Initiation for Jews in the Jesus Movement Under Paul

This paper examines the role of water immersion for Jews in Pauline assemblies. By analyzing Paul’s letters alongside the Qumran literature, Philo and Josephus, we show that ancient Jewish groups understood the nature of circumcision and its requirement for Jews and proselytes. Extrapolating Paul’s apocalyptic theology reveals that physical lineage and eighth-day circumcision are insufficient to overcome universal sin in Paul’s thought. Water immersion serves as the essential vehicle for receiving pneuma, establishing pneumatic initiation as mandatory for both Jewish and Gentile believers to enter the true covenantal remnant.