Restoring the Jewishness of the Gospel

by David H. Stern

A book that introduces Christians to the Jewish roots of their faith, challenges some conventional ideas, and raises some neglected questions: how are both the Jews and "the Church" God's people? Does the Law of Moses remain in force today.

Genres: Theology, Christianity, Christian, Faith, Religion, Nonfiction, Judaism

Paperback

First published February 1, 1988

About the author

David H. Stern born in Los Angeles in 1935, is the great-grandson of two of the city's first twenty Jews. He earned a Ph.D. in economics at Princeton University and was a professor at UCLA. He then received a Master of Divinity degree at Fuller Theological Seminary, did graduate work at the University of Judaism, and was active in the Messianic Jewish movement. Dr. Stern authored the highly acclaimed English translations, the Jewish New Testament, the Jewish New Testament Commentary, and the Complete Jewish Bible.

Reviews

[Christopher Goins · Rating 5 out of 5]

Nothing objectionable. Intended to be a summary of a much larger book, this sub-100 page book gets the job done in introducing arguments for why Christians should embrace the forgotten "Jewishness" of the gospel, and explaining various misunderstanding of the New Testament when that "Jewishness" is forgotten. Stern also goes over the different kinds of evangelisms and the historical events that divide Christians and Jews, and provides a glossary of Hebrew words. While "Restoring the Jewishness of the Gospel: A Message for Christians" is only a starting point it is very helpful.

[J.J. Richardson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Do you want to reach Jews with the Gospel? This is a great place to start. Do you want to see a road of reconciliation between Jews and Gentiles? This is a great place to begin. Do you struggle with understanding concepts of Law/Torah/Grace and how they pertain to both historic and modern Christians? I'd start here. Do you want to know what Messianic Judaism is and where it both marries and deviates from Orthodox Christianity? I'd read this as it is by one of the modern day leaders and scholars of the Jewish Sect. At only 79 pages and with resources to boot in the back of the book, it's a great introduction for all these questions. Get it. Read it. You will not be disappointed, but you may be a bit challenged.

[William · Rating 2 out of 5]

Hmmm…I’m not really sure what to make of this book (pamphlet?) Let me add a caveat by saying that I respect Dr. Stern as an undisputed leader in our faith and proudly own and have read several of his books. And while I respectfully disagree with some points of his theology, specifically with regards to the Gentile relationship to the Torah, his teachings have nevertheless played a transformative role in my own theology.

I’m simply struggling to understand the point of this book. Some have suggested that Stern intended this as an appetizer to induce those who are curious to feast on his much longer (comparatively) book Messianic Judaism. I just can’t help but feel that even if that is the case the books brevity does more of a disservice by leading people to believe they have an understanding of these principles without having to read a longer more comprehensive analysis of the topic. It’s like fast food. It may fill you up and end whatever hunger pains you might be experiencing but was it really nutritious?

[Karen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Incredibly enlightening - highly recommend!

[Nathan Albright · Rating 4 out of 5]

David Stern is one of the most notable Messianic Jews of the last generation or so, and this book gives his thoughts with regards to how Christians need to better understand the Gospel and its Jewish context and then evangelize Jews with sensitivity and attention paid to this context.  In contrast to a great many people, the author does not appear to be under illusions that the only problem that Jews have with the Gospel message is the lack of graciousness with which it has often been associated, though this is a subject that the author spends considerable time and effort on nonetheless.  By and large the author attempts to argue, in the main successfully, that most ideas of the Gospel message are themselves anti-Semitic and unbiblical in that they ignore the pro-law attitude of the Bible and seek to induce Jews to violate the law to prove that they are Christians.  If there is anything that can be said as a criticism of the author's view of Judaism is that it appears to be far more positive towards the Talmud and various traditions of the Jews than the Bible itself is, given that the Bible makes a firm distinction between its support of biblical law, properly interpreted, and its criticism of the way in which Pharisees claimed the authority to bind both Jews and Gentiles according to human traditions.

This book is a short one at less than 100 pages and it is divided into a few chapters.  The author starts with the assumption that the reader already believes or is open to the idea of the Jewishness of the Gospel and of the veracity of the Gospel message as a whole.  The author then presents a discussion of elements of the Gospel that have a clear Jewish context that is often not understood by others as well as a discussion of different missionary approaches and how they would apply to a Christian who wish to evangelize to Jews but first needs to understand the truth of the Gospel before seeking to re-translate an originally Jewish Gospel into a Jewish tradition that has sadly departed from biblical ways (although the author does not appear to acknowledge this problem) but maintains a Jewish tradition that is not always respected by Christians.  The author also spends a lot of time trying to defend the Jewishness of Paul (and Jesus) and making the sensible interpretation that just as Paul was confident in his obedience to the various biblical laws that so too Jewish converts can avoid having to eat ham sandwiches to prove that they are Christian.  And with that this reader at least can wholeheartedly concur.

