue what makes for shalom and for the building up of one another. Stop tearing down the work of G-d for the sake of food. Indeed all things are clean, but wrong for the man who by eating causes stumbling. It is good not to eat meat or drink wine or do anything by which your brother stumbles. The faith you have, keep it to yourself before G-d. How fortunate is the one who does not condemn himself for what he approves. But the one who has doubts is condemned if he eats, because it is not of faith. And whatever is not of faith is sin. Romans 14:1-6, 12-23
Something I did not realize until this year with Acts 15 was that part of the context is the statement made by James right before they could agree on a ruling. James (Jacob) pointed out that followers of Jesus would be attending synagogue and listening to the Torah every seventh day Sabbath and that the Holy Spirit would convict people as they heard G-d’s commandments each week from the Torah. Somehow this got lost in history and is no longer happening in most gentile churches. Unfortunately readers who skim over this use Acts 15 as a passage to justify ignoring Jesus’ command to obey the commandments in order to love Him in John 14:15. If we were listening to the Torah every Sabbath as the conclusion of the meeting in Acts 15 assumed many people today would be convicted to further obedience to G-d.
In both Orthodox and Messianic gatherings the Rabbi or Pastor leading the congregation around the world are still in unity today thankfully, reading what is referred to as weekly “Torah Portions” (https://torahportions.ffoz.org/#horizontalTab2). Torah Portions are weekly Bible readings with excerpts from the Torah, from the prophets and in Messianic congregations from the New Testament, followed by a sermon. The entire Torah is read every year through the weekly Torah Portions in the hearing of the congregation so that the young and old in attendance learn G-d’s commandments. This is also a blessing for the illiterate, poor of sight and those that have difficulty with comprehension due to education or other factors. If gentile churches were to do these weekly Torah and prophet readings in context with the New Testament teachings of Jesus and his disciples in addition to their sermon many of the misunderstandings and rampant sin such as fornication, breaking the Sabbath, and adultery including by divorcees marrying would G-d willing cease. This would also alleviate burn out for pastors who are expected to come up with fresh new sermons continually which has led to the sermon buying industry with sermons almost having to to be slick with modern pleasing music, props and catch phrases versus simply obeying James in Acts 15 by reading the Torah every weekend and of course L-rd willing the applicable new testament passages that exist today to help audiences hear over and over the same truth every year, otherwise we tend to forget. This G-d willing would also cause the separation between the Jewish and gentile communities today to no longer exist because of Sabbath and festival keeping as the festivals are part of the covenant commandments that would be read and then explained/revealed to be active in the New Testament to the congregation.
“For Moses from generations of old has in every city those who proclaim him, being read in the synagogues every Sabbath. Then it seemed good to the emissaries and the elders, with the whole assembly, to choose men out of their company, and send them to Antioch with Paul and Barnabas” Jacob (James) from Acts 15:21-22
Some interesting notes concerning food is an observation of the traditional Sabbath/Shabbat meal on Friday nights (the beginning of Sabbath) in context with the New Testament- this is very much like communion with the family at home around the table rather than just at church:
Messianic Shabbat dinner blessings obtained from the (Jews for Jesus 5782/2022 calendar) along with corresponding scriptures that have to do with the prophetic part of the Shabbat/Sabbath meal.
Shabbat candlelight blessing:
“Blessed art Thou, G-d our G-d, King of the universe, who sanctified us in His commandments and commanded us to be a light to the nations and gave us Yeshua our Messiah, the light of the world.”
Contextual Scriptures:
So He says,
“It is too trifling a thing that You should be My servant
to raise up the tribes of Jacob
and restore the preserved ones of Israel.
So I will give You as a light for the nations,
that You should be My salvation to the end of the earth.”
Isaiah 49:6
And Yeshua came up to them and spoke to them, saying, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to Me. Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, immersing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Ruach ha-Kodesh, teaching them to observe all I have commanded you. And remember! I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” Matthew 28:18-20
Shabbat wine/juice blessing:
“I will lift up the cup of salvation, and call on the name of G-d.”
Contextual Scriptures:
And He took a cup; and after giving thanks, He gave to them, saying, “Drink from it, all of you; for this is My blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many for the removal of sins. But I say to you, I will never drink of this fruit of the vine from now on, until that day when I drink it anew with you in My Father’s kingdom.” Matthew 26:27-29
Then I heard something like the voice of a great multitude—like the roar of rushing waters or like the rumbling of powerful thunder—saying, “Halleluyah! For Adonai Elohei-Tzva’ot reigns! Let us rejoice and be glad and give the glory to Him! For the wedding of the Lamb has come, and His bride has made herself ready, She was given fine linen to wear, bright and clean! For the fine linen is the righteous deeds of the kedoshim.” Then the angel tells me, “Write: How fortunate are those who have been invited to the wedding banquet of the Lamb!” He also tells me, “These are the true words of G-d.” Then I fell down at his feet and worshiped him. But he said to me, “See that you do not do that—for I am only a fellow servant with you and your brothers and sisters who hold to the testimony of Yeshua. Worship G-d! For the testimony of Yeshua is the Spirit of Prophesy.” Revelation 19:6-10
Shabbat bread blessing:
“Blessed are Thou, G-d our G-d, King of the universe, who brings forth bread from the earth. Who [gave us] Yeshua our Messiah, the bread of life.” (due to a slight rip in my Jews for Jesus calendar paper I am guessing on the word choice of “gave us”).
Contextual Scripture:
“Yeshua said to them, “I am the bread of life. Whoever comes to Me will never be hungry, and whoever believes in Me will never be thirsty.” John 6:35
*I have found a variation in blessings for shabbat from those above on Hebrew4Christians website, much more traditional.
Colossians examination, 2:16-17 Festivals
“Therefore, do not let anyone pass judgment on you in matters of food or drink, or in respect to a festival or new moon or Shabbat. These are a foreshadowing of things to come, but the reality is Messiah.” Colossians 2:16 -17
Jesus and his disciples also attended covenant festivals (the feasts commanded by G-d the Father) in Jerusalem and practiced them abroad as we find out from Paul’s churches. A really important part of understanding for the church/body of Jesus today is to understand these festivals were not completely fulfilled at Jesus’ first coming, they are only partially fulfilled and still prophetic as we look forward to the second coming of Jesus. This is very significant because anyone who tries to replace a festival in the Bible with a pagan one (such as Christmas or Easter) by saying that the Biblical ones have already been fulfilled or that they are ancient practices that are no longer relevant are in contradiction to scripture. In fact, worshiping G-d through the festivals is one of the most awesome things I have experienced as I have begun to worship G-d by being sanctified.
Debunking Common Christian Misconceptions Concerning the Biblical Festivals:
Misunderstanding: There are only 9-10 commandments from the old testament still applicable in the New Testament, so even though G-d commands us to keep the festivals they don’t apply to me since I am a Christian and because G’d only made the 10 commandments.
Truth: The other commandments that you have heard about in the Old Testament were not created by Moses or rabbis, this includes the festival commandments with the exception of Hanukkah and Purim – these two were created by Rabbis – yet Yeshua Jesus still attended we know at least Hanukkah as recorded by John (the Feast of Dedication is Hanukkah). They were given to Moses directly after G-d started to give the Torah (commandments) to Israel from Mt. Sinai and they were so terrified that they asked for G-d to give them to Moses alone as a mediator rather than continue to hear G-d’s voice from Mount Sinai.
