There are Seven Universal Categories of commandments pertaining to All Nations [shown below]. Therefore, one should be aware of who is being addressed and the specific Covenant Relationship given to that person or people group.

General Commands which are directed toward All People in All Nations

        According to The Jewish Teaching, there were 7 categories of commands given to Noah and his Descendents (the 70 Original Nations). I will demonstrate that The Testimony of Yeshua ben David (called by Christians, 'The New Testament') also supports this as a starting point for G-dfearing Gentiles, who are returning to The Everlasting Creator. These 7 Commands have been depicted as the 7 Colors of the Rainbow. RED ORANGE YELLOW GREEN BLUE VIOLET PURPLE. They are also shown on the Jewish Candelabra.

We are received and embraced by G-d when we approach and embrace G-d by our faith(fulness). We embrace G-d and thereby, we release our embrace of all manner of:

Idolatry, Blasphemy, Murder, Thievery, Adultery, Animal Cruelty & Civil Anarchy.

And, behold, one came and said unto him [Rabbi Yeshua], "Good Master, what good thing shall I do, that I may have eternal life"?

verse 17 And he [Rabbi Yeshua] said unto him, "Why do you call me good? there is none good but one, that is, G-d: but if you desire to enter into life, keep the commandments". verse18 He said unto him, "Which ones"?

[ which ones? This echoes disagreements among the 'sects' in Judaism in the first century as to {a} what principles were required of Gentiles and {b} whether or not gentiles would obtain eternal life by obeying those principles. Yeshua echoes the School of Rabbi Hillel, the Grandfather of Gamaliel - The Apostle Paul's teacher. Hillel summarized the Law by saying, "Whatever is hateful to you, do not to another". Yeshua takes it further by stating it in the positive, "What things soever you desire others to do unto you, do also unto them. This is the { summary of } the Law and the Prophets."]

#1) No Idolatry is implicit from his statement in verse 17,

#2) No Blasphemy is also implicit from his statement in verse 17,

#3) No Murder:  Yeshua said, "You shall do no murder,

#4) No Adultery:  You shall not commit adultery,

#5) No Stealing or Thievery:  You shall not steal,

#6) Establish Courts:  You shall not bear false witness,

#7) verse19  Honor your father and your mother: and,

#8) The summary of all of them:  You shall love your neighbor as yourself.

#9) Example of Love for one's neighbor - Charity - exposing Greediness:  verse 20  The young man said unto him, "All these things have I kept from my youth up: what lack I yet?" 21 Yeshua said unto him, "If you will be perfect, go and sell that thou hast, and give to the poor, and thou shall have treasure in heaven: and come and follow me". 22 But when the young man heard that saying, he went away sorrowful: for he had great possessions. 23 Then said Yeshua unto his disciples, "Verily I say unto you, That a rich man shall hardly enter into the kingdom of heaven. 24 And again I say unto you, It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle, than for a rich man to enter into the kingdom of G-d". 25 When his disciples heard it, they were exceedingly amazed, saying, Who then can be saved? 26 But Yeshua beheld them, and said unto them, "With men this is impossible; but with G-d all things are possible". 27 Then answered Peter and said unto him, "Behold, we have forsaken all, and followed thee; what shall we have therefore?" 28 And Yeshua said unto them, "Verily I say unto you, That you which have followed me, in the regeneration when the Son of man shall sit in the throne of his glory, ye also shall sit upon twelve thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel. 29 And every one that hath forsaken houses, or brethren, or sisters, or father, or mother, or wife, or children, or lands, for my name's sake, shall receive an hundredfold, and shall inherit everlasting life. 30 But many that are first shall be last; and the last shall be first".

Other Jewish voices echo Yeshua's teaching on charity and honoring father and mother. This quote is from an Orthodox Jewish site: "Besides the Seven Noachide laws, the Children of Noach have traditionally taken it upon themselves to fulfill the commandment of honoring mother and father, and the commandment of giving charity". From www.betemunah.org/noachide.html

#10)  "If you will be perfect....come and follow me" - Advancing toward perfection beyond the basic minimal standards of morality contained in the Noachide commands is Rabbi Yeshua's call to us. These 7 Commands truly are a reasonable starting place, but, for those who are followers of Yeshua, they should never be the end of advancement in obedience. His Majesty, Yeshua our Lord, intended advancement for us into greater and greater levels of obedience to the commandments. This can be seen throughout The Testimony Concerning Yeshua (the New Testament). We'll observe this as we go along.

