Bible Verses About Jewish Christianity And The Early Church

But there rose up certain of the sect of the Pharisees which believed, saying, That it was needful to circumcise them, and to command them to keep the law of Moses.

Directly states the circumcision and law requirement controversy

And certain men which came down from Judaea taught the brethren, and said, Except ye be circumcised after the manner of Moses, ye cannot be saved.

Same Acts 15 dispute in another translation

And in those days, when the number of the disciples was multiplied, there arose a murmuring of the Grecians against the Hebrews, because their widows were neglected in the daily ministration.

Shows the church growing among Jewish Christians in Jerusalem

For ye, brethren, became followers of the churches of God which in Judaea are in Christ Jesus: for ye also have suffered like things of your own countrymen, even as they have of the Jews:

Paul describes churches in Judea in Christ and Jewish persecution

And when he had found him, he brought him unto Antioch. And it came to pass, that a whole year they assembled themselves with the church, and taught much people. And the disciples were called Christians first in Antioch.

Marks Antioch as the place where disciples were first called Christians

And it came to pass in Iconium, that they went both together into the synagogue of the Jews, and so spake, that a great multitude both of the Jews and also of the Greeks believed.

Scripture passage attached to the early Christian evidence page.

Now they which were scattered abroad upon the persecution that arose about Stephen travelled as far as Phenice, and Cyprus, and Antioch, preaching the word to none but unto the Jews only.

Shows Jewish-only evangelism in the first phase

And they continued stedfastly in the apostles' doctrine and fellowship, and in breaking of bread, and in prayers.

General apostolic teaching and fellowship, but not specific to continuity claim

Now when the congregation was broken up, many of the Jews and religious proselytes followed Paul and Barnabas: who, speaking to them, persuaded them to continue in the grace of God.

Scripture passage attached to the early Christian evidence page.

Then had the churches rest throughout all Judaea and Galilee and Samaria, and were edified; and walking in the fear of the Lord, and in the comfort of the Holy Ghost, were multiplied.

Scripture passage attached to the early Christian evidence page.

That he may take part of this ministry and apostleship, from which Judas by transgression fell, that he might go to his own place.

Scripture passage attached to the early Christian evidence page.

For before that certain came from James, he did eat with the Gentiles: but when they were come, he withdrew and separated himself, fearing them which were of the circumcision.

Scripture passage attached to the early Christian evidence page.

And they, continuing daily with one accord in the temple, and breaking bread from house to house, did eat their meat with gladness and singleness of heart,

Scripture passage attached to the early Christian evidence page.

Then there arose certain of the synagogue, which is called the synagogue of the Libertines, and Cyrenians, and Alexandrians, and of them of Cilicia and of Asia, disputing with Stephen.

Scripture passage attached to the early Christian evidence page.

And all that believed were together, and had all things common;

Scripture passage attached to the early Christian evidence page.

And the apostles and brethren that were in Judaea heard that the Gentiles had also received the word of God.

Shows Judean believers hearing about Gentile inclusion

And when they heard that, they entered into the temple early in the morning, and taught. But the high priest came, and they that were with him, and called the council together, and all the senate of the children of Israel, and sent to the prison to have them brought.

Acts shows early teaching in the temple; background only

To the general assembly and church of the firstborn, which are written in heaven, and to God the Judge of all, and to the spirits of just men made perfect,

General church assembly wording, not specific enough

Then pleased it the apostles and elders with the whole church, to send chosen men of their own company to Antioch with Paul and Barnabas; namely, Judas surnamed Barsabas and Silas, chief men among the brethren:

Scripture passage attached to the early Christian evidence page.

Circumcised the eighth day, of the stock of Israel, of the tribe of Benjamin, an Hebrew of the Hebrews; as touching the law, a Pharisee;

Scripture passage attached to the early Christian evidence page.

And profited in the Jews' religion above many my equals in mine own nation, being more exceedingly zealous of the traditions of my fathers.

Scripture passage attached to the early Christian evidence page.

And some of them were men of Cyprus and Cyrene, which, when they were come to Antioch, spake unto the Grecians, preaching the LORD Jesus.

Scripture passage attached to the early Christian evidence page.

And when they were come to Jerusalem, they were received of the church, and of the apostles and elders, and they declared all things that God had done with them.

Shows the church and apostles receiving reports from Gentile mission work

And when James, Cephas, and John, who seemed to be pillars, perceived the grace that was given unto me, they gave to me and Barnabas the right hands of fellowship; that we should go unto the heathen, and they unto the circumcision.

Shows apostolic division of labor between Jews and Gentiles

For ye have heard of my conversation in time past in the Jews' religion, how that beyond measure I persecuted the church of God, and wasted it:

Scripture passage attached to the early Christian evidence page.

Give none offence, neither to the Jews, nor to the Gentiles, nor to the church of God:

Scripture passage attached to the early Christian evidence page.

These were more noble than those in Thessalonica, in that they received the word with all readiness of mind, and searched the scriptures daily, whether those things were so.

Scripture passage attached to the early Christian evidence page.

Then there arose a question between some of John's disciples and the Jews about purifying.

Scripture passage attached to the early Christian evidence page.

Then tidings of these things came unto the ears of the church which was in Jerusalem: and they sent forth Barnabas, that he should go as far as Antioch.

Scripture passage attached to the early Christian evidence page.

But the Jews which believed not, moved with envy, took unto them certain lewd fellows of the baser sort, and gathered a company, and set all the city on an uproar, and assaulted the house of Jason, and sought to bring them out to the people.

Scripture passage attached to the early Christian evidence page.