“On the morning of the third day there were thunders and lightning and a thick cloud on the mountain and a very loud trumpet blast, so that all the people in the camp trembled. Then Moses brought the people out of the camp to meet G-d, and they took their stand at the foot of the mountain. Now Mount Sinai was wrapped in smoke because G-d had descended on it in fire. The smoke of it went up like the smoke of a kiln, and the whole mountain trembled greatly. And as the sound of the trumpet grew louder and louder, Moses spoke, and G-d answered him in thunder. G-d came down on Mount Sinai, to the top of the mountain. And G-d called Moses to the top of the mountain, and Moses went up.(Exodus 19:16-20)…So Moses went down to the people and told them. And G-d spoke all these words, saying, “I am G-d your G-d, who brought you out of the land of Egypt, out of the house of slavery. “You shall have no other G-ds before me. (Exodus 19:25-20:1-3)…Now when all the people saw the thunder and the flashes of lightning and the sound of the trumpet and the mountain smoking, the people were afraid and trembled, and they stood far off and said to Moses, “You speak to us, and we will listen; but do not let G-d speak to us, lest we die.”” Exodus 20:18-19
“And G-d said to Moses, “Thus you shall say to the people of Israel: ‘You have seen for yourselves that I have talked with you from heaven “ Exodus 20:22
After speaking with the Israelites directly G-d continued to speak to Moses for His people who love Him to obey, and give more commandments in Exodus 20:23-26 and continuing in Exodus 21 and continually through the entirety of the Torah, prophets and new testament such as in I Corinthians 7 where Paul writes that it is not him but the L-rd that says a woman who leaves her husband is remain single or reconcile to her husband.. These are not made up by Moses or rabbis.
“You shall not make G-ds of silver to be with me, nor shall you make for yourselves G-ds of gold. An altar of earth you shall make for me and sacrifice on it your burnt offerings and your peace offerings, your sheep and your oxen. In every place where I cause my name to be remembered I will come to you and bless you. If you make me an altar of stone, you shall not build it of hewn stones, for if you wield your tool on it you profane it. And you shall not go up by steps to my altar, that your nakedness be not exposed on it.’ Now these are the rules that you shall set before them.” Exodus 20:23-26, 21:1
Appointed Feasts Commanded by G-d with Biblical Instructions on How to Keep each Festival
7th Day Sabbath (Yom Shabbat) Leviticus 23:3
Passover (Pesach): Leviticus 23:4-5, Exodus 12:1-4
Feast of Unleavened Bread (Hag HaMatzot) Leviticus 23:6-8, Exodus 12:15-20
Feast of First Fruits (Reishit) Leviticus 23:9-14
Feast of Weeks (Counting the Omer, Shavuot, Pentecost) Leviticus 23:15-22
Feast of Trumpets (Rosh HaShanah, the Civil New Year) Leviticus 23:23-25
Day of Atonement (Yom Kippur) Leviticus 23:26-32
Feast of Tabernacles (Sukkot) Leviticus 23:33-43
The New Testament teaches that authentic Christians are actually grafted into Israel, not the other way around. Christianity is not supposed to be a new, separate religion. Much of what the world considers to be culturally “Jewish” is actually His people taking Him serious when He says in Exodus 20 that those who love Him obey Him and those that hate Him don’t…Much of Jewish culture is actually simply living G-d’s commandments (as Jacob/James commands to be doers of the G-d’s Word). Paul warns us that G-d will remove “false gentile converts” and that we should therefore be humble in obedience to G-d.
“But if some of the branches were broken off, and you, although a wild olive shoot, were grafted in among the others and now share in the nourishing root of the olive tree, do not be arrogant toward the branches. If you are, remember it is not you who support the root, but the root that supports you. Then you will say, “Branches were broken off so that I might be grafted in.” That is true. They were broken off because of their unbelief, but you stand fast through faith. So do not become proud, but fear. For if G-d did not spare the natural branches, neither will he spare you. Note then the kindness and the severity of G-d: severity toward those who have fallen, but G-d’s kindness to you, provided you continue in his kindness. Otherwise you too will be cut off. And even they, if they do not continue in their unbelief, will be grafted in, for G-d has the power to graft them in again. For if you were cut from what is by nature a wild olive tree, and grafted, contrary to nature, into a cultivated olive tree, how much more will these, the natural branches, be grafted back into their own olive tree.” Romans 11:17-24
Remember the Bible defines how to love G-d as keeping His commandments.
““If you love me, you will keep my commandments. “ John 14:15
“You shall not bow down to them or serve them, for I G-d your G-d am a jealous G-d, visiting the iniquity of the fathers on the children to the third and the fourth generation of those who hate me, but showing steadfast love to thousands of those who love me and keep my commandments.“ Exodus 20:5-6
The Biblical festivals are part of the spiritual marriage covenant between G-d and Israel. This Biblical marriage covenant comes with non-negotiable terms, it is not a contract where we can read the Bible and then negotiate what we will and will not obey. True, yes if a person gives their life to Jesus on their deathbed then they enter the covenant without time to obey the covenant parameters, however if we are alive after our conversion with time to obey then it is not a negotiable covenant. Thankfully we learn that when we do sin (break the covenant) that we have Jesus the righteous advocate and that it is His propitiation of righteousness that saves us. We are not saved by works, rather by faith through grace…yet how can we say we love G-d and are part of His bride if we become aware of the commandments from our spiritual husband and choose to disobey Him? Even earthly wives are commanded in Ephesians and I Peter 3 to obey their husband who is not perfect, our heavenly Father, Husband IS perfect. This is why G-d refers to idolatry and disobedience as spiritual adultery and likens Israel at times to a harlot, such as in the book of Hosea. When we realize we have all been a “Gomer” in one way or another spiritually we realize how much grace and mercy we have received and yet we must accept that this grace and mercy is not an allowance to continue in disobedience, Gomer was not allowed to continue to be a prostitute when Hosea reconciled with her, neither are we spiritually. Reconciliation requires faithfulness, to G-d this is keeping His commandments, including the festivals. This is how we obey the greatest commandment to love G-d by obeying Him.
G-d also defines remembering Him as obeying Him and that when we remember/obey He confirms His covenant with us:
““Take care lest you forget G-d your G-d by not keeping his commandments and his rules and his statutes, which I command you today…You shall remember G-d your G-d, for it is he who gives you power to get wealth, that he may confirm his covenant that he swore to your fathers, as it is this day. And if you forget G-d your G-d and go after other G-ds and serve them and worship them, I solemnly warn you today that you shall surely perish. Deuteronomy 8:11, 18-19
“And G-d said to me, “Go again, love a woman who is loved by another man and is an adulteress, even as G-d loves the children of Israel, though they turn to other G-ds and love cakes of raisins.” Hosea 3:1
“As indeed he says in Hosea, “Those who were not my people I will call ‘my people’ and her who was not beloved I will call ‘beloved.’” “And in the very place where it was said to them, ‘You are not my people, there they will be called ‘sons of the living G-d.” Romans 9:25-26
“Return, O backsliding children,” declares Adonai. “For I am your Husband. I will choose you—” Jeremiah 3:14
“Then he took the Book of the Covenant and read it in the hearing of the people. And they said, “All that G-d has spoken we will do, and we will be obedient.” Exodus 24:7
“Then I heard what seemed to be the voice of a great multitude, like the roar of many waters and like the sound of mighty peals of thunder, crying out, “Hallelujah!For G-d our G-d the Almighty reigns.Let us rejoice and exult and give him the glory, for the marriage of the Lamb has come, and his Bride has made herself ready; it was granted her to clothe herself with fine linen, bright and pure”—for the fine linen is the righteous deeds of the saints. And the angel said to me, “Write this: Blessed are those who are invited to the marriage supper of the Lamb.” And he said to me, “These are the true words of G-d.”” Revelation 19:6-9
We, the Bride must make ourselves ready..by boeing G-d (“for the fine linen is the righteous deeds of the saints”)…When we obey the applicable laws of the Torah today, when we love our neighbor like Jesus tells us to practically in Matthew 25 we are loving G-d, we are remembering G-d and we are making ourselves ready for the marriage supper of the Lamb.