    Yeshua also covered the Universal / Noachide Commands in another statement: Remember, these are

General Commands which are directed toward All People in All Nations

Matthew 15:16 And Yeshua said, "Are you also yet without understanding? 17 Do you not yet understand, that whatsoever enters in at the mouth goes into the belly, and is cast out into the draught? 18 But those things which proceed out of the mouth come forth from the heart; and they defile the man. 19 For out of the heart proceed evil thoughts [covetousness],  murders,  adulteries,  fornications [idolatries],  thefts,  false witness,  blasphemies: 20 These are the things which defile a man: but to eat with unwashed hands does not defile a man". [That doesn't mean that we shouldn't wash our hands. It just means that we must not attach faulty interpretations  to our traditions].

    Notice that Rabbi Yeshua covered all of the Noachide Commands except for the obvious one concerning animals - it is later stated by the Jerusalem Council in Acts 15 and expanded toward fully kosher standards:

verse 29 [#1] That you abstain from meats offered to idols, [#2] and from blood, [#3] and from things strangled, [#4] and from fornication: from which, if you keep yourselves, you shall do well. Fare you well....

    These 4 categories fit perfectly with Leviticus Chapter 17-18. Notice there the term "stranger" dwelling (geir toshav) among you. The same requirements are for Israel and the stranger.

[One should note that there are several categories of strangers/immigrants from other nations, who attach themselves to The Covenant made with Israel at Mount Sinai].

    Let's put it together again, adding to our chart the words of Yeshua ben David and the Jerusalem Council.

    One will notice that these are  seven categories  that contain much detail, as enumerated below. One will also notice that this is the beginning place for Gentiles seeking The G-d of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. The Apostle Paul states in numerous places about abstaining from "all uncleanness" [see Romans 6:19 ; 2Corinthians 12:21 ; Galatians 5:19 ;  Ephesians 4:19; 5:3  ; Colossians 3:5; 1Thessalonians 2:3 ; 4:7; 2Peter 2:10]. And, I ask, "Where do we find out about uncleanness/impurity?" The answer is this: It is described in the book of Leviticus. It covers the distinction in eating clean vs. unclean animals, sexual cleanness, and other matters. He also tells the believers in Colossians 2:16,

"Therefore, let no [pagan] man [with his pagan philosophy and idolatry] judge you in meat, or in drink, or in respect of an holyday, or of the new moon, or of the Sabbath days: 17 Which are [presently] a shadow of things to come [that is, a foreshadowing]; moreover, the body [casting the shadow] is of Mashiach [and the coming Kingdom of Mashiach]." 

[For century after century, this verse has been turned completely upside-down by Christian Teachers, who interpret it passage as if it were speaking against Judaism. However, the immediate context of "Let no man" makes it abundantly clear that Paul is speaking of "Let no [Pagan] man' with his pagan philosophy and idolatry, "judge you". See Colossians 2:8, 18, 20-23]

This list alone puts followers of the Rabbi Yeshua on Kosher Foods and the Biblical Calendar!!!  So, what we should understand is this: A person begins his/her spiritual walk as a child, learning the basics and growing into spiritual adulthood within the Synagogue, as is stated in Acts 15:21,

"For Moses of old time has in every city them that preach him, being read in the synagogues every Sabbath day [they can instruct them further]".

More and more Gentiles [who were called G-dfearers] were being added to the Jewish Congregations. Their path was clarified by the Apostles of Yeshua. Contrary to the demands of the Zealots and the Shammai sect of Pharisees, Gentiles did not have to be circumcised and completely convert to Judaism in order to have eternal life. Gentiles were forgiven of their sins and their hearts were purified through their faith in The G-d of Israel and His Messiah. Upon coming to this Faith, they were to be immersed in water. And then,  they were to begin to pray, asking to be filled with the Holy Spirit of G-d [this will be covered in chapter 8].  Their obedience to the 7 Noachide Commandments and the 4 Apostolic Decrees was basic. Clearly, this was a beginning place and further observance will follow as they mature.

Then Kepha opened his mouth, and said, "Of a truth I perceive that G-d is no respecter of persons: But in every nation, he that (1) fears Him, and (2) works righteousness, is accepted with Him.  Act 10:34, 35

        Furthermore, Shimon Kepha said, speaking to the "strangers" in 1st Peter 1:1, 15-16:

"As obedient children, not fashioning yourselves according to the former lusts in your ignorance: But as he which has called you is holy, so you be holy in all manner of conversation [lifestyle]; Because it is written, 'Be ye holy; for I am holy'". Now, notice that this is a direct quotation from Leviticus 11:44, 45 ; 19:2; and 20:26. It is in direct relation to foods and the other things that we have enumerated thus far. The believers in the "New Testament" are called saints (holy ones, Qedoshim).

