Preamble
Why did the early Christians call themselves "the Way"? I think an answer to that question will tell us a lot about early Christianity and will provide us Christians today with a challenge as to how we ought to define ourselves.
Thesis
My thesis is this: early Christians called themselves "the Way" because salvation for early Christians is a journey the goal of which is to be with God. This way was exemplified by Jesus, which played out in his obedience (unto death) and resurrection--a course that is to be followed by his disciples.
Proof
Luke is clear in the book of Acts that the early Christians called themselves "the Way" (see 9:1; 18:25-26; 19:9, 23; 22:4; 24:14, 22). There are clues that this was a self-designation. The term probably comes from Isaiah 40:3, a verse quoted elsewhere in the New Testament (Mt. 3:3; Mk. 1:3; Lk 3:4; Jn 1:23). There is also evidence that the Jews at Qumran used Isa, 40:3 in a similar manner, but for them "the way" was a strict obedience to the law. Even so, the evidence of Qumran will bolster my argument later.
Jesus Followed the Way
Another point to establish is that Jesus followed the way. This is brought out in the reference to Isaiah 40:3 since this has to do with the way of the Lord (Jesus, for Christians), but it is also brought out in Acts (see 18:25-26). Of course the clearest example of this is John 14:6 where Jesus says he is the Way (more on this below).
The Way Followed by Jesus is to be the Way Followed by his Disciples
The gospel of Mark is especially telling that the way of Jesus is the way of the disciples. It is interesting that in all three major predictions of his death and resurrection, which just is "the way", we are told that Jesus said these things on the way! (see Mk. 8:27; 9:33-34; and 10:32). These predictions of Jesus' fate are all tied to the fate of his disciples. The way of Jesus is the way of the disciples. Even outsiders knew that Jesus taught the way of God (Mk. 12:14).
More Evidence that the Way is about a Course in Life
The use of the word "way" in the New Testament refers to concrete actions (works if you will). In Matthew 21:32 we are told about the way of righteousness (see also 2 Peter 2:21) and in 2 Peter 2:2 we are told about the way of truth. A very nice segue to my discussion of the Gospel of John is Hebrews 10:20, where Jesus has opened a new and living way.
John
In John 14:6 we are told that Jesus is the way, the truth and the life. He is the way to the Father because he obeyed and was resurrected to be with God (a prominent theme in the gospel--13:1, 3, 33, 36; 14:12, 28; 16:5-7, 16-22, 28; 17:11, 13). It's probable that in John 14:3, the way governs both the truth and life. Jesus is the way to truth and the way to life. He is the way to truth because he obeyed God. In John 3:21, we are told to "do the truth"--a very odd way of talking to us evangelicals! The way of truth as a course of action is also found in Psalms 119:30 and 86:11. Truth even leads to life (see Prov. 15:24; Jer, 21:8; Psalms 16:11). Jesus leads to life because he conquered death. Jesus leads the way to the Father and his example is to be followed (see the conversation with Peter in Jn. 13:36-38).
Theological Upshot
It is a very significant fact that Christians called themselves "the Way". The way is not just about beliefs and though it is true Christians were called believers, they were and we are to be much more than that!
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this is interesting. i have a question, then, based on the actions premise: "so what" as we say in the army. how does this "way" manifest itself in the command from jesus to love your neighbor as is s/she was you-yourself?
ReplyDeletehow do you add to the life, love, joy, and comfort of your brothers and sisters - regardless of their status, identity, circumstance, history, etc.?
if the way is obedience to the two great commandments extends unto death, does it not also extend to personal discomfort and distaste?
i suppose i am asking blunly: "so what. just how christian are you?"
this is a question, not intended to be admonishment or accusation.
Thanks for your reply, I don't get many so I don't regularly check when I get them. I guess I'm not sure what you're asking. My main point was the "the way" is not a really good way of designating a set of beliefs, which is what I think Evangelical Christianity has turned Christianity into. One wouldn't usually say: I have a different way of believing and if he or she did say that, they would probably explain their different way of believing by showing how it resulted in different consequences, that is, different actions. Any way, could you explain a bit more your beef (your: "so what"). Thanks!