Misunderstanding: The Biblical festivals are descriptive versus prescriptive.
Truth: In Acts 15 many Christians erroneously read that this council somehow created a new religion rather than the one Yeshua kept, Messianic Judaism…however if you look closer at the chapter you will find out that they did not reach an agreement until after James. And in context James said that gentile converts in the diaspora (outside of Israel) would be attending synagogue every Shabbat (7th day Sabbath) and that they should leave the definition of commandments and obedience up to the Holy Spirit as people hear the Torah, the Word of G-d every Saturday…if only we were all still going to church and hearing the Torah read every weekend…That is what is happening in both Orthodox and Messianic synagogues still today the Torah and the prophets are read every weekend, the entire Torah every year and in Messianic synagogues so is the new Testament…in context with the old. If we were hearing we would respond in faith. Today people are not hearing the Torah and even when they do they often misunderstand it because of the alienation of the gentile churches from the Jewish culture of Jesus whichmuch of this study is trying to overcome…we need our Jewish brothers and sisters in the faith, we need to understand the culture of Jesus or we will keep on thinking Paul made nomadic tents and that the woman who bled for twelve years touch a corner of Jesus’ garment rather than His tzit-tzit. Secondly, many Christians think that one letter, Paul’s letter to the church of Galatian somehow gives gentiles permission to disobey G-d, when in reality Paul is actually saying we should not keep the Torah as a hypocrite (for show) or as a means of salvation…we are saved through Jesus yes, we love Him, remember Him, are covenanted with Him for spiritual marriage by obeying Him.
“After they finished speaking, James replied, “Brothers, listen to me. Simeon has related how G-d first visited the Gentiles, to take from them a people for his name. And with this the words of the prophets agree, just as it is written,
“‘After this I will return, and I will rebuild the tent of David that has fallen; I will rebuild its ruins, and I will restore it, that the remnant of mankind may seek G-d, and all the Gentiles who are called by my name, says G-d, who makes these things known from of old.’
Therefore my judgment is that we should not trouble those of the Gentiles who turn to G-d, but should write to them to abstain from the things polluted by idols, and from sexual immorality, and from what has been strangled, and from blood. For from ancient generations Moses has had in every city those who proclaim him, for he is read every Sabbath in the synagogues.” Acts 15:13-21 ←-in order for us to be keeping with James we need to be hearing and listening to Moses every Sabbath in the synagogue (hearing the Torah every Shabbat in church), to leave out the hearing of the Torah is to only partially listen to James. I’m very concerned, now that I know there is a worldwide Torah reading bible program for synagogues, including those that believe Jesus is the Messiah…there is no excuse for the gentile churches, they can’t listen to four out of the five things James spoke of in Acts 15, the fifth (verse 21) is the reading of the Torah every Shabbat.
“For in Christ Jesus neither circumcision nor uncircumcision counts for anything, but only faith working through love.” Galatians 5:6
Paul says that circumcision counts for nothing only faith through love…but what is love? How is love defined in the Bible?
“If you love me, you will keep my commandments. “ John 14:15
“You shall not bow down to them or serve them, for I G-d your G-d am a jealous G-d, visiting the iniquity of the fathers on the children to the third and the fourth generation of those who hate me, but showing steadfast love to thousands of those who love me and keep my commandments.“ Exodus 20:5-6
Jesus tells us that the greatest commandment is to”…“You shall love G-d your G-d with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.” Matthew 22:37. How do we love G-d? How do we keep the greatest commandment?
“If you love me, you will keep my commandments. “ John 14:15
“You shall not bow down to them or serve them, for I G-d your G-d am a jealous G-d, visiting the iniquity of the fathers on the children to the third and the fourth generation of those who hate me, but showing steadfast love to thousands of those who love me and keep my commandments.“ Exodus 20:5-6
Misunderstanding: The Biblical festivals are no longer relevant since Jesus has come and we are in the new covenant.
Truth: Jeremiah 31:31 Behold, the days come, saith G-d, that I will make a new covenant with the house of Israel, and with the house of Judah:
חָדָשׁ châdâsh, khaw-dawsh’; from H2318; new:—fresh, new thing. https://www.blueletterbible.org/lexicon/h2319/kjv/wlc/0-1/
Hebrews 12:24 And to Jesus the mediator of the new covenant, and to the blood of sprinkling, that speaketh better things than that of Abel.
νέος néos, neh’-os; including the comparative νεότερος neóteros neh-o’-ter-os; a primary word; “new”, i.e. (of persons) youthful, or (of things) fresh; figuratively, regenerate:—new, young. https://www.blueletterbible.org/lexicon/g3501/kjv/tr/0-1/
The festivals in the spiritual marriage covenant between El Shaddai and Israel when He betrothed Israel at Mount Sinai were not completely fulfilled by the birth, life, death and ascension of Yeshua…They are still prophetic in action and faith concerning the return of the Bridegroom for His Bride (referred to as the second coming by Christians) and the “consummation” when the spiritual marriage takes place…the marriage supper of the lamb prophesied by Yohannan John. Whether we are a son or daughter of Abraham or of Noah, they are both G-d’s friends and through Yeshua the children of Noah from every tribe worldwide are able to be grafted into Israel and become a child of Abraham through the Spirit of Adoption.
For you did not receive the spirit of slavery to fall back into fear, but you have received the Spirit of adoption as sons, by whom we cry, “Abba! Father!” Romans 8:15
This is not an in-depth study of the marriage covenant between G-d and mankind. However, this involves a marriage betrothal with the Holy Spirit’s seal, there are non-negotiable marriage commandments of betrothal, just like on earth when a wife is told to obey her husband in everything* in Ephesians (in context Paul is writing concerning households led by a follower of G-d otherwise many a pagan husband has asked their wife to commit very serious sins where she has to say no) – we are expected to obey G-d in everything if we become betrothed to him which is a metaphor along with adoption. We have not yet partaken in the marriage consummation as foretold by Yohannan John in the book of Revelation
Yeshua’s first coming is part of this marriage covenant…yet it is all one covenant. If you notice the word “fresh” is used in both Jeremiah and Hebrews. The fresh covenant is open to gentiles. G-d’s covenant has always been open to gentiles, think of Ruth, Rahab and Namaan…however with the ascension of Jesus we see the expansion of the gospel throughout the world. However, the understanding of the festivals as part of this covenant has been largely misunderstood by believers outside of Orthodox and Messianic Judaism.
Misunderstanding: I can choose to disobey G-d and not keep the Biblical festivals since Jesus paid for all of my sin.
Truth: Some people believe this, however the Bible never allows for breaking G-d’s commandments except to do good on the Sabbath, to save life of animals and/or humans and the allowance to postpone the celebration of Passover for travel or funeral and burial.
““If you love Me, keep My commandments.” John 14:15
When I brought this verse up to a pastor friend he asked, “which commandments?” Some people think of the New Testament commandments only as ones that we are to obey, however please consider the context: in John 14 He was speaking to an audience that attended synagogue and listened to the Torah every Shabbat,…in John 14 Yeshua Jesus is referring to The Torah and the prophets…The apostle John reminds us of Yeshua Jesus’ words:
“Now by this we know that we know Him, if we keep His commandments. He who says, “I know Him,” and does not keep His commandments, is a liar, and the truth is not in him. But whoever keeps His word, truly the love of G-d is perfected in him. By this we know that we are in Him. He who says he abides in Him ought himself also to walk just as He walked.” I John 2:3-6
Obeying G-d is the “how” for loving Him, when we decide to only obey some of His commandments we are guilty of cherry picking the scriptures. Thankfully Yochannan John reminds us that when we do sin:
“My little children, these things I write to you, so that you may not sin. And if anyone sins, we have an Advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous. And He Himself is the propitiation for our sins, and not for ours only but also for the whole world.” I John 1:1-2
Misunderstanding: Keeping the feasts/festivals are irrelevant to my faith.
