>>13825047The new covenant was, as I see it, muddied by Paul, who thought Peter arguing for "Judaizing" gentiles was hypocritical, when Peter himself was not really observant at that time. But the sentiment as I understood it, was taking to heart the torah, then gracefully trying to uphold the spirit of the text; rather than rigid pharisaic enforcement of the letter of the law. The people who did this, became the chosen people. Because after all, actions count more than words.
As for the peaceful pacifist angle, Jesus was no pacifist, but the Sanhedrin nipped his insurrection in the bud, so he couldn't set in motion what he had in mind. But I recall him telling the disciples to sell their shirts and buy swords instead, berserker style.
