Ebionite (Noun)
Meaning
A member of a group of Jews who (during the early history of the Christian Church) accepted Jesus as the Messiah; they accepted the Gospel According to Matthew but rejected the Epistles of St. Paul and continued to follow Jewish law and celebrate Jewish holidays; they were later declared heretic by the Church of Rome.
Classification
Nouns denoting people.
Examples
- The Ebionite community was known for its unique blend of Jewish and Christian traditions, which set them apart from other early Christian groups.
- As an Ebionite, Sarah continued to observe the Sabbath and follow Jewish dietary laws, even as she accepted Jesus as the Messiah.
- The Ebionites' rejection of the Epistles of St. Paul was seen as a major point of contention with the Church of Rome, which ultimately led to their declaration as heretics.
- Historians have long been fascinated by the Ebionites, who represent one of the earliest and most intriguing branches of Jewish Christianity.
- Despite being declared heretic, the Ebionite movement continued to thrive in certain regions, with many of its adherents maintaining a distinct cultural and religious identity.