What do Nazarenes believe and represent?

Historical Context of the Term “Nazarene”

The term “Nazarene” most prominently appears in connection with Jesus of Nazareth. In the Berean Standard Bible, Matthew 2:23 states, “And He went and lived in a town called Nazareth. So was fulfilled what was spoken through the prophets: ‘He will be called a Nazarene.’” The family of terms related to Nazareth (which was a small town in Galilee) and Nazarene (referring to one from Nazareth) became an identity marker both for Jesus and for His early followers. Over time, “Nazarene” was also used to describe believers who lived according to Jesus’s teachings (cf. Acts 24:5).

Archaeological and historical records affirm the existence of Nazareth in the first century, though it was a modest settlement. Excavations have unearthed storage pits, rock-cut tombs, and other indicators of a Jewish community. These finds help confirm the biblical narrative that Jesus was indeed raised in a real locale called Nazareth, which was significant in shaping His earthly reputation (John 1:46 describes skepticism about anything good coming from Nazareth).

Scriptural Foundation of Nazarene Identity

1. Jesus as “the Nazarene”

Throughout the New Testament, Jesus is repeatedly identified with Nazareth (Matthew 21:11; Mark 10:47). Calling Him a Nazarene fulfilled the prophecy that resembled the notion of Him being set apart and identified with a humble background. Although there is no single Old Testament verse explicitly saying, “He shall be called a Nazarene,” the collective message of the prophets (notably Isaiah’s emphasis on the Messiah’s humble coming, e.g., Isaiah 53) pointed to a Savior who would grow up in modest circumstances.

2. Early Believers Called “Nazarenes”

In Acts 24:5, the Jewish leaders label Paul “a ringleader of the sect of the Nazarenes.” This title showed that opponents of the gospel recognized those who followed Jesus Christ carried a unique identity shaped by His teachings. The term “sect of the Nazarenes” was a way of underscoring their commitment to Jesus of Nazareth, rather than to a particular local synagogue or merely another branch of Judaism.

Core Beliefs Associated with the Nazarene Tradition

1. Christ-Centered Faith

The conviction that Jesus is the Messiah, the Son of God, lies at the heart of the Nazarene tradition, reflected in Matthew 16:16, where Peter declares, “You are the Christ.” Nazarenes historically believe that Jesus’s crucifixion and resurrection provide the only means of salvation, as emphasized by passages such as 1 Corinthians 15:3–4: “Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures … He was raised on the third day.”

2. Authority of Scripture

Nazarenes uphold the Bible—composed of the Old and New Testaments—as the final authority for doctrine and life. According to 2 Timothy 3:16, “All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for instruction, for conviction, for correction, and for training in righteousness.” This commitment to Scripture includes recognizing the consistency of biblical accounts, respecting the ancient manuscript evidence, and valuing archaeological discoveries that illuminate the historical reliability of the biblical record.

3. Holiness and Sanctification

The concept of a holy life is deeply important. Rooted in the Old Testament call to “Be holy, because I am holy” (Leviticus 11:44) and reaffirmed in the New Testament (1 Peter 1:16), Nazarenes have long taught that believers are to live a life set apart for God’s purposes. This includes the idea of sanctification as a work of God’s grace that purifies and empowers the believer to live in obedience to Christ (Romans 6:19–22).

4. Proclamation of the Gospel

From the days of the apostles onward, those identified as Nazarenes sought to proclaim the good news of Christ’s death and resurrection. Missionary work, personal evangelism, and practical demonstration of God’s love have consistently been core expressions of Nazarene identity (Matthew 28:19–20).

Lifestyle and Worship Practices

1. Personal Devotion

Nazarenes are encouraged to maintain disciplines such as prayer, fasting, and reading Scripture daily. These reflect biblical patterns demonstrated by Jesus Himself. Mark 1:35 notes, “Early in the morning, while it was still dark, Jesus got up and slipped out to a solitary place to pray.”

2. Corporate Worship

Historically, gatherings have centered on studying the Word of God, singing hymns, worship through music, and prayer. Hebrews 10:25 encourages believers “not to neglect meeting together,” reflecting a belief that Christian community is essential for growth in faith.

3. Practical Holiness in Daily Living

Nazarenes often emphasize living a life of moral integrity, compassion, and service (Galatians 5:13–14). The Holy Spirit’s transforming work is believed to shape behavior that honors God and demonstrates love for one’s neighbor. This “fruit of the Spirit” (Galatians 5:22–23) includes virtues that guide everyday conduct, from humility and patience to generosity and self-control.

Significance of the Resurrection

Central to Nazarene belief is the historical, bodily resurrection of Jesus. This event is seen as decisive proof of His identity as God’s Son and as the guarantee of eternal life for all who trust in Him. Multiple lines of evidence—such as eyewitness testimonies recorded in the Gospels, Paul’s summary of early Christian confessions in 1 Corinthians 15:3–8, and the rapid growth of the early church—support the resurrection’s historicity.

In modern scholarship, researchers affirm the crucifixion of Jesus, the empty tomb, and the transformation of His followers as powerful historical components pointing to the resurrection. For those carrying on the Nazarene heritage, this core event forms the bedrock of Christian hope (1 Peter 1:3–4), signifying victory over sin and death.

Application and Mission

Those who call themselves Nazarenes typically devote themselves to:

• Personal faith and trust in Christ’s sacrifice and resurrection.

• Scriptural instruction as the basis for moral and spiritual guidance.

• Sanctification—pursuing a life that imitates Jesus’s holiness.

• Active involvement in spreading the gospel both locally and globally.

• Serving the community through acts of love, mercy, and justice.

Summary of Nazarene Identity

Nazarenes believe and represent a tradition deeply rooted in recognizing Jesus of Nazareth as the prophesied Messiah, embracing the authority of Scripture, and living a life shaped by holiness and social responsibility. From the earliest followers called “the sect of the Nazarenes” to modern movements sharing that name, the focus remains on Christ’s redemptive work and the call to make disciples of all nations.

“Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.” (Matthew 28:19)

This commission captures the essence of Nazarene conviction: to faithfully abide in Christ, proclaim His good news, and demonstrate God’s love in both word and deed.