Truth: If you have faith in the work of the atoning shed blood of Jesus on the cross to allow G-d to passover your sins (Feasts of Yom Kippur, Passover, Unleavened Bread), if you believe in eternal life through His resurrection (First Fruits), if you are thankful for the coming of the Holy Spirit (known as Pentacost) and the work of the Holy Spirit and want to celebrate this (Feast of Shavuot), if you believe in the new Jerusalem with Jesus preparing dwellings for you to be with G-d in eternity (Feast of Sukkot), if you believe at the angel’s trumpet that the second coming of Jesus will happen (Trumpets)…all of these things, plus the spiritual marriage covenant…all of these are celebrated by the Biblical covenant festivals. We don’t need to celebrate Easter, Christmas or any of the other coptic celebrations…The ones in the Bible we really do need to.
Misunderstanding: Jesus wouldn’t keep the festivals if he were on earth today.
Truth: He is attending the festivals presently via the Holy Spirit. “And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.” Matthew 28:20b
One’s reaction may be to find the nearest synagogue or to start your own house church in reaction to this study. However let me submit to you that true Christian brothers and sisters are grafted into Israel and therefore please follow the protocol in Matthew 18 to go to your pastor, priest, elders, board of directors and lovingly with great respect present this Jewish culturally accurate interpretation of the Shabbat, Rosh Chodesh and festival commandments from the New Testament. Ask for your worship gathering and those of your denomination to move to Shanbat as Yeshua and the writers of the New Testament practiced. Ask for your leadership to lead your congregation the way Paul and the apostles led. Ask about visiting local synagogues as recorded in the book of Acts with a humble, loving. culturally sensitive and Jewish perspective of the New Testament. Scripture translators such as Halleluyah Scriptures, TLV and ISR have resources to help you to obey Paul’s teaching fromRoman’s, to the Jew first then also to the Greek. ,
Encourage your pastor or priest to get a certificate of teaching from a Jewish perspective as a graftee or to possibly work with his leadership to take a sabbatical for the purpose of Yeshiva to become an ordained Rabbi. If you are on base, ask for these trainings and certifications for Chaplains by the Armed Forces. Remember the apostle James in Acts 15 received agreement from the council that believes should be listening to the reading of the Torah every Shabbat, including gentiles grafted in. Please, if you are a woman go with your husband or a Male relative as your representative since Paul teaches that a woman should not teach over a men.
There are many scripture references to the festivals in the New Testament as well as in the prophets, and of course in the Torah. Here are some of them with an emphasis on the New Testament and prophets. This is not exhaustive, the asterisks refer to charts that I reference from “Feasts of the Bible” by Rose Publishing.
Pesach, Passover:
Luke 2:41-50, Luke 22-23, Luke 2:41-52, John 13-20, John 2:13-23,Mark 14, the reference to the cornerstone in Matthew 21:42*, I Peter 2:7* is from the hymn sung during Passover from Psalm 118:22 Matthew 26:1-5, Matthew 26:26-Matthew 27, Paul commands the gentile church at Corinth to keep the Festival of Passover/Pesach in I Corinthians 5:6-8. John 1:29, John 6:4;11;13;19 Ephesians 2:11-13, Psalm 22 prophecy*, Isaiah 53 prophecy*.
Unleavened Bread
Acts 12:3, Acts 20:6, Luke 12:1, I Corinthians 5:7-8, John 6:32,35,41,48, Colossians 2:17
Feast of First Fruits
I Corinthians 15:20-23, 1 Thessalonians 4:13–17, Luke 24:44-47, John 5:28-29
While attending the Messianic community gathering I learned that Jesus rose from the dead during the feast of first fruits, fulfilling this feast by being the first fruit of everlasting life with death no longer having any power – the first fruit of the harvest to come when the dead shall rise and meet Jesus together in the air.
I also learned that in 28 and 31 AD Passover was on what we call in the west, Wednesday. The slaying of the Paschal lamb was at the same time as Yeshua Jesus, with the resurrection of Jesus actually being on the seventh day Shabbat (the third day) and then Mary met Jesus in the garden on the first day of the new week.
“
Year
Vernal Equinox
Astronomical New Moon
Conjunction
First evening of visible crescent
Date of the first of Nisan
14th day of Nisan (Passover)
(On date, or first after vernal Equinox)
(Julian calendar. Midnight to midnight)
(Beginning at sundown the evening before…)
(Beginning at sundown the evening before…)
26 A.D.
Fri. Mar. 22, 0*
Sat. Apr. 6, 7 a.m.
Sun. Apr. 7
Mon. Apr. 8
Sun. Apr. 21
27 A.D.
Sun. Mar. 23, 6 a.m.
Wed. Mar. 26, 7 p.m.**
Fri. Mar. 28
Sat. Mar. 29
Fri. Apr. 11
28 A.D.
Mon. Mar. 22, noon
Tues. Apr. 13, 2 p.m.
Wed. Apr. 14
Thurs. Apr.15
Wed. Apr. 28
29 A.D.
Tues. Mar. 22, 6 p.m.
Sat. Apr. 2, 7 p.m.**
Mon. Apr. 4
Tues. Apr. 5
Mon. Apr. 18
30 A.D.
Wed. Mar. 22, 0*
Wed. Mar. 22, 8 p.m.***
Fri. Mar. 24
Sat. Mar. 25
Fri. Apr. 7
31 A.D.
Fri. Mar. 23, 5 a.m.
Tues. Apr. 10, 2 p.m.
Wed. Apr. 11
Thurs. Apr.12
Wed. Apr. 25
32 A.D.
Sat. Mar. 22, 11 a.m.
Sat. Mar. 29, 10 p.m.**
Mon. Mar. 31
Tues. Apr. 1
Mon. Apr. 14
33 A.D.
Sun. Mar. 22, 5 p.m.
Fri. Apr. 17, 9 p.m.**
Sun. Apr. 19
Mon. Apr. 20
Sun. May 3
34 A.D.
Mon. Mar. 22,11 p.m.
Wed. Apr. 7, 2 p.m.
Thurs. Apr. 8
Fri. Apr. 9
Thurs. Apr. 22
…A Passover on Wednesday is the only day of the week that works with all Biblical accounts of the crucifixion. Yahshua was in the grave “three days and three nights” Matthew 12:40. From Wednesday just before sunset [even] to Saturday just before sunset [even] is three days and three nights. The fact that the day following Yahshua’s crucifixion was a Sabbath (Mark 15:42, Luke 23:52-54, & John 19:31) does not prove He was crucified on a Friday. According to the Law of Moses, the day following Passover (which is also the first day of the feast of unleavened bread) is also, always a Sabbath day of rest to be observed like the 7th day weekly Sabbath no matter what day of the week it falls on. (See Leviticus 23:4-8, Numbers 28:16-18, and take special notice of John 19:31 again. The Sabbath immediately following Yahshua’s crucifixion was no ordinary Sabbath.)
Understanding that it was a Wednesday Passover and crucifixion also solves apparent conflicts in the Gospel records. In Luke 23:55,56 it says that the women (Mary Magdalene and Mary the mother of James) went and prepared anointing spices and oils BEFORE the Sabbath. In Mark 16:1 it says that they bought them AFTER the Sabbath! The answer lies is in the fact that there are two different Sabbaths being referred to here. The women both bought and prepared the spices on the same day. The day of the week was Friday. When Mark says they bought the spices AFTER the Sabbath, the Sabbath he is referring to was the special Thursday Sabbath …the first day of unleavened bread that followed the day of Passover. When Luke says they prepared the spices and then rested the Sabbath, the Sabbath he is referring to is Saturday …the weekly Sabbath.
