Israel, the Church, and Antisemitism | What the Church Needs to Hear

In Romans 11, Paul warns Believers against ignorance and arrogance towards Israel. Have we heeded the warning?  Truly, if Paul’s words were taken to heart, replacement theology/supersessionism would never have been instituted, and the violence that it historically permitted against Jewish people would never have had an open door. The Holocaust, events of October 7th, blood libel, and relentless attempts to delegitimize God’s covenant purpose are fueled by an ancient poison well. 

As we look at a historical overview, clarify terms, and address misused phrases that have empowered antisemitism in the Church, ask the Holy Spirit to speak to your heart and show you how He’s calling you to be an agent of healing and reconciliation.

What Is Antisemitism?

Antisemitism, in essence, is Jew-hatred. Though the term “semite” was historically used to describe not only Hebrew people, but all in the Middle East/African region who spoke Semitic languages, the term “antisemitism” became predominantly associated with Jew-hatred in the 1880s.

This hatred, ancient and well documented, has crossed generations and borders and tragically infiltrated the Church in its early stages.

The Rise of Antisemitism In the Early Church

Below is a brief summary of the breach between the Church and its Jewish roots – a breach that permitted antisemitism to be bolstered by a movement that should have been the loudest voice against it. 

Those who were once far away (Gentiles) were brought near through the writing, preaching, and sacrifice of Jewish apostles. Yet instead of gratitude to be grafted into the root (Israel) that supports them, willful ignorance and arrogance bred the very apostasy Paul warned against in Romans 11. 

Man’s religion, rules, and regulations hijacked the power of the Acts Church–Jew and Gentile united in Messiah Jesus–and the cost was far greater than many understand. 

How the Church Forsook the Root That Supports Her 

• 100 A.D. – Bishop Ignatius of Antioch declared, “To profess Jesus Christ while continuing to follow Jewish customs is an absurdity. The Christian faith does not look to Judaism… it is wrong to talk about Jesus Christ and live like Jews.”
• 177 A.D. – Irenaeus stated, “… they who boast themselves as being from the house of Jacob and the people of Israel are disinherited from the grace of God.”
• AD 306 – The Council at Elvira convened and outlawed Christians from receiving a blessing from Jewish people or Jewish people blessing their lands.
• AD 325 – Constantine called together the Council of Nicea, of which no Jewish Believers were invited or present. He instated “Easter” to replace Passover and urged Christians to disassociate from “the most detestable Jewish crowd.”
• AD 331-396 – St. Gregory of Nyssa describes the Jews as “slayers of the Lord, murderers of the prophets, enemies of God, haters of God, adversaries of grace…”
• 4th century – St. John Chrysostom said, “They worship the devil; assemblies of criminals. God hates the Jews. They are absolutely abandoned, no expiation, no indulgence, no pardon.”

• AD 589 – The Council of Toledo made it illegal for Jewish people to hold public office.
• AD 612-621 – King Sisebut demanded that Jewish people be forcibly baptized or pushed into exile.
• AD 1096 – The First Crusade was launched, also known as the first Holocaust. Thousands of Jewish people were massacred for refusing baptism.
• AD 1146 – The Second Crusade began, unleashing more massacres upon Jewish communities. Radulphe, a French monk who incited much of the violence, stated, “The Jews should be slain as enemies of the Christian religion.” 
• 12th century –The blood libel arose that Jews were killing Christians, especially children, and using their blood to drink for Passover.
• AD 1179 & 1215 – Lateran Councils ordered separate quarters and distinctive clothes for Jewish people, including a yellow oval badge, a precursor for the distinctive clothing and badge ordered by the Nazis in 20th-century Germany.

This is just a small sample of the codified and intentional cruelty that culminated in unspeakable atrocities and violence. Synagogues were burned, crusades were waged, massacres were justified, and through writings like Martin Luther’s, “The Jews and Their Lies,” and John Chrysostom’s deceitful and hateful homilies, Hitler built the political and institutional architecture for the Holocaust. Many ancient antisemitic tropes also find their origin in the voices of the church fathers. 

