Netzarim

[Dawid]

I have been very frustrated in the last couple of months, searching from one web site to another, Trying to learn and understand more about Nazarene/Messianic Jews and how they Relate to Christianity.

Many web sites have hidden agenda's and do not really give you the Full picture, but i did find one web site at <!-- m --><a class="postlink" href="http://www.netzari.info/how.htm">http://www.netzari.info/how.htm</a><!-- m --> , which I am really wanting to confirm with members here if this is indeed a true reflection of your core beliefs.

I would also love to learn more directly from You, just a basic outline of what Netzarim is all about!

Many thanks in Advance <!-- s --><img src="{SMILIES_PATH}/smile.gif" alt="" title="Smile" /><!-- s -->

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According to the original in Hebrew, where the word "Netzer" appears, it has nothing to do with Nazarenes or "Messianic Jews." (Isa. 48:1) The text talks about the Jewish People as one. The House of Jacob called by the modern name of Israel, sprung from the "netzer" of Judah. It means that the main part of the People comes from the stock of Judah, plus the few thousands from the Northern Tribes who joined Judah, and plus the converted from the Gentiles.

The Nazarenes were called Notzerim because of Jesus' origin from Nazareth. Today, it has been generalized to call Christians Notzerim here in Israel, but originally, Christianity started as Christians, because Paul would preach about Jesus as Christ. (Acts 11:26)

First, I disagree with the majority opinion on the origin of the term "netzari." It seems more likely to me that it comes from "natzar" than from "netzer." Thus it is used in the same sense as the Samaritans use "Shomrim." The Netzarim considered themselves the "keepers" of the faith.
Next, Notzrim is a medieval term, a derogatory derivative of Netzarim, of similar relation as "Yeshu" is to "Yeshua."