There is also proof found in Matthew 28:1 that there were two Sabbaths. Most Bible translations render this word “Sabbath” in the singular because translators, believing the traditional Friday crucifixion scenario, couldn’t make any sense of the fact that the Greek manuscripts all render this word in the plural. This fact can be verified by anyone with a Greek interlinear translation or Greek lexicon. Matthew 28:1 therefore should read, “Now after the SABBATHS as the first day of the week began to dawn…”.
Therefore, for all the records to add up it must be concluded that Yahshua was crucified on a Wednesday.” (http://intercontinentalcog.org/Appendix/Passover_dates_26-34_AD.php)
The United States currently follows the Gregorian calendar- not the lunar calendar put in place by the King of the Universe and because of the lack of obedience to the festivals we are not familiar generally speaking with there being an extra sabbath the week of Passover, for example the year 2023 on the Gregorian calendar is 5,783 on the Hebrew calendar and the new Hebrew year is actually in September or October (5,783 begins/an on September 25, 2022 on the Gregorian calendar). One cannot properly follow/obey the festivals with a Gregorian calendar, we need to have the Hebrew calendar to obey them at the right time. The misunderstanding between time keeping also has historically caused confusion concerning the resurrection because Jesus’ death and resurrection perfectly coincide with Passover and the Festival of First Fruits which can only be interpreted properly through the Hebrew calendar. Furthermore I have found out from Diane, the Hebrew class teacher at New Beginnings Church on Tuesday evenings in Alamogordo that there are two Hebrew calendars. I do not claim to be an expert in this, only someone who has recently begun to learn.
Shavuot/Pentecost/Feast of Weeks:
Acts 2:1-41, Acts 20:16, I Corinthians 16:8, James 1:18
It was during Shavuot (Pentecost) that the Holy Spirit came with the perfect time as a fulfillment of the festival with the inside wind, fire and tongues.
Feast of Trumpets
John 5:24-27*, 2 Timothy 4:1*, Revelation 21:27*, John 10:27-30*, Revelation 20:15*
Another misunderstanding I had about words here was I thought of trumpets from a Western perspective for a long time (thinking of long thin metal “heavenly style” trumpets) instead of the Ram’s horn/shofar. I also did not know until watching this instructional video with Caleb for his shofar by Rabbi Allouche that the way the trumpets are blown has to do beautifully with intercessory prayer for the new year recognizing that some things we pray for are beyond words and can only be expressed through sound without words and that in some synagogues that the trumpets are blown with these different timings (utterances by the shofar) 101 times because that is the numerical number for Michael the archangel’s name which represents kindness in Hebrew and that the intercession is seeking kindness from G-d for the new year. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RKSUARRmGbc&t=4s
Yom Kippur
Acts 27:9*, Luke 23:44-46*, Hebrews 9:11-28*, Romans 3:21-25*, Zechariah 12:10*, Isaiah 66:7-14*, Romans 11:26*
Sukkoth/Festival of Booths/Feast of Tabernacles:
John 7:10-? (I think through John 10:19), at least through John 8 per David Brickner’s book “Christ in the Feast of Tabernacles”, and Zechariah 14:16-19 , Isaiah 49:6*, John 7:37-38*, John 8:12* The Holy Spirit’s arrival is prophesied by Jesus as The Living Water during Sukkoth in John 7:37-39 during the water pouring ceremony (instituted by rabbis) of Sukkoth.
Feast of Dedication/Hanukkah/Festival of Lights
John 10:22-23. The Maccabean revolt was about staying faithful to G-d even when persecuted severely to the point of martyrdom. Matthew 5:10-12*, I Corinthians 4:12*, 2 Corinthians 4:9, Revelation 2:10, Revelation 13:10*.
“For G-d is not a G-d of confusion but of peace.” I Corinthians 14:33
“Take no part in the fruitless deeds of darkness, but rather expose them— for it is disgraceful even to mention the things that are done by them in secret. Yet everything exposed by the light is being made visible, for everything made visible is light. This is why it says, “Wake up, O sleeper! Rise from the dead, and Messiah will shine on you.”So pay close attention to how you walk—not as unwise people but as wise. Make the most of your time because the days are evil. For this reason do not be foolish, but understand what G-d’s will is.” Ephesians 5:11-17
Most if not all of Paul’s churches were-both Messianic Jewish and pagan gentile converts/graftees meeting together, not treating one another as separate – this obeys the instruction we have from Paul to be unified (Galatians 3:28, Philippians 2:1-4). It is vital that we continue to obey G-d the Father and celebrate the festivals just like our Savior Jesus did and still does as the Holy Spirit is very present at the festival still occurring today around the world! There are Christians and Messianic Jews in Australia, Europe, the United States, Israel and other places keeping the festivals, the Holy Spirit is witness to this and does not desire for the rest of the body of Christ to remain alienated from good commandments that G-d put in place for His children to enjoy worshiping Him with together. Not only as a celebration of what G-d has done but also prophetically in faith looking forward to His second coming.
There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free, there is neither male nor female—for you are all one in Messiah Yeshua. Galatians 3:28
Therefore if there is any encouragement in Messiah, if there is any comfort of love, if there is any fellowship of the Ruach, if there is any mercy and compassion, then make my joy complete by being of the same mind, having the same love, united in spirit, with one purpose. Do nothing out of selfishness or conceit, but with humility consider others as more important than yourselves, looking out not only for your own interests but also for the interests of others. Philippians 2:1-4
Many people who are Christians don’t realize that if they do not obey the Sabbath day commandments and the keeping of Biblical festivals that they are not meeting the covenantal requirements of G-d’s spiritual marriage relationship to His bride, His people. I learned this from a rabbi named Steve in Tennessee through a local Messianic group. They are part of this covenant just as a wife is called to obey her husband in a Christian household in everything, all of G-d’s people are called to obey G-d in everything and if we have not understood something and accidentally been disobedient thankfully we have been kept in merciful kindness, however the Holy Spirit calls us to humble sanctification and to live as Jesus lived and as Paul instructed, by keeping the festivals in Spirit and in Truth, hallelujah!
“Then Yeshua said to His disciples, “If anyone wants to follow after Me, he must deny himself, take up his cross, and follow Me.” Matthew 16:24
Colossians examination, 2:16 New Moon/New Month (Rosh Chodesh in Hebrew) (ch is guttural “h” sound)
“Therefore, do not let anyone pass judgment on you in matters of food or drink, or in respect to a festival or new moon or Shabbat. These are a foreshadowing of things to come, but the reality is Messiah.” Colossians 2:16 -17
Hold on and read this whole paragraph, if you are like me this part of walking in Christ per Paul’s instruction seems strange at first because of your cultural upbringing. The new moon is observed by the Jewish people in order to keep time on the calendar put in place by G-d for His festivals in alignment with the year of Jubilee rest (the sabbath of years) as the jubilees have been tracked and recorded by the messengers (angels) since creation week (per Jubilees book/scroll).
In regards to the new moon Paul is referencing this practice of keeping time in recognition of G-d as creator, Paul opens his letter to Colossae with discussion of all creation that exists being by Jesus, through Jesus and for Jesus. Rosh Chodesh is the observance of this time keeping in Hebrew for the Hebrew calendar.
