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Bible Studies/Why did God choose the jews?
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Question
Why did God choose Jesus to be of Jewish descent?
Why couldn't Jesus have been of Japanese descent or African descent?
In theory, God could have chosen any ethnic group or even none at all. However, He did decide that the Messiah would come in a particular way at a particular time.
To ask why Jesus came from the Jews is to ask why God chose Abraham. The Old Testament tells us that preparation for the Messiah began with God's selection of Abraham to be the forefather of the Redeemer.
St. Paul says in Rom 4:1ff that God chose Abraham because of His gift of faith.
In the final analysis, to understand the plan of God would be to know clearly the mind of God. That will have to wait for heaven.
Best wishes, Richard.
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Edward Bode
Expertise
A scholar of Jewish and Christian scripture (biblical studies), I hold graduate degrees from three universities in Rome [Italy]: Pontifical Gregorian University, Pontifical Biblical Institute, and the University of St. Thomas. I also have a master's degree in English. My special interests are the gospels of the New Testament and the resurrection of Jesus Christ.
Experience
I have taught at three universities and two colleges. My published works include one book, several articles in scholarly journals, and numerous book reviews.
I hold a doctorate in sacred theology from the University of St. Thomas in Rome, Italy; a license in sacred scripture from the Pontifical Biblical Institute in Rome; a license in sacred theology from the Pontifical Gregorian University in Rome.Additionally, I earned a master's degree in English from the University of Missouri in Columbia, Mo., and a bachelor of journalism from the same university.
I have been a member of the Catholic Biblical Association of America for 40 years. I am a former member of Society of Biblical Literature.I have spoken on academic topics to local, national, and international groups.
Education/Credentials
I hold graduate degrees from three universities in Rome [Italy]: Pontifical Gregorian University, Pontifical Biblical Institute, and the University of St. Thomas.
I also have a master's degree in English.
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