It is incorrect to say that Paul taught for Jewish Christians to abandon either the commandments of the Law of Moses or even the customs of Judaism (as long as those customs did not contradict the Law).
This is not a claim I ever made, and I don't find it in the quote you provided. We're not talking about Jewish Christians, but Gentile converts. I have not seen anywhere where Paul told Jewish Christians to abandon Judaism. I thought I was pretty clear that the problem was that Jewish Christians demanded Gentiles fully convert to Judaism before they could believe in Christ. This is what horrified Paul. For example, I don't mean to diminish the importance of circumcision to Jews as a cultural tradition, but is it a requirement to go to heaven? The Judaizers said so. But why did Jesus die on the cross, then?
“For example, I don’t mean to diminish the importance of circumcision to Jews as a cultural tradition, but is it a requirement to go to heaven?”
First, thanks for clearing up my misunderstanding of your point on the subject.
You’ve raised an interesting question. Obviously circumcision is not a requirement for Heaven or even pleasing God for Gentile believers.
What about Jewish believers?
Circumcision was very important to God for Abraham’s descendants. Look how God simultaneously sent Moses from Sinai but also opposed him on his way to Egypt. He was disobedient to God’s instruction to Abraham, even before the Law was given to Moses.
But circumcision was something not consented to ordinarily because it was carried out on baby boys before they were old enough to consent. This means that any physical descendant of Abraham who comes to Christ uncircumcised had parents who failed to carry out God’s command. Paul taught in all churches to remain in one’s calling. This applies to circumcised and uncircumcised. But we do have the example of Timothy.
Of course, salvation is not by our works of righteousness. This includes even things God commanded for all believers such as baptism. So, in the same sense, Jewish believers, in my opinion, should get circumcised if they are not already. But this is an act of obedience rather than a step required to receive salvation in Christ. Salvation does require surrendering our lives in acknowledgment that Jesus is Lord. This is an essential confession which can only happen through the work of the Holy Spirit revealing the truth of this statement. So, while specific acts of obedience are not the prerequisite of salvation per se, a true believer is naturally going to seek to follow Christ in obedience to whatever He tells us. True faith is the condition of an obedient heart.
That’s my best shot at addressing a very challenging question.
I think the issue of dietary restrictions is more difficult though. These came with the giving of the Law. I do believe God intended for Jewish believers to continue to observe these ordinances. On the other hand, the unity of the body of Christ, including all Jew and Gentile believers, is absolutely essential. There should be no barrier to fellowship. So, if Gentiles are free to eat pork, and Jews are not, then how do they share a meal together without this becoming an obstacle?
Personally, I’ve traveled and eaten meals with a friend who is a Messianic Jew and does not always observe the dietary laws. I leave this to his own conscience. It does not bother me that he eats shellfish, though I think he ought to follow the Biblical dietary ordinances for Jews. But it is between him and God. On the other hand I’ve had Christian friends who were ethnically Jewish who never had been practicing Jews, and they did not even attempt to follow Kosher ordinances. Again, this is between them and God. Maybe I would feel differently if I was responsible for their spiritual care or if I was Jewish myself.
What is you opinion on these matters?