What is Rosh Chodesh? What I have learned thus far…Each month there is a traditional blessing for the new moon and some synagogues, including Messianic, hold a service for the believers to gather to worship the King of the Universe in thanksgiving for a new month. Paul who was trained in the Torah is speaking to one of his churches to teach them to continue in these observations. Again, as discussed with food, we are to love and keep unity, including with the Jewish community, into whom gentiles are grafted through the covenant blood of Jesus. When we “do away with” these traditions we are being unloving toward our Jewish neighbors and causing stumbling blocks that prevent them from believing in Jesus as the Messiah.
Rosh Chodesh is an example of observing things that were instituted by Rabbis instead of just the commandments given by G-d the Father in the Torah. Examples of Jesus submitting to Rabbi authority as long as Torah was being properly interrupted, include His attendance of the festival of Hannakah which was put in place by Rabbis after the miracles and deliverance experienced during the Maccabean resistance. Jesus also submitted to attending the water pouring ceremony of Sukkot which was also an addition by the Rabbis, however it was prophetic and Jesus explained this prophecy as we covered earlier.
The prayers and blessings recited at the new moon (marking the time on the Hebrew calendar vs the man made Gregorian) are not a strange form of pagan moon worship, rather thanksgiving for one’s life continuing another month with proper worship in place for the King of the Universe. This is not worship of one of His great lights that He placed in the sky during creation week.
New Moon/New Month/Rosh Chodesh blessings (Jews for Jesus 5782/2022 calendar).
Traditional blessing: “The One who performed miracles for our forefathers, and redeemed them from slavery to freedom; may He redeem us soon and gather in our exiles from the four corners of the earth; then all Israel shall be friends. Let us say Amen!”
Messianic blessing: “May it be Your will, G-d our G-d and G-d of our fathers, that You renew us for a good month, in our G-d Yeshua the Messiah, Amen.” (Also from Hebrew4Christians.com)
In Isaiah, the verses I open the study with there is a prophecy about the end times where G-d’s people are keeping Rosh Chodesh as well as the seventh day Shabbat, the consequence of the disobedience is also included, this is very motivating to me as a daughter of the King of the Universe to obey Him by starting to observe the new moon blessing to help keep me on track with the lunar calendar (G-d’s time keeping for His people) and to observe Shabbat even if I do face judgment from family, friends and/or acquaintances in a culture that revolves around Saturday activities. I did not realize until very recently that the prophet Isaiah directly relates new moon and sabbath keeping to the obedient in contrast to the rebellious along with a description of what sounds like hell…very serious indeed.
“For just as the new heavens and the new earth, which I will make, will endure before Me”—it is a declaration of Adonai—“so your descendants and your name will endure.”
“And it will come to pass,
that from one New Moon to another,
and from one Shabbat to another,
all flesh will come to bow down before Me,”
says Adonai. “As they leave, they will look on the corpses of the people who rebelled against Me. For their worm will not die, and their fire will not be quenched, and they will be a horror to all flesh.” Isaiah 66:22-24
“New’ and “Moon” are both the same Hebrew word repeated one after another, “חֹדֶשׁ chôdesh, kho’-desh; from H2318; the new moon; by implication, a month:—month(-ly), new moon.” https://www.blueletterbible.org/nasb20/isa/66/1/t_conc_745023
The word Shabbat/Sabbath from Isaiah 66:23 as further defined by Gesenius’ Hebrew-Chaldee Lexicon as a supplement beyond Strong’s, the latter of which makes the assumption the reader understands it is the seventh day (https://www.blueletterbible.org/lexicon/h7676/nasb20/wlc/0-1/): “…(1) sabbath, the seventh day of the week”…
Colossians examination, 2:18-23
“Let no one disqualify you by insisting on false humility and worship of angels—going into detail about what he has seen, puffed up without cause by his fleshly mind. He is not holding fast to the Head. It is from Him that the whole body, nourished and held together by its joints and tendons, grows with a G-dly increase. If you died with Messiah to the basic principles of the world, why—as though living in the world—do you subject yourselves to their rules? “Don’t handle! Don’t taste! Don’t touch!” These all lead to decay with use, based as they are on man-made commands and teachings. Indeed, these are matters that have an appearance of wisdom in self-made religion and humility and self-denial of the body—yet none are of any value for stopping indulgence of the flesh.” Colossians 2:18-23
The emphasis in context with all of chapter two of Colossians is to walk “in Yeshua” “in Jesus”, not in new “strange” traditions of man or government rulings/edicts (i.e. Constantine trying to change the Sabbath to the first day of the week or pagan festivals and holidays that mix witchcraft/magic with worship of Jesus). Paul instructs us in how to walk the way Jesus walked.
We are told by John to test the spirits in I John 4:1-6, the Holy Spirit would never tell you to violate the Sabbath or the Biblical festivals or to eat anything that is unloving toward your neighbor. We have to recognize how far Paul went out of a desire to love and keep unity, for example Paul still circumcised Timothy for the sake of the Jewish community (Acts 16:3). After conducting this study I’ve realized how much mercy I have received in my ignorance and that we all need a lot of mercy, to repent where necessary and to be very humble, as Jesus says do not judge and to love Him first by obeying His commandments (John 14:15). The Holy Spirit is present in many Messianic synagogues all over the world and a witness to the obedience of keeping the seventh day Sabbath holy and the festivals. Not only is this the loving choice for our neighbor as this removes a huge stumbling block for unity with the Jewish population (for an Orthodox Jewish neighbor, think of Nehemiah, profaning the Sabbath is so blasphemous they would never even consider Jesus as Messiah if Jesus allows us to break the commandment of 7th day rest and they are right after I’ve conducted this study I can see this clearly). How can we disobediently keep that barrier up other than by pride? Most importantly though is our individual obedience to The Almighty King of the Universe as loving Him is obeying Him, loving G-d and loving our neighbor is by definition sacrificial and cannot be accomplished without humility. I’ve concluded that it is better to be humiliated like Hosea was by buying back Gomer from an adulterous relationship than it is to be put to shame through discipline following disobedience. In the book of Hosea and in Jeremiah 3:1 G-d relates Himself to this humility, showing us how humble He is to ransom us back by bringing us to Himself as our spiritual Husband and Bridegroom, Jesus did this as well. Allowing Himself to be humiliated through verbal, physical and mental abuse during unjust trials, scourged, crowned with thorns and finally hung naked on a cross…yet He did so with love for His enemies and with forgiveness. In I Peter 2-3 believers are instructed to be willing to be humbled and humiliated in the same way.
When He was abused, He did not return the abuse. While suffering, He made no threats. Instead, He kept entrusting Himself to the One who judges righteously. He Himself bore our sins in His body on the tree, so that we, removed from sins, might live for righteousness. “By His wounds you were healed.”…For it is better to suffer for doing good (if it is G-d’s will) than for doing evil. For Messiah once suffered for sins also—the righteous for the unrighteous—in order to bring you to G-d. He was put to death in the flesh, but made alive by the Ruach. I Peter 2:23-24, 3:17-18
“Loved ones, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see if they are from G-d. For many false prophets have gone out into the world. You know the Ruach Elohim by this—every spirit that acknowledges that Messiah Yeshua has come in human flesh is from G-d, but every spirit that does not acknowledge Yeshua is not from G-d. This is the spirit of the anti-messiah, which you have heard is coming and now is already in the world. You are from G-d, children, and you have overcome them, because greater is He who is in you than he who is in the world. They are from the world, so they speak from the world and the world listens to them. We are from G-d; whoever knows G-d listens to us, but whoever is not from G-d does not listen to us. By this we know the Spirit of truth and the spirit of error.” I John 4:1-6
Conclusion
Paul tells us the Biblical festivals, new moons and the 7th day Sabbath are foreshadowing (prophetic) of things to come, the reality being Jesus as Messiah. Some of the prophetic parts of the festivals that I have delighted to find out about include how they celebrate the second coming of Jesus, the dwelling of Jesus on earth again in the new Jerusalem foretold in Revelation, and the setting of all captives free in completion of eternal life. The work of the Living Water (Holy Spirit), Bread of Life (Jesus) and Abba Father for the great commission and I’m still learning. There is a lot of symbolism in the Biblical festivals that are just so awesome to learn about and to get to know Jesus the Messiah and the Holy Spirit in all of the nuances and details of the festivals. It’s almost as if celebrating the festival IS celebrating G-d/Jesus/Holy Spirit.
