What is established
A first-century beginning
The first followers of Jesus were all Jews, and the Jerusalem church was led by Jewish apostles (Acts 15). The modern Messianic movement grew mainly from the 1960s–70s.
Today
Estimates speak of roughly 15,000–30,000 Messianic believers in Israel in some 300 congregations, many Hebrew-speaking, some Russian- or Amharic-speaking.
Legal position
Israel's Supreme Court ruled (Rufeisen 1962; Beresford 1989) that Jews who believe in Jesus are not entitled to immigrate under the Law of Return as Jews, though those with a qualifying relative may still qualify.
Where people differ
- Most Jewish communities regard faith in Jesus as leaving Judaism; Messianic Jews see it as fulfilment of their Jewish identity.
Biblical reflection
The existence of Jewish believers is itself a sign that God has not rejected His people (Romans 11:1–5). Churches abroad can support them without making Jewish identity a mere stepping-stone.
Scripture: Acts 2:36–41; 15:1–21; Romans 11:1–5
Questions readers ask
Are Messianic Jews Christians?
They share faith in Jesus as Messiah and Son of God, but most prefer 'Messianic Jew' and keep Jewish customs and festivals.
Sources
Related explainers
Romans 9–11 and the olive treeAliyah: Jewish return to the landPalestinian ChristiansAll explainers