What does one mean by the Jewishness of the Gospel?  If one means the received biblical law and prophets and writings, and the proper interpretation of the New Testament that emphasizes the continuity between the two testaments, then there is little to disagree about.  If one means the rabbinical tradition that marked a compromise between the Bible and the Hellenism that led to the rabbinical tradition, then a great many people who would be favorable to the biblical law would be hostile to the Talmud, which has some very unflattering things to say about Jesus Christ and Christians, it should be remembered, and would need to be repented of by any believer who would seek the legitimacy of Jewishness.  The author also appears to fail to recognize the pro-law tradition within Christianity that has lasted throughout the centuries, going straight from the Hellenistic Christianity of the third and fourth centuries to the author's view of the founding of Messianic Christianity in 1988 or so, not recognizing the role or importance of Sabbatarian Christianity that was frequently devoted to an obedience of the biblical food laws and other folkways of Jewishness that the author would otherwise view highly.

[Robert Godinho · Rating 2 out of 5]

Stern sounds like he is overly defending, to the point of ad nauseam, the point of Messianic Judaism and the difference “the Western” culture has on Jewish culture when it comes to the Christian faith. The same could be said about every culture that came to the Western part of the world. Stern has some great points, but this book is only 76 pages and continually reads as if there is a full length book missing. I for one, would love to see more “Jewishness of the Gospel” and to celebrate the Jewish Holidays and Observances but unfortunately, there is over 42,000 dominations in the world now and Jew is just one of them. Stern needs to put these thoughts and ideas into a full length book and finish it to get his points some substance and give it the credit it’s due. Especially since he states that this book is “written primarily for non-Jewish Christians and for Jewish believers in Yeshua who have not thought much about how Jewish their faith is.” Speaking as a “non-Jewish” Christian, I don’t know how you can possibly read the Bible, in it’s entirety, and not realize how Jewish the Christian faith is, but maybe that’s just me.

[Laura · Rating 3 out of 5]

The strength of this book lies in it's exposure of antisemitism in the church at large. He exposes it within our theology and even evangelistic practices. I was humbled and grateful as I read it as it had never occurred to me before.

This is not the first book I've read regarding the Jewish context of the Bible and/or Gospel. And I think my familiarity with the subject helped me on understanding his perspective.

While I understand this book is a primer to his larger work (Messianic Judaism), I think this one is incomplete. After making a strong case that Gentiles should spiritually and practically operate as part of Israel, he fails in giving us any clue in what that looks like. And I think he didn't go any deeper out of fear that it would sound like we must become Messanic Jews. I wonder how if he really knows what this looks like.

[Amber Blais · Rating 4 out of 5]

The cover and artwork is not appealing- but don’t let that deter you if this is a topic you’re interested in. It’s very academic but so insightful and important for all Christians today. I would recommend it to anyone following the way of Jesus. Restoring the unity between Jewish people and Non-Jewish followers of Jesus is something the church should be prioritizing much more and he touches on this in the book. Hopefully, it will light a fire in you as you read as it did with me!

Stern is also the one who put together the Jewish Study Bible and his wisdom and heart for this topic is invaluable. So much in this book is just scratching the surface and there were moments I wish he would have elaborated. But I realize he has other works and many suggested authors for further study.

This is a great starter for this topic. A book I will use as a reference for many years to come.

[Steven · Rating 5 out of 5]

My wife and I have been doing some Hebraic studies of the Bible and this is one of the books recommended to us. This is a must read for any true believer of the Bible. Without a doubt, this book will challenge all the current doctrines of Western Christianity. It’s interesting that this covering up the truth of the Holy Scriptures actually dates back to nearly 1800 years. Uncovering this history blanket will be an eye opener. There a Messianic Hebrew churches blossoming up around the globe as the blanket over the truth has been pulled away. This book will clarify a lot of things for the true believer and will enrich the reader to a whole treasure chest of God’s deep character. Prepare to be awakened.

[SUNKANMI · Rating 1 out of 5]

The book is not it. It continues the trend of some Messianic Judaism adherents being obsessed with Christianity. I get tired of adherents of Messianic Judaism lecturing Christians on what they can believe and not believe with an almost resentful, bitter and unloving tone. I believe we should all respect each other as believers in Jesus. I think each should simply serve the Savior in peace in his own way if we cannot respect and be loving towards each other.

Some seem to have the idea that because they are Jewish believers they can lecture or tell non-Jewish believers on what to do and how to worship God. They take on this superior tone and seem to be seeking for influence in a movement that is not theirs and they did not work for.

[Grant Klinefelter · Rating 1 out of 5]

Stern's three presuppositions are good:
1) Chrisitanity is Jewish.
2) Antisemitism is un-Christian
3) Refusing or neglecting to evangelize Jews is antisemitic.