We’ve learned through this study that Paul supports the 7th Day Sabbath in Hebrews 4 and not only that but the Sabbath, Rosh Chodesh and the festivals in Colossians 2 and tells the church in Corinth to keep Passover, and we studied in context how Jesus kept the festivals and the Sabbath. G-d IS Love, G-d is good, G-d is kind, His commandment to rest on the 7th day within our place without going out other than to synagogue (or to help someone in need/distress during an emergency – like a sheep falling into a well/pit) is love because He is love, His commandment to not go out on the Sabbath and do as we please is good and is kind because that is Who He is. Same thing with Passover, Pentacost, Tabernacles and the other festivals, obeying G-d is to experience His Love, Goodness and Kindness, while rejection of His Sabbath, His festivals is the sin of pride once we are no longer in ignorance. I have repented as I’ve loved Jesus since I was a little girl, yet I was in ignorance concerning the Sabbath and the Biblical festival commandments into my thirties which is relatively young compared to many people that I know and dearly love within the body of believers. I hope this study will be edifying for us all, no matter our age and that we can in the words of Isaiah for the sake of G-d’s holy name, for our own salvation walk and for the sake of our children be the ones that “will rebuild the ancient ruins…raise up the age-old foundations of the generations…called Repairer of the Breach, Restorer of Streets for Dwelling”. Isaiah 58:12b
I did inquire of Rabbi George (Beth Israel Center in El Paso, TX) concerning Collosians 2 and he let me know from the Jewish perspective as explained in the document (the culture of Jesus and Paul) that the Shabbat blessings, Rosh Chodesh blessings (new moon) and the Shabbat (7th day of rest) all point to Yeshua (Jesus) and that every day is G-d’s day but that it is the 7th day that is the holy day of rest/since creation. That is the simple explanation and he encouraged me to keep things simple. For me I need the long explanation because I was not raised in keeping the festival and Shabbat commandments, nor was I familiar at all with Rosh Chodesh (new moon blessings). Whether you are coming from a place of understanding concerning what Paul is referring to in the Jewish culture to help us “walk in Jesus” or if you need the long explanation like I did concerning culturally appropriate translation I pray this study is a blessing for you and helps you walk in Spirit and in Truth. I also hope it was as simple as possible while also being as thorough as possible. Please forgive me if you find otherwise.
Action
As we know from the book of James (Ya’aqob/Jacob) we are to be doers of the Word rather than hearers only. Making adjustment so that we are keepers of the 7th Day Shabbat, doers of the Festivals in Spirit and in Truth concerning Yeshua as the Messiah and the work of the Holy Spirit, as well as submitting to Paul’s instruction for us to adapt ourselves to the Jewish culture by keeping the lunar calendar/time with Rosh Chodesh are all things action is needed in the Christian culture so that we are not just scholars but actual humble followers. Humbling ourselves to recognize when culture mistranslation has taken place, taking up our cross, denying ourselves and following Jesus who is Jewish and who is grafting gentiles into His covenant with Abraham to be a light to all nations.
“So He says, “It is too trifling a thing that You should be My servant to raise up the tribes of Jacob and restore the preserved ones of Israel. So I will give You as a light for the nations, that You should be My salvation to the end of the earth.” Isaiah 49:6
Support for Action (I do not necessarily fully support everything in these resources, but I do find them very helpful for how to obey the festival commandments. For example in the traditional script (seder) for Rosh Hashanah provided by Hebrew4Christians there are two things I cannot say because of Paul’s commandment in Romans for us to bless and to not curse, that being said I’m not going to judge someone who reads the seder as it is provided). I’ve asked my brother to contact Hebrew4Christians concerning their theological stance in light of I John 2:3-6, John 14:15, Exodus 20 and John 17:17…I’m praying for the Seventh Day Adventist denomination to repent from following the coptic calendar and to follow the lunar Biblical calendar with the appointed festivals (feasts) and L-RD willing to stop supporting pharmakeia distribution per Galatioans and Revelation.
“For just as the new heavens and the new earth, which I will make, will endure before Me”—it is a declaration of Adonai—“so your descendants and your name will endure.”
“And it will come to pass, that from one New Moon [Rosh Chodesh] to another,
and from one Shabbat [7th day] to another,
all flesh will come to bow down before Me,”
says Adonai. “As they leave, they will look on the corpses of the people who rebelled against Me. For their worm will not die, and their fire will not be quenched, and they will be a horror to all flesh.” Isaiah 66:22-24
Biblical Festivals & Rosh Chodesh (ch is a guttural h sound) for year 5,783
https://www.hebcal.com/hebcal?v=1&maj=on&min=on&nx=on&mf=on&ss=on&mod=on&i=off&lg=s&set=off&yt=H&year=5783
Rosh Chodesh Service and Blessing from Hebrew 4 Christians
https://hebrew4christians.com/Holidays/Rosh_Chodesh/roshChodesh.pdf
https://www.hebrew4christians.com/Blessings/Holiday_Blessings/Rosh_Chodesh_Blessing/rosh_chodesh_blessing.html
Elul specific (leading up to Rosh Hashanah) https://www.hebrew4christians.com/Scripture/Parashah/parashah.html#loaded
Candle Lighting Times for Shabbat https://www.chabad.org/calendar/candlelighting.htm (this is an orthodox website)
Torah Portions (annual Bible reading of the Torah including some prophet portions and New Testament excerpts) for Shabbat
https://torahportions.ffoz.org/#horizontalTab2
Messianic Haggadahs (Script) for Rosh Hashanah (Feast of Trumpets, Hebrew New Year)
https://ancienttruthshidden.files.wordpress.com/2014/02/rosh-hashanah.pdf
https://hebrew4christians.com/Blessings/Holiday_Blessings/Rosh_Hashanah_Blessing/BerachotRoshHashanah.pdf
Yom Kippur Instructions from Hebrew 4 Christians
https://www.hebrew4christians.com/Holidays/Fall_Holidays/Yom_Kippur/yom_kippur.html
Sukkot https://www.hebrew4christians.com/Holidays/Fall_Holidays/Sukkot/sukkot.html
Chanukah and Purim
https://www.hebrew4christians.com/Holidays/Winter_Holidays/Chanukah/chanukah.html
https://www.hebrew4christians.com/Holidays/Winter_Holidays/Ta_anit_Esther/ta_anit_esther.html
https://www.hebrew4christians.com/Holidays/Winter_Holidays/Purim/purim.html
Messianic Passover Haggadah (Script) for Leaders
https://mtoi.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/Passover_Haggadah_Official.pdf
Shavuot (Pentecost) Celebration from Hebrew 4 Christians
https://www.hebrew4christians.com/Holidays/Spring_Holidays/Shavuot/shavuot.html
For Further Discussion/Study Concerning Walking in Truth
Again per Paul, to walk in the Truth is to walk in Jesus by living like Him in the way we love G-d (in context with John and Exodus we find this is by obeying Him) rather than walking in and propagating Manmade “Ideas” (even if innocent, this is not walking in truth). One must consider honestly when we finish this study on Biblical festivals the practice of the coptic Christian calendar including holidays like Easter, Christmas, All Saints Day and All Hallows day…I share the opinion of some that it is completely appropriate to celebrate the birth and second coming of Jesus during the Feast of Tabernacles (Sukkot), and Biblically the Resurrection is during the Feast of First Fruits during the season of Passover…Pentecost is actually Biblically the festival of Shavuot as this is the actual festival reason for why so many people of different languages were in Jerusalem when the Holy Spirit came upon the early believers. The appropriate time to celebrate and to teach our children about the resurrection is during Passover, Shavuot and the Feast of Tabernacles, really during all of the Biblical feasts rather than All Hallows and all saints day holidays. I believe that these Coptic holidays are very confusing for children mixed with paganized Halloween which lies about what the resurrection really will be like (not a spooky party!). The reason I bring this forth is because I recently found out about some false teachers while studying the commandment about not wearing linen/flax and wool mixed together. “Abū ʻĪsā al-Iṣfahānī, who was an illiterate tailor, claimed to be a prophet, prohibited divorce, claimed that all months should have thirty days, believed in Jesus and Muhammad as prophets, and told his followers that they must study the New Testament and the Qur’an. Yudghan was a follower of Abū ʻĪsā al-Iṣfahānī and claimed to be a prophet and the Messiah, saying that the observance of Shabbat and Holy Days was no longer obligatory. Isma‘il al-‘Ukbari believed he was the prophet Elijah, and hated ʻAnan. Mishawayh al-‘Ukbari, who was a disciple of Isma‘il al-‘Ukbari and the founder of the Mishawites, taught his followers to use a purely solar calendar of 364 days and 30-day months,[(rather than G-d’s lunar timekeeping for His people)] insisting that all the Holy Days and fast days should always occur on fixed days in the week, rather than on fixed days of the months. He further said that Shabbat should be kept from sunrise on Saturday to sunrise on Sunday. Most Ananites and Karaites rejected such beliefs.” (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Karaite_Judaism) (originally I was reading from https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shatnez and found out today rabbis either say this commandment only applies to these materials or to all plant materials with wool, the latter and largely the minority being the Karaites). ..I share this because as soon as I read some of the teachers that tried to change the Biblical calendar also claiming to be the Messiah that was a huge red flag for false teachers. The Coptic calendar does some of the same things!
