They called themselves the "Poor," "Poor in Spirit," "Way," "Brethren," and "Sons of Light" -- all names adopted Jesus' followers in the early church. New research is revealing just how the messianic expectations and apocalyptic theology of the Essenes played a role in shaping the beliefs and practices of the early Jesus Movement. The Essene may have played an important role in both advancing Jesus' ministry while he was alive and in leading the "Circumcision Party" -- the Jewish faction that opposed Paul's outreach to the gentiles.

This will be led by Hap White.