The Natsariym Point Of View

When it came to the interpretation of scripture as a guide for living life, the Natsariym in the first century had an early view of Sola Scriptura (a later Reformation POV) i.e., Scripture Alone; without the effects of traditional Rabbinic interpretation, which existed at the time, but flourished after 70 AD and the fall of the 2nd Temple. The early Natsars believed the Bible is divinely inspired, or Yahuah breathed; and is the final, infallible, and sufficient authority for all matters of faith and practice, i.e., they believed that Yahusha HaMashiach was the Word, who perfectly fulfilled and demonstrated the Torah in the Tanakh as stated in Yahuchannon 1:1-5 

‘All Scripture is given by inspiration of YAHUAH, and is profitable

For doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in

righteousness: That the man of YAH may be perfect, thoroughly

Furnished unto all good works.’ 2 Timothy 3:16-17  Cepher Bible.

Yes, The Natsariym held this Truth way back then. Perhaps this is why they may have been seen as a ‘sect,’ existing outside the traditional beliefs of the Yahudiym of the time; and totally rejecting the doctrines of the emerging Romanized Christian Church. From 30-33AD they were viewed simply as those followers of ‘The Way;’ while from 135 AD–312 AD, Gentile-influenced Christianity continued to grow, and by the end of the 2nd century, the Natsariym began to be seen as heretics.

Beginning in 313 AD to 337 AD, with the Edict Of Milan, Constantine, The Great, ended the Great Persecution of general Christians, and turned his attention to the Natsariym. Their persecution had officially begun. By the time the Council Of Nicea rolled around in 325 AD, the foundation was laid for the Roman Catholic Church to separate itself  from anything associated with the ‘detestable Jewish crowd’. (1)

Although they were not specifically mentioned, there were 2 main issues affecting the Natsariym that were to be decided:

• Quartodecimanism: When to acknowledge the Day of Resurrection of HaMaschiach. (2)

• The Nicene Creed established the orthodoxy of Christianity through a Trinitarian POV.  

And that put the Natsariym front and center. Schisms ensued.

The Natsariym followed the biblical calendar, establishing the Day of the Pesach and subsequent resurrection, according to Exodus 12:1-10 and Mattithyah 27:50, and Yahuchannon 19:30 . They knew Yahusha was resurrected, and had already ascended.

Around 375 AD, the Natsariym were officially declared a heretical sect, and considered anathema to the Roman Catholic Church (as documented by Epiphanius), ‘for remaining Jews while believing in Christ.’ (3), and Jerome who wrote that the Natsariym ‘want to be both Jew and Christian, but succeed at being neither.’ Although he was influential in their being anathematized, he confirmed in a round-about way, the steadfastness of their faith. (4).

---

Enjoying this? The full blog is available on Substack. Subscribe below to continue reading.