Understanding the Jewish Roots of the One, Holy, Catholic, and Apostolic Church
Jesus of Nazareth was born into a Jewish family, raised in the traditions of the Jewish faith, and honored the Law of Moses. He went to the synagogue, observed Jewish feasts, and quoted the Hebrew Scriptures. Yet, from within this sacred heritage, Jesus did something radically new—He fulfilled the Old Covenant and established a new one, giving birth to what we now call the Catholic Church.
1. Jesus Fulfilled, Not Abolished, the Old Covenant
Jesus Himself said:
“Do not think that I have come to abolish the Law or the Prophets; I have not come to abolish them but to fulfill them.” (Matthew 5:17)
By fulfilling the Law and the Prophets, Jesus revealed their deeper meaning. The rituals, sacrifices, and laws of the Old Covenant pointed toward Him—the true Lamb of God, the eternal High Priest, the final Sacrifice. The Jewish faith was a divine preparation for the coming of the Messiah and the establishment of a universal (catholic) faith.
2. Jesus Established a Visible Church
Jesus did not write a book—He built a Church.
“You are Peter, and on this rock I will build my Church, and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it.”(Matthew 16:18)
He chose the Twelve Apostles, mirroring the twelve tribes of Israel, to lead His new people. He gave them authority to teach, to forgive sins, to baptize, and to celebrate the Eucharist in His name.
This Church was not an invention of men—it was founded by Christ Himself and guided by the Holy Spirit.
3. The First Christians Were Jewish
The earliest followers of Jesus were devout Jews who recognized Him as the promised Messiah. They gathered to pray, broke bread in their homes (the Eucharist), and listened to the Apostles’ teaching. Over time, Gentiles (non-Jews) were welcomed into the Church as well, fulfilling the prophecy that all nations would come to worship the true God.
“Go therefore and make disciples of all nations…” (Matthew 28:19)
The Church quickly became universal—“catholic” in Greek—embracing all peoples, The New Covenant is rooted in the promises made to Abraham, so the New Testament would be incoherent without him.
4. The Eucharist: Fulfillment of the Passover
At the Last Supper, Jesus celebrated the Jewish Passover with His disciples—but He gave it new and eternal meaning.
“This is My Body… This is My Blood… Do this in memory of Me.” (Luke 22:19-20)
The Eucharist is the New Covenant Passover. Just as the blood of the lamb saved the Israelites from death in Egypt, so the blood of Christ saves us from eternal death.
5. From the Synagogue to the Sacraments
Early Christian worship followed Jewish synagogue patterns—Scripture readings, psalms, prayers—then culminated in the breaking of bread. Over time, Christ instituted the sacraments: visible signs of God’s grace, rooted in His earthly ministry, and carried on through the Church He established.
The seven sacraments (Baptism, Eucharist, Confirmation, Confession, Anointing of the Sick, Marriage, and Holy Orders) are the means by which Jesus continues to sanctify His people.
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