DeleteHi there late reply again but just been looking at this topic myself and stumbled across this thread. I think 1 John chapter 2 vs. 1-11 could be really helpful in pulling your two posts together as it seems to tie the instruction to 'walk in the light' together with Jesus commandment to love your neighbour .
DeleteI am a Catholic who also attends Evangelical and Non-denominational churches.
ReplyDeleteThank you for you insight into Christianity previously known as the "Way." Perhaps you are aware of the fact that this is a very old Catholic teaching. Salvation is a process of becoming righteous not merely a faith based profession of belief. Salvation without transformation of character is impotent and is a perversion of the Gospel. Salvation is reconciliation with God. We are saved from sin, thus continuing in sinfulness after being saved is an oxymoron. Therefore salvation is a process. A holy God cannot be reconciled and united to a sinful defiant person. Perhaps the Protestant denominations that preach Faith and Grace salvation alone while yet remaining sinful, really mean that Gods forgiveness is always granted to those who seek it? That is true. However the wages of sin is death and therefore the sinful cannot also be saved because they yet remain sinful. Righteousness and holiness are salvation from sin. These are found in the redeemed who follow the “Way” who is Christ. First there is grace manifest in Christ, then when we believe we also necessarily act in obedience with the works (fruits) of our deeds. Either fruits of the flesh onto death or fruits of the spirit onto life. Gal 5
Gal 5:24-25 DRB And they that are Christ's have crucified their flesh, with the vices and concupiscences. (25) If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit.
Joh 14:4 DRB And whither I go you know: and the way you know.
Jas 2:12-22 NRSV-CE So speak and so act as those who are to be judged by the law of liberty. (13) For judgement will be without mercy to anyone who has shown no mercy; mercy triumphs over judgement. (14) What good is it, my brothers and sisters, if you say you have faith but do not have works? Can faith save you? (15) If a brother or sister is naked and lacks daily food, (16) and one of you says to them, 'Go in peace; keep warm and eat your fill', and yet you do not supply their bodily needs, what is the good of that? (17) So faith by itself, if it has no works, is dead. (18) But someone will say, 'You have faith and I have works.' Show me your faith without works, and I by my works will show you my faith. (19) You believe that God is one; you do well. Even the demons believe--and shudder. (20) Do you want to be shown, you senseless person, that faith without works is barren? (21) Was not our ancestor Abraham justified by works when he offered his son Isaac on the altar? (22) You see that faith was active along with his works, and faith was brought to completion by the works.
Christ is the “Way” that we follow onto salvation and righteousness. "Take up your crass and follow me".. Obedience and repentance are necessary works that merit salvation in which we become a living sacrifice onto Gods holiness manifest within us.
Rom 12:1-2 DRB I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercy of God, that you present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, pleasing unto God, your reasonable service. (2) And be not conformed to this world: but be reformed in the newness of your mind, that you may prove what is the good and the acceptable and the perfect will of God.
Can anyone give me a short synopsis of 'Christianity when it became known as The Way'? My professor husband and I are taking a group of students to Africa next spring, and midway between his lectures, I will be doing short meditations. I'd like to refer to 'The Way', but need more background on it. Thanks!
ReplyDeleteActually, “The Way” is the description the Apostles used for themselves throughout the Book of Acts that derived from Jesus’ description of himself when he says in John 14:6 “I am the way, and the truth, and the light. No one comes to the Father except through me.” So Jesus did not follow “The Way.” He is “The Way.” Our works don’t make us holy. Jesus does. He is truth. He is the only way into the holy places. We must die to ourselves and trust in him for only he can save us and make us righteous—not our own works. That is the gospel message. And that must never be changed and replaced with works-based theology.
ReplyDeleteAnd John H, this applies to all who repent and put their trust in Jesus rather than themselves. We are made righteous when we are saved. And the works thereafter that are attributed to the Holy Spirit is was sanctifies us. If there are no fruits of the Spirit, then we were never saved. We must always test ourselves with the scripture. Have you put your faith in Jesus Christ or in your own works that you believe will make you righteous?