In Romans, Paul tells us what we believe and why we believe it. As we get into verse 17, Paul begins to address the Jews and their boastfulness. What does Paul mean when he uses the term ?Jew?? What does it mean to be a Jew? This lesson breaks down the history of Judaism and takes a look at the different ways this term (and other terms for Israel) have developed, as well as what Paul is saying about the significance of circumcision.

Jewish religious practice at this time observed strict separation from Gentile culture, even though the Jews did have a level of missionary activity. To disrupt centuries of tradition was truly revolutionary. Peter’s encounter with Cornelius, carefully orchestrated and revealed by God, signals a complete change of direction from strict observance of the law exclusive to the Jew, to universal inclusion of the Gentile in Grace. Peter had to contemplate the enormity of this change, but lost no time in obeying God and going to Cornelius in Caesarea. Cornelius and his family responded to Peter’s revelation of Truth. See how Cornelius and his family acted to fulfill God’s sign to the Jew of a judgment to come for national rejection of their Messiah.