prosely-
(Greek > Latin: convert; stranger, one who has come over; to come to; to surrender; to associate with)
In the Bible, a Proselyte Is Someone Who Has Changed from One Religious Belief or Group to Another One.
In biblical studies, this term refers especially to Gentiles (non-Jews) who became members of the Hebrew or Jewish religion.
In the Old Testament, many laws recognize the rights and places of resident aliens, or non-Israelites, living permanently in Israel; although they had to observe certain laws, could offer sacrifice and, if circumcised, could take part in Passovers or the religious festivals commemorating God's deliverance of the Jews from bondage when the Israelites left Egypt.
From the second century B.C. into the fourth century A.D., some evidence indicates that many Gentiles were attracted to Judaism because of its monotheism, moral ethics, and Sabbath observance.
Gentiles were impressed by three features of Judaism.
- The concept of one God who creates, sustains, and rules all things was clearly superior to polytheistic views.
- Judaism stressed a life-style of moral responsibility with its monotheism.
- It was a religion of ancient and stable tradition in contrast to the various cults that were popular for short periods while they changed their myths from one concept to another.