Before there is restoration, there must be corporate repentance. God is calling His Bride to awareness, prayerful action, and a breakaway from the corrupted theology that undergirded the worst crimes in human history against Jewish people.  

For more information and a thorough analysis of the Church’s tragic history, see When a Jew Rules the World: What the Bible Really Says about Israel in the Plan of God by Joel Richardson.

Antisemitism On the Rise Today

On the world stage today, the effects of antisemitism are front and center. God is asking Believers, “How will you respond?”  

• A study of over 10,000 Americans aged 18-39 revealed that more than 10% believe that the Jewish people caused the Holocaust, while 23% thought that the Holocaust was a myth or exaggerated.
• On October 7th, 2023, when Hamas terrorists broke across Israel’s border, murdering over 1,200 Israeli civilians and taking hundreds hostage, instead of outrage, the world largely celebrated, denied, or justified the attack. 
• In 2024, there were 9,345 recorded antisemitic incidents in America alone, a 344% increase over the past five years. 
• On May 21, 2025, a Messianic Jewish couple, Yaron Lischinsky and Sarah Lynn Milgrim, were shot and killed in DC outside of the Capital Jewish Museum, simply for being Jewish and associated with Israel. 
• December 14, 2025, terrorists opened fire at a Hanukkah celebration in Bondi Beach, Australia, murdering 15 Jewish people and wounding many more.  
• Popular American liberal and conservative voices have mainstreamed and reintroduced antisemitic conspiracy theories and tropes to the next generation, scapegoating Israel and the Jewish people with the same narratives employed by Nazi Germany. 

Violence is motivated by words, narratives, and alignment with lies. This ancient agenda against Israel and the Jewish people is fueled by the antichrist spirit, Satan’s narrative to delegitimize the land and people that birthed his downfall. The prophets foretold that many in the last days will come against Jerusalem, and God will judge the nations that curse His people and celebrate their suffering (see Joel 3, Zechariah 12:2-3). Learn more about Israel and Bible Prophecy here. 

As Believers, we cannot align with the world’s lies; we cannot treat scripture carelessly and break God’s heart in the name of loving Him. Let’s look at biblical phrases that have been knowingly or unknowingly used to fuel antisemitic perspectives within the Church. Fighting antisemitism starts with breaking the age-old, corrupted belief systems that have fueled and supported it. 

The Synagogue of Satan & The Israel of God

You may have heard the term “Synagogue of Satan” from Revelation weaponized against Israel and the Jewish people today, and the term “Israel of God” from Galatians 6:16 to justify replacement theology (and its associates, fulfillment, inclusion, and covenant theology). Let’s look at both phrases for clarity and context. 

Who Is the ‘Synagogue of Satan’?

In Revelation, there are references to impostors claiming to be Jewish (Revelation 2:9, 3:9), referred to as the “Synagogue of Satan”. The term “synagogue” is not Hebrew, but Greek in origin, sunagōgē, and simply means “congregation” or “assembly.” A fair translation would also be “congregation of Satan”. 

In context, this is not a reference to Israel and the Jewish people today. It is a judgment on non-Jewish impostors claiming an identity that is not theirs. Replacement theology falls close to this description–claiming to be the “new Jews” or the “true Israel” is a theology built on lies that will be judged. As Paul warns in Romans 11:17-22, 

“And if some of the branches were broken off, and you, being a wild olive tree, were grafted in among them, and with them became a partaker of the root and fatness of the olive tree, do not boast against the branches. But if you do boast, remember that you do not support the root, but the root supports you.

