Peter, James, and John. Paul and his missionary companion, Barnabas. All of these men were Jews, though we identify them with "the origins of Christianity." This is because we know that their efforts would eventually lead to the formation of that later - and predominantly gentile - religious community. But they did not know this. Committed to their movement's core prophecy - "The times are fulfilled, and the Kingdom of God is at hand! Repent, and trust in the good news!" - they foresaw no extended future. They passionately believed that God was about to fulfill his ancient promises to Israel: to redeem history, to defeat evil, to raise the dead, and to establish a universal reign of justice and peace.
- From When Christians Were Jews: The First Generation by Paula Fredriksen
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