The first Christians of Rome were Jews or Sebomenoi (Godfearers),who were gentiles attached to the synogogue but not total converts. To become a convert, or a proselyte, would be to adopt the Law of Moses with all its prohibitions. They believed that by faith in Jesus a new covenant was established with Him, one that offered the free gift of salvation by His death on the cross. No longer were they under the bondage of adhering strictly to the Law of Moses, but walked in freedom from works by faith in Jesus.
Because of this, the synogogue in Rome began to divide into two distinct groups: Judaism and Christianity. The synogogue could not support or tolerate such a division in belief.
My research and study of the historical, religious, and artistic happenings and figures of 1st C. Italy through the Renaissance.