Notably there are two calendars in the Bible because when Jeroboam split away from Judah following Solomon’s rule Israel began at some point to follow a new calendar referred to as the Ecclesiastical Biblical calendar. Judah remained with the one G-d set up (this is my understanding thus far in this topical study)…the calendar of Judah/Southern Kingdom is now called the “civil calendar”. The Civil calendar is used today by the religious Jewish community – both Messianic and Orthodox communities follow this calendar with holidays and dates. If you want to look up your birthday and Biblical year on G-d’s “timeline” by which prophecies and proper interpretation must be made you can do so at an orthodox website called “Chabad.org”: (https://www.chabad.org/kids/birthday_cdo/aid/677524/jewish/Your-Jewish-Birthday.htm).
The Gregorian calendar used by The United States and most tribes/nations today was also put in place by Constantine who chose to change the day of worship from Shabbat to SUNday when he chose to follow Christianity for what I was taught, political reasons. During his council with early Christians he left out the Jewish voice because he hated the Jewish people, he was anti semitic. Constantine was similar to the false teachers I mention above, however through the Roman empire he actually was “successful” in gaining many “Sunday” worship followers through being an emperor who was willing to exchange false teachings about Sunday with Christians to “save them from the Colosseum”…although we know exchange for safety is not a means for true salvation. The Gregorian calendar from Constantine is another example of something false – keeping time “man’s way” instead of G-d’s. This leads to many misunderstandings prophetically.When we do something our way instead of G-d’s it is a sin called pride. (I learned about Constantine from a small group Messianic teacher named Michael). Use of the Biblical calendar is alive and well in both Messianic and Orthodox synagogues, the first time I experienced this was the service bulletin for the Messianic synagogue I attended in Louisville (https://www.adathatikvah.com/weekly-bulletin ). Then because my husband wants to spend summers in Alaska I found online that one of the Orthodox communities up there has the Biblical civil calendar used on their website instead of the Gregorian calendar. Once we find out about this we can do the same.
I did not think of this right away, however I think some Christians who genuinely love G-d may think of the coptic Christian calendar as a calendar that is part of the timeline through human hands and has been used still by the Holy Spirit to bring people to salvation. I am one of those believers that has worshiped Jesus and celebrated his birth through celebrations on the coptic calendar such as Christmas and Easter…I think each person should be convicted about this and that we should not judge one another (including not judging someone who does not follow coptic holidays).
If there is a synagogue near us should we not do as Yeshua Jesus and Paul did and attend? I think so, with humility and honestly apologizing for misrepresenting Yeshua by breaking the Sabbath and not keeping the Biblical festivals. I think we should also pray for our Sunday churches and regional conferences and dioceses to repent throughout the world, to return to G-d. In Acts 15 when Jacob (James) speaks about reading and listening to the Torah every Shabbat in a synagogue he begins with the reminder that G-d wants to reconcile the sons and daughters of Noah (gentiles) to Himself as well:
“that the rest of men may seek after the Lord; all the Gentiles who are called by my name, says the Lord, who does all these things.” Acts 15:17
Again this study is purposed for edifying, encouraging and fruitful discussion leading to godly sorrow and repentance – NOT to create divisions leading to strife.
But avoid foolish controversies, genealogies, dissensions, and quarrels about the law, for they are unprofitable and worthless. Titus 3:9
L-rd willing rather transformation by the Holy Spirit to be transformed by the entire renewal of our mind to live and walk as our Savior Yeshua, the King of Israel, rather than a partial transformation – with long suffering and patience without judgment, desiring mutually for the sanctification of the brethren to love G-d more completely each day and trusting G-d to keep us from falling as we are promised in Jude as we love and share the gospel to the Jew first and also to the Greek, both beloved children of Noah and Abraham:
“Now to him who is able to keep them from stumbling, and to present you faultless before the presence of his glory in great joy,” Judah 1:24
Some In-Context Promises From G-d:
Isaiah 58:13-14 Tree of Life Version
If you turn back your foot from Shabbat,
from doing your pleasure on My holy day,
and call Shabbat a delight,
the holy day of Adonai honorable,
If you honor it, not going your own ways,
not seeking your own pleasure,
nor speaking your usual speech,
then You will delight yourself in Adonai,
and I will let you ride over the heights of the earth,
I will feed you with the heritage of your father Jacob.”
For the mouth of Adonai has spoken
Exodus 23:25-27 You are to serve Adonai your God, and He will bless your food and your water. Moreover I will take sickness away from your midst. None will miscarry nor be barren in your land, and I will fill up the number of your days. “I will send My terror before you and throw all the people to whom you will come into panic, and make all your enemies turn their backs to you.
Psalm 91:15-16
“Because he has devoted his love to Me,
I will deliver him.
I will set him securely on high,
because he knows My Name.
When he calls on Me, I will answer him.
I will be with him in trouble, rescue him, and honor him.
With long life will I satisfy him
and show him My salvation.”
Remember in context, These promises to be heard and delivered is conditional upon devoting one’s love to El Elyon, here is a reminder from Yochana John on HOW to love El Elyon:
“My children, I am writing these things to you so that you will not sin. But if anyone does sin, we have an Intercessor with the Father—the righteous Messiah Yeshua. He is the atonement for our sins, and not only for our sins but also for the whole world.
Loving God Means Obedience
Now we know that we have come to know Him by this—if we keep His commandments. The one who says, “I have come to know Him,” and does not keep His commandments is a liar, and the truth is not in him. But whoever keeps His word, in him the love of God is truly made perfect. We know that we are in Him by this—whoever claims to abide in Him must walk just as He walked.” 1 Yochanan 2:1-6