Gentile Christians and the Holiness Code

by

Perspectives

Special to United Methodist Insight

The field of Biblical Scholarship embraces the research of Jewish, Christian, Muslim and secular scholars in biblical interpretation. It is a field that deals with the languages of the Bible (Hebrew, Aramaic and Greek), as well its historical time periods (Chaldea, Canaan, Egypt, Israel, Assyria, Babylon, Persia, Rome and Greece - in the Apocrypha). The Society of Biblical Literature (SBL) is the primary academic association for Bible teachers and scholars. It is a learned society that fosters biblical scholarship and seeks to engage the public in the latest research of this sacred text through its website Bible Odyssey.

We, SBL, are not theologians or ministers in the classical sense, in that most of us did not study these subjects; although we understand them to be a different, but related, field. We are more concerned with ancient manuscripts and historical discoveries than thinking theologically about a subject. We watch History Channel documentaries on Ancient Near Eastern Studies, read the works of Josephus and fact check (peer review) our colleagues’ research for historical accuracy.

Eisegesis

As a Bible teacher, I was quite surprised to learn of the number of theologians and ministers who believe that eating shellfish (Leviticus 11:9-12) and wearing two kinds of fabrics (Leviticus 19:19) are accusations to be used against Gentile Christians to prove their hypocrisy in sin. A cursory reading of the aforementioned texts informs us that the Lord instructed Moses and Aaron to “speak to the children of Israel” (Leviticus 11:1-2, Leviticus 19:1-2). In their context, these passages clearly communicate that their original audience were not members of the Gentile Christian community, as Christianity did not exist during this time period. Additionally, it has been understood in the field of biblical scholarship that since the Council of Jerusalem (Acts 15:22-29), that Gentile Christians were not bound by the Holiness Code (part of the Law of Moses).[1]

So I was curious as to why so many theologians and ministers have adopted the ideology of applying the Holiness Code to Gentile Christians. Particularly, since Christians (Acts 11:26) do not offer animal sacrifices for the forgiveness of their sins, as the Mosaic Law[2] requires (Leviticus 4:1-5:13), because they believe that Jesus is the “Lamb of God who takes away the sins of the world” (John 1:29).  

Eisegesis is a concept of “reading into” a text.[3],[4] It connotes that the reader has pre-conceived notions about a topic and will use scripture to support their ideology, instead of reading scripture as the original audience may have understood it in their historical and cultural contexts.

Theological Framework

In my research, I discovered that some theologians and ministers interpret the Bible literally (2 Timothy 3:16) when they are trying to make a social, cultural or theological point (regardless whether the scripture is in the Old Testament/Tanakh or the New Testament). Most theologians and ministers are skilled at setting the historical context of the scripture, since they have taken several courses in biblical studies. However, theology often takes precedence over biblical interpretation in preaching sermons. What we think about God and Christianity is often more important than what scripture has to say on these subjects.

Much of the Christian view point is informed by the scriptures, however many intelligent women and men have studied the nature of God (theology) and created frameworks by which we can better understand the divine. Our view of God and Christianity has been interpreted through classical, liberation and evangelical theologies; scientific theory, secular philosophy, social and political theories, as well as personal experience. This is has led to a clash between those who interpret the scripture “literally” and those who interpret scripture “theologically.”  People who are not informed theologically, will often reject a theological interpretation of the scripture.

While theologians believe that everything is theological, Bible teachers and scholars are much more likely to interpret scripture from a literary and historical point of view. Furhermore, they (SBL) are more likely to examine the theology that is inherent within the text itself.

Exegesis

Exegesis means “to lead out,” or to interpret the original meaning of a text.[5],[6] This is the preferred method of research for Bible scholars and teachers. Bible scholars and teachers are clear that Christians[7] are to follow the teachings of Jesus Christ and the apostles found in the New Testament.[8] The Holiness Code was intended as a means of God’s grace to the children of Israel and should not be used as accusations against Gentile Christians who have sinned against God. The Gospel writer John records “For the law was given through Moses, but grace and truth came through Jesus Christ” (John 1:17).

Gentiles are justified by grace through faith in Christ and not by works of the law (Galatians 2:15-21). The apostles re-iterated their decision about the Gentiles in a dispute with the Jews (Acts 21:17-25). As such, it is historically inaccurate to judge Gentile Christians by the Holiness Code and it appears that we need to continue to re-iterate the apostles’ decisions about our freedom in Christ. Gentile Christians should feel free to eat shellfish and wear two kinds of fabric without the fear that they are sinning against God, as they rightly divide the word of truth.

[1] “Acts of the Apostles.” In The Oxford Encyclopedia of the Books of the Bible. Ed. Christopher R. Matthews. Oxford Biblical Studies Online. 28-Aug-2019. <http://www.oxfordbiblicalstudies.com/article/opr/t280/e37>.

[2] William K. Gilders, “Sacrifice in Ancient Israel”’ n.p. [cited 28 Aug 2019]. Online: http://Bibleodyssey.org/en/passages/related-articles/sacrifice-in-ancient-israel

[3] “eisegesis.” In A Dictionary of the Bible. Ed. W. R. F. Browning. Oxford Biblical Studies Online. 28-Aug-2019. <http://www.oxfordbiblicalstudies.com/article/opr/t94/e583>.

[4] “Hermeneutics, Biblical.” In The Oxford Encyclopedia of the Bible and Theology. Ed. Ellen T. Charry. Oxford Biblical Studies Online. 28-Aug-2019. <http://www.oxfordbiblicalstudies.com/article/opr/t467/e101>.

[5] “exegesis.” In A Dictionary of the Bible. Ed. W. R. F. Browning. Oxford Biblical Studies Online. 28-Aug-2019.

<http://www.oxfordbiblicalstudies.com/article/opr/t94/e644>.

[6] “Exegesis.” In Oxford Encyclopedia of Biblical Interpretation. Ed. Christophe Nihan. Oxford Biblical Studies Online.

28-Aug-2019. <http://www.oxfordbiblicalstudies.com/article/opr/t373/e61>.

[7] Paula Fredrikson, “Christian”, n.p. [cited 28 Aug 2019]. Online: http://www.Bibleodyssey.org/en/people/main-articles/christian

[8] “New Testament.” In Encyclopedia Britannica. Ed. Alicja Zelazko. 28-Aug-2019. https://www.britannica.com/topic/New-Testament

Odell Horne, Jr., is a graduate of Bethel Theological Seminary (Biblical Studies) and has just begun a Doctor of Theology program at Evangelical Seminary (GBHEM approved). He is also a member of the Society of Biblical Literature and Impact UMC near Atlanta.