Page 120 - Prophet Jesus (Pbuh): A Prophet Not A Son, Of God

118 Prophet Jesus (pbuh): A Prophet, Not A Son, of God

Oppressing the Nazareans

According to the Book of Acts, the Nazareans made Jewish religious
figures uneasy. This unease grew as their message continued to spread.
Both the Jewish religious establishment and the Roman occupation ad-
ministration incited by them came to regard the Nazareans as a political
threat and began targeting them. According to historical records, the pol-
icy of oppressing the Nazareans grew apace. They were subjected to ar-
rest and flogging, and were warned not to talk about Prophet Jesus
(pbuh). This oppression increased considerably in 48-49. Finally, around
62-65, the Nazarean leader was arrested and executed. According to the
New Testament, the Nazareans were unable to reach an understanding

with the other Jews, particularly the religious establishment (the
Sadducees and Pharisees), because the latter group consisted of those
who nullify the word of God by your tradition that you have handed down.
(Mark 7:13)
According to the New Testament, the distinguishing feature of this
community, led by Prophet Jesus' (pbuh) family and the apostles, was
their belief in God as the One and Only. For the Nazareans, Prophet Jesus
(pbuh) was a chosen messenger of God. Belief in the trinity meant nothing to

them, for what mattered to them was his message. Indeed, Nazarean texts
– such as the Epistle of James – all call on belief in God and concentrate
on matters of faith.
Between 48 and 49, the Roman governor crucified many Nazareans,
for it was thought that they played a role in every uprising against Rome.
This oppression continued during the 50s. In 65, the Nazarean commu-
nity left Jerusalem and migrated to Mesopotamia.

Heretics and Ebionites

From the second century on, the Church Fathers began to call the