Ebionism
In one sentence
A label for early Jewish-Christian groups commonly associated with denial of Christ’s full deity and strict Torah observance.
In simple terms
A label for some early Jewish-Christian groups that retained obligatory Mosaic law and generally held a low Christology.
Biblical truth
The New Testament confesses Jesus as Messiah and Lord, teaches justification apart from works of the law, and receives Gentiles as full members of God’s people in Christ.
Key Scriptures
John 1:1–14 · Acts 15:7–29 · Rom. 3:28–30 · Gal. 2:15–21 · Col. 2:16–17
Example
Jesus is understood as a specially chosen human Messiah while Torah observance remains obligatory for followers.
Who holds it
Several ancient Jewish-Christian groups described by church writers; their exact boundaries and beliefs are difficult to reconstruct.
Not to be confused with
Not all early Jewish Christians or modern Messianic Jews should be labeled Ebionites.
History
Information comes mainly from polemical sources of the second through fourth centuries; the name is probably related to the Hebrew word for “poor.”
Main point of debate
Historical debate concerns whether there was one coherent Ebionite movement or several distinct groups later gathered under one label.