Who were the Nazirenes?
The Nazirenes were part of a larger pre-Christian
Hebrew sect known as the Essenes. The
Aramaic/Hebrew meaning of the word "nazir",
is generally accepted to be "one
who sets himself apart". The suffix
"enes" comes from the remainder
of the word "yessene", the Aramaic/Hebrew
root from which Essenes is derived. It
means simply, "purity". Insomuch
as the Nazirenes arose out of the Essene
culture, it can be said that Nazirenes
were (or are) those who set themselves
apart to serve, or in service of the pure
Law/Lord.
What's the difference between the
Essenes and Nazirenes?
In simple terms, the Essenes of the first
century were more monastic than their
Nazirene counterparts. They were of a
learned, priestly cast, and were more
of a celibate sect than the Nazirenes.
Most modern day scholars equate Essenes
with a specific group of Hebrew monastics
who inherited or were the last guardians
of the library of Qumran. The Nazirenes
were a first century subsect of the Essenes,
following much of the same doctrine, many
of whom had wives and children.
Why wasn't the original Nazirene doctrine
taught?
In a series of Church "councils" beginning
at the Council of Nicea in 325 AD, Eusebius (Church
Father/Historian, who recorded the proceedings
thereof) and a clique of Church Fathers, at the
behest of Roman Emperor Constantine began a series
of editing Holy writ (among other things) that
culminated with Emperor Justinian in 550 AD. Justinian
outlawed any reference to Nazirites or Essenes
or any of their original teachings that did not
conform with Orthodoxy (Roman Church and State).
Those who taught or openly espoused them were
imprisoned, tortured, or put to death.
Who took over the Jerusalem Church after
Jesus?
Jesus brother, James the Just, was not only the
first Bishop of Jerusalem, but also the post-crucifixion
leader of the entire Nazirene movement. Being
also of the royal lineage, it was natural that
he would be the next leader of the Community.
Peter was named to serve James, and was the most
instrumental apostle in spreading the Nazirene
doctrine (The Way of The Law).
Why spell nazirenes with an "i"?
Nazir is the Aramaic /Hebrew root of Nazirene
and means "those who set themselves apart"
(in service of The Lord/The Law). Though there
are several other later spellings (Nazorean, Nazarene,
etc.) this is thought to be the most historically
accurate spelling.
What's different about this gospel?
This gospel is referred to by many Church Father/Historians
as the oldest of Hebrew gospels. In fact, their
references indicate it pre-dates most if not all
of the New Testament. It reveals a more historically
accurate set of doctrinal nuances from what is
conveyed in the Canonical Gospel texts which are
derived from fourth-century versions created under
the Nicean and other "councils" beginning
in 325AD and officially canonized in 406 A.D.
(St. Jerome's Latin Vulgate).
What's so important about another Gospel?
Many modern followers who say they are led by
"the Nazirene" have little or no historical
information as to what "Nazirene" actually
means. Having an historically based Gospel provides
them with a more accurate set of teachings from
which they may clarify their understanding of
the term and the original beliefs of the sect.
Where does this material come from and why
haven't I heard about it before?
This material has been available to those who
would diligently spend the weeks, months or even
years necessary to cull it from many vast volumes
of lengthy Church History and rare books. Because
of the rarity of some of the material, its contrary
message from traditional religious thought, and
the lack of time or desire to research it, many
people do not know that such material even exists.
