Reading the Way, Paul, and "The Jews" in Acts Within Judaism

Book Description

Jason F. Moraff presents a transformative perspective on one of Christianity's most studied texts, inviting readers to reconsider long-held assumptions about religious identity and belonging. Rather than viewing the Book of Acts as a narrative that separates early Christianity from Judaism, Moraff reveals how this ancient text actually weaves together the Way, Paul, and Jewish communities into a unified tapestry of shared heritage and spiritual seeking.

This scholarly exploration demonstrates how Acts portrays these seemingly distinct groups as members of one extended family, engaged in passionate dialogue about the future direction of their ancestral spiritual tradition. Moraff guides readers through the complex landscape of Second Temple Judaism, showing how the destruction of the temple created a crisis that required all Jewish communities to reimagine their path forward.

Through careful examination of ancient concepts of ethnicity, identity, and religious practice, the author illuminates how Acts uses familiar elements of Jewish culture, language, worship, and custom to present what appears to be religious conflict as actually representing internal family discussions about spiritual direction. This fresh interpretation challenges readers to move beyond supersessionist thinking and discover a more nuanced understanding of early religious development.

For those interested in interfaith dialogue, biblical interpretation, or the historical roots of spiritual communities, Moraff offers valuable insights into how ancient texts can speak across centuries to contemporary questions about religious identity and belonging.