You will say then, “Branches were broken off that I might be grafted in.” Well said. Because of unbelief they were broken off, and you stand by faith. Do not be haughty, but fear. For if God did not spare the natural branches, He may not spare you either.  Therefore consider the goodness and severity of God: on those who fell, severity; but toward you, goodness, if you continue in His goodness. Otherwise you also will be cut off.” (emphasis added)

Who Is the ‘Israel of God ’? 

The assertion that the Church has replaced Israel as the “Israel of God” is not only profoundly dangerous but has no biblical basis and is not supported by Galatians 6:16. 

The passage states:

• “For in Christ Jesus neither circumcision nor uncircumcision avails anything, but a new creation. And as many as walk according to this rule, peace and mercy be upon them [grafted in Believers], and upon the Israel of God [Jewish Believers].” –Galatians 6:15-16 (NKJV)

Paul is speaking of salvation through new birth, not works, as offered to both Jewish people and Gentiles. In context, “The Israel of God” is not referring to the Church at large, but the House of Israel, and more specifically Jewish Believers completed in Messiah. 

Paul’s theology regarding the continuing purpose and future of physical, ethnic Israel is clearly outlined in Romans 11.  He opens the passage with this very question: “I say then, has God cast away His people? Certainly not! For I also am an Israelite, of the seed of Abraham, of the tribe of Benjamin. God has not cast away His people whom He foreknew.” (v 1). He explains the distinction between the Church and Israel, as well as God’s eternal plan and covenant with the Jewish people, saying of Israel, the “gift and calling of God are irrevocable” (Romans 11:29).

The eternal and unconditional nature of the Abrahamic and Davidic covenants– God’s promise to give Israel land and a Messianic King– is reaffirmed throughout scripture (Genesis 17, Psalm 105:8-11; 2 Samuel 7; Jeremiah 31:35-36) and is still playing out before our eyes, culminating in Jesus, the Lion of Judah’s return to Israel, where He will sit on David’s throne and rule and reign for a thousand years (Zechariah 14). 

This is the beautiful story, testifying to God’s character and heart, that Believers are joined to. We are united together through Messiah Jesus as One New Humanity (Ephesians 2)–not one better than the other or one replacing the other, but mutually grateful to the God of Israel who keeps His covenant and extends salvation to all humanity. “For God has bound everyone over to disobedience so that he may have mercy on them all.” –Romans 11:32

Is Anti-Zionism Antisemitism? 

Despite being one of the most vilified words of our time, Zionism has a simple and biblical definition. In essence, Zionism is the belief that the Jewish people have a right to self-determination in their historic homeland. It is not merely political but prophetic, aligning with God’s promise to bring the Jewish people back to their homeland as a light to the nations. 

Many people, including Christians, have been deceived by the world’s redefinition of Zionism, associating it with colonialism, apartheid, hatred, and global agendas. But when we look at the history, biblical prophecy, and understand Satan’s targeted campaign to delegitimize God’s character and covenant, the truth becomes clear. 

Israel’s rebirth on the world stage testifies to God’s power, integrity, and intent as covenant-keeper. The world cannot accept this. It certainly cannot celebrate it. So it must delegitimize it. It must explain it away as a conspiracy. 

Because if it’s real…

If God is really a promise-keeper…

If He is returning to Israel to rule and reign and judge…

Then the world must reckon with Him and ultimately bow to Him.

The anti-zionist narrative has antisemitic roots and ultimately is motivated by the antichrist spirit that seeks to “rage against the holy covenant” (Daniel 11:28-31) and resist the return of Jesus. 

Learn more about Zionism here, and how Israel’s rebirth fulfills biblical prophecy. 

What Will You Do?

In this hour of decision, we must ask ourselves: are we participating in Satan’s narrative or aligning with God’s Word? Are we willing to stand for truth even if it means standing alone? Will we be informed, biblically grounded, and humble regarding Israel and her people? Or forsake Paul’s warning, choosing ignorance and arrogance? God is calling for restoration. He is moving to bring beauty for ashes. Will you be a part of it?