The relationship between Judaism and Christianity during the early formative years involved a significant and contentious dialogue, especially surrounding the holidays of Passover and Easter. This tension persisted even after the Council of Nicaea in 325, when a clear distinction was made between the two celebrations. The council, attended by Emperor Constantine, mandated that if both holidays occurred on the same day, the Jewish observance of Passover would be shifted to accommodate the Christian Easter. This decision reflected the ongoing rivalry between the two faiths.

Despite formal attempts to separate the holidays, the interaction and discord between Judaism and Christianity continued to influence their respective practices and beliefs. This ongoing contention illustrates the complexities of their relationship during this period, highlighting how the early church navigated its identity in contrast to Judaism, further solidifying the distinctions between the two religions.