But beyond this, he avoids both traditional dispensationalism and covenant theology for his own "Olive Tree" theology (progressive dispensationalism) which seems to me to miss the mark. While he rightly critiques the issues in traditional dispensationalism, I believe his critiques on covenant theology are poor and reflect a truncated view of those who hold it. To assume all covenant theologians adhere to or affirm replacement theology is a stretch at best.

[Daniel Hennessy · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book makes the very simple statement that if you're going to follow the one who said "Follow me," you should do it his way. 2,000 years of Christian Antisemitism is arguably the result of "following" antisemitic "Church Fathers" who banished the ways of Jesus' Torah observance and replaced it with their own version of religion that has little to do with the practice and message of the long-awaited Jewish Messiah. Dr. Stern makes the case, without trying to do so, that Christians have much to learn from taking a serious look at the practice of the who said, "Follow me."

[Luis T · Rating 3 out of 5]

I think that with a second read, I might give it a higher rating, but it wasn't the easiest read for me to follow along with. It was insightful & full of perspectives & research I've never had or thought of looking into, so there's that. I can't say I walked away thinking, "Wow!" But, I did walk away from the book thinking, yeah .. we were called to do this & that. Like I said, a book I'll likely have to read again.

[Adrienne Nuttall · Rating 5 out of 5]

A vital read for anyone deciding to take the step towards Jewish evangelism

A wonderful and easy to understand book dealing with the issue in Christianity today of suppressing the Jewishness of their faith and salvation. A must read if you are contemplating walking alongside the Jews in harmony..

[Anda · Rating 4 out of 5]

Loved this book! A few things I didn’t agree with, but they were preference matters of the heart. I have a better understanding of Israel, Christ and my place in Christianity. Will be doing more study to correct the replacement theology I have learned all my life.

[Dr Rick · Rating 5 out of 5]

Much needed restoration

This book was amazing and an insight on our Jewish roots even as gentiles.Because the blood of Yashua grafts us into the Jewish tree. The history of Israel is now our history.Those that are in Christ

[Michel · Rating 3 out of 5]

Interesting Messianic-Jewish perspective on whether and how to reach the Jews with the Gospel.
Note, this book is a 96 pages summary of the author's much larger Messianic Judaism: A Modern Movement with an Ancient Past.

[Dinal Perera · Rating 5 out of 5]

“Christianity is Jewish, antisemitism is unchristian.” A quick read on something the church has almost forgotten!

[Wise Wong]

L

[Jordan Mcbride · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great insight

This book stated a lot of information, not at all hard to understand. Definitely a must read for the layman.

[KT Broandmar · Rating 2 out of 5]

I was looking forward to a book that brings Christianity back around to its foundations, but instead found a book chastising Christians for not doing more to convert Jews...

[Tim Fay · Rating 5 out of 5]

Important message in our time.

I believe in the importance of this message, and the urgency we need to assign to it. It speaks to the season we are in.

[Zachary James · Rating 5 out of 5]

The simplicity of how David shows the Jewishness of Jesus, and all of the disciples were, is applaud worthy.

[Jeremy Gove · Rating 3 out of 5]

A short and basic, but interesting read on approaching salvation from the Jewish perspective. The appendix at the end presents an interesting proposition regarding the benefits of salvation and the difference in order of distribution of these benefits to Jews and non-Jews.

[Melissa Lyons · Rating 3 out of 5]

An interesting book to read as a Christian. I really enjoyed learning some jewish terminology that is so rooted in the New Testament and teachings of Yeshua. I think I'm going to get a Jewish New Testament and see it side by side with mine. And then compare it with the Greek. Im a little excited about it to tell the truth.

[Elizabeth · Rating 4 out of 5]

Dense and insightful. This book is a digest or primer for the author’s *Messianic Jewish Manifesto,* and along with both is part of an entire body of work including his *Comolete Jewish Bible* translation and *Jewish New Testament Commentary.*

One day I hope to have the discipline to sit and study the Manifesto and Commentary in depth.

[Adam · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book introduces Christians to some fairly foreign history of the church as well as to aspects of Judaism's influence on Christianity. He raises excellent points on the reason many "Jewish" practices are no longer in Christianity. However, he tends to dance around the topic of Torah observance for Christians.

[Chu Choi · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a solid book on why Christians need to pay attention, not only to the Jewish roots of our faith, but also to the Jewish people and the Promised Land, Israel.

Stern spends the last part of the book making this argument, though I would have appreciated more Bible insights through Hebrew language and culture. I felt like those were the best parts of this book.

[Dr. Paul T. Blake · Rating 2 out of 5]

Stern's condensed version of his longer book entitled Messianic Judaism. It is intended to help Christians understand Messianic Jewish things, where his book Messianic Judaism is more for a Messianic Jewish audience.

[Jim]

this book is full misleading information he conderdicts what the jewish bible says and the king james if you buy this book make sure you also have a jewish bible so you can look up what this book is talking about to make sure it is right