Since there was little or nothing in Jesus' own reported teachings which required the repudiation of the Torah, it was possible to be a Jewish Christian, and considerable numbers in the first generations after his death were just that, both inside Palestine and beyond.
Simon Schama's book, "The Story of the Jews," highlights how early followers of Jesus often maintained their Jewish identity. In the initial years following Jesus' death, many of his teachings did not contradict traditional Jewish laws and customs, allowing for a blend of beliefs. This created a space for Jewish Christians to exist comfortably within the framework of Judaism.
The idea of Jewish Christianity indicates that the early church was not solely a departure from Jewish tradition but rather a continuation of it for many believers. Both in Palestine and beyond, these Jewish Christians navigated their faith by incorporating elements of Jesus' message with their Jewish heritage, resulting in a diverse religious landscape in the early years of Christianity.
