The Christian - Essene Connection



Are the Essenes and Christians truly connected... or do they simply share a few of the same beliefs? Below is a partial list of their parallel beliefs. In the weeks to come, we'll be adding a great deal more... but the ones listed here make a strong case by themselves. Read through them... then YOU decide!

1. Josephus Flavius, a famous first century historian, records that "there were three (Jewish) sects, the Pharisees, Sadducees, and Essenes." The Bible makes no mention of the Essenes, but agrees there were indeed three main sects in that time... the Pharisees, Sadducees and Christians.

2. In the writings of Josephus, he gives a lengthy description of the Essenes and their customs. For each one, there is scripture in the Bible that records followers of the early Christian church observing the exact same customs. Yet Josephus also wrote that the Essenes were a very unique sect... that there were no others like them!

3. Today, many believe the Essenes were simply a small group who lived in the Dead Sea area, and kept to themselves. However the first century historian Josephus wrote that the Essenes "...do not live in any particular town, but in EVERY town the Order has its respective 'house'.  ...In this 'house' the members take their abode when they arrive on their travels, and they are supplied with all they want." It is well documented that the Christians spread far and wide... and the Bible contains many passages that describe the disciples traveling from town to town and resting at the 'house' of a member from the 'church'.

4. One of the most unique 'customs' of the Essenes was that they shared all their possessions. Josephus wrote "The laws of the (Essene) Order regulate that everyone that enters into the Brotherhood gives up all his property and wealth." The Bible records that those in the early church also followed this custom. Acts 4:32 states "Now the company of believers was of one heart and soul, and not one of them claimed that anything he possessed was his own, but everything they had was in common and for the use of all." (AV Version)

5. The Essenes required a person to commit to a three year study period, prior to acceptance into the Brotherhood. The Bible records that Paul (who wrote a large part of the Bible's New Testament) withdrew for a 3 year period just prior to beginning his preaching.

6. In the Dead Sea Scrolls, the Essenes record that a man who had studied with them for a three year period, had betrayed them, and was spreading 'lies' about their faith. This person is simply referred to in these writings as "The Liar". The Bible and several other historical manuscripts record that there was much disagreement between Paul and some of the disciples and leaders of the early church. Paul was teaching that observance of certain Jewish customs or 'laws' was not a requirement for salvation. He defends himself in the Bible, claiming "I am NOT a liar!"

7. Many claim that the Essenes lived a celibate life, and that few if any were married. However, Josephus records "The Essenes consider that everybody who does not marry, hereby affects the propagation and destination of mankind, as men would soon cease to exist otherwise." They believed you should marry, "not from lust, but to fulfill the command of Jehovah, 'Be fruitful, increase and fill the earth'." All Jewish sects seemed to share this same belief. Marriage was expected of everyone who was physically able... and it was a requirement for anyone who wished to become a Rabbi (teacher) or hold a high position in the Jewish community.

As I stated above, this in itself is enough to build a strong case for them being the same group... but there is MUCH more! I'll be adding more to this list in the weeks and months to come!


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