Today there is a lot of discussion in the Messianic Jewish community about demographics, specifically the challenge of synagogues with Jewish minorities and Gentile majorities. Where do we turn for guidance on this subject? I would like to suggest that Paul’s letter to the congregation in Rome provides us with a davar davur al-ofnav (“a word fitly spoken” [Prov 25:11]) and points us in the right direction. Who planted the congregation in Rome? Luke tells us that “visitors from Rome, both Jews and proselytes” witnessed the great outpouring of the Ruach (Spirit) on the day of Shavuot /Pentecost in 30 C.E. (Acts 2:10–11). It is likely that these Jewish pilgrims returned to Rome and established the first community of Yeshua- believers in the city.

Over time, the demographics of the Messianic Jewish community in Rome changed. In the beginning, the community was entirely composed of Jews and proselytes. Then Gentiles joined their ranks, probably “God-fearers” at first (i.e. non-Jews who worshiped the God of Israel in the synagogue and adopted various Jewish customs, but not as a matter of covenantal responsibility). And finally, Gentiles with little prior connection to Jews and Judaism became followers of Yeshua and members of the community.