Feast-Keeping in the Early Church: History, Not Requirement
Many are surprised to learn that most, if not all, of the apostles continued observing the feast days and many rituals of the Mosaic law long after Jesus had inaugurated the New Covenant and ascended to heaven. Even more surprising, they also kept many of the other ceremonies, including sacrifices.
A Double Standard in the Early Church
In the early church, a double standard developed—Jewish Christians continued to observe Moses’ law, while Gentile Christians were explicitly exempt. This is clearly seen in Acts 21:18–26. When Paul visited Jerusalem, he reported to James and the elders about his ministry to the Gentiles. While they rejoiced in his success, they were deeply concerned about rumors that Paul was teaching Jews to forsake Moses.
To reassure the Jewish believers—who were described as “zealous for the law”—Paul was advised to join four men in a purification ritual that included shaving their heads and offering sacrifices. This act was meant to show that Paul also kept the law of Moses.
Significantly, the elders added:
“As touching the Gentiles which believe, we have written and concluded that they observe no such thing...” (Acts 21:25)
This statement clearly confirms that the Gentile Christians were not required to follow the Mosaic law. Only four basic guidelines were given to them, excluding the feasts and rituals altogether.
Why Did Jewish Believers Continue?
The ongoing observance among Jewish Christians was deeply rooted in their culture and national identity. Judaism had shaped every aspect of their lives—from birth to death. Letting go of the law of Moses was not easy. Romans 14:4–6 shows Paul encouraging patience and mutual respect as Jewish and Gentile believers navigated these changes.
Yet, some Jewish leaders—particularly James—clung tightly to the law. They feared that Christianity without the Mosaic framework would dissolve Jewish identity. Unfortunately, this led to compromise and inconsistency.
The Incident in Antioch
Paul’s rebuke of Peter in Galatians 2:11–13 exposes the problem. Peter had been freely eating with Gentile believers until some men “from James” arrived. Out of fear, Peter withdrew and segregated himself. His example influenced other Jews, including Barnabas. Paul called this behavior hypocrisy and stood against it publicly.
This reveals how deeply the Jerusalem leadership—especially James—insisted on maintaining Jewish traditions, even to the point of pressuring apostles like Peter.
Paul’s Lonely Stand
Paul consistently opposed this double standard. He emphasized the unity of all believers in Christ and rejected the reimposition of Mosaic laws on Christians. Yet, during his final visit to Jerusalem, he reluctantly agreed to the elders’ advice and participated in the vow and temple ritual. It was a moment of compromise in an otherwise uncompromising ministry.
A Warning for Today
The resurgence of feast-keeping among Christians today mirrors the early church's struggle. But the record of Scripture is clear: keeping Moses’ law was never required for Christians. It was a concession to Jewish culture—not a necessity for salvation or spiritual growth.
Turning back to the law—whether feast days or other ordinances—is a step away from the sufficiency of Christ. Christianity is not Judaism with Jesus added in; it is the reality that replaced the shadow.
“For Christ is the end of the law for righteousness to everyone that believes.” (Rom. 10:4)