        Summing it up again, we have the  7 General Category Commands which are directed toward All People in All Nations  that were given to Noah and the 70 Nations, which Descended from Noah. Under the instruction of Yeshua ben David, this is the beginning place for development into further obedience.

Rav Shaul (Paul) is Commonly Misinterpreted

        Notice the following commonly misinterpreted passage in 1st Timothy chapter one. The context of Paul's letter to Timothy is made clear by Acts 16:4.    Paul was instructing Timothy to teach the decrees "that were ordained of the apostles and elders which were at Jerusalem".

Acts 16:4 And as they [Paul and Barnabas] went through the cities, they delivered them the decrees¹³⁷⁸ for [them] to keep, that were ordained of the apostles and elders which were at Jerusalem.

5 Now the end [goal] of the commandment [³⁸⁵² this charge and decree of the Apostles & Elders given in Jerusalem] is charity out of a pure heart, and of a good conscience, and of faith unfeigned: 6 From which [charge and decree] some having swerved have turned aside unto vain jangling; 7 Desiring [preferring] to be teachers of the law; [³⁵⁴⁷a qualified expounder of the torah - torah scholars] understanding neither what they say, nor what they affirm [because they are unqualified]. 8 But we know that the Law³⁵⁵¹[the Torah] is good, if a man use it lawfully [rightly interpreting it]; 9 Knowing this [that which I have said], that the law [this decree of Apostles and Elders at Jerusalem] is not made for a righteous man [a righteous man is one who is already observing the Torah - see Luke 1:6],

    Paul gives further explanation of these and "other" things that are "contrary to sound doctrine" throughout his epistles. For examples, Galatians 5:16-26 ; Ephesians 4:17-32; 1 Corinthians 5:8 ; 6:9-10 ; 1Thessalonians 4:1-12.

    Paul is not saying that the Law/The Torah/The Instruction that G-d gave us on Mount Sinai was not established for righteous people; Rather, he is saying that The Decrees given to the New Gentile Believers by the Apostles and Elders are not for a Righteous person - a Jewish person - one who is already living Righteously according to the Law (see Luke 1:6). These Decrees are basic material for an observant Jew. The Decrees of the Apostles and Elders is guidance for those coming to G-d out of a lawless and disobedient pagan society. Observant Jews are raised with the Law/The Torah/The Instruction of G-d. These Decrees were and are applicable to Gentiles, giving them a beginning path to follow and progress at their own pace. The goal of these Decrees promotes 'love out of a pure heart, a good conscience and sincere faith'.

    With such Decisions and Decrees from the Council of Jerusalem, they all could stand against those false teachers who declared that Gentiles must be circumcised and keep the whole law if they wanted to 'be saved' and obtain 'eternal life'. In other words, according to some in the Shammai camp of Pharisees along with other traveling heretics, they must become Jews to be saved. Paul said that Jews or those who become Jews are obligated to "keep the whole torah" Galatians 5:1-4. If a Gentile converts under the false, fear-based motivations prompted by false teachers, he steps out from under the Grace of G-d he has already received and comes under the Curse/Penalty that he has already escaped.

The Seven Universal Laws lead to The Fullness of G-d's Covenant

One of the ways to look at a Covenant is to observe its distinct parts. The Biblical Covenant has been demonstrated as having five parts, discernable within the Book of Deuteronomy/Devarim:

Part 1)    Sovereignty - Who's in charge?   

Part 2)    The Delegated Authority, Historical Prologue & Hierarchical System of Courts - Who Decides disputes?   

Part 3)    The Rules - What is Required of me?

Part 4)    The Sanctions - What are the Blessings for Obedience & Curses for Disobedience?  

Part 5)    The Succession - How does the covenant transfer to the next generation?

For now, lets' focus on #3, the Rules part of the Everlasting Covenant.

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Within G-d's Covenant with mankind, renewed and expanded on Mount Sinai, there are:

General Commands which are basic and directed toward All People in All Nations, and, there are

Specific Commands that are directed toward specific people groups within the Nation of Israel, such as:

The High Priest, The House of Aaron, Levites, Israelites; Men, Women, Children; The House of David, Elders, Kings, Prophets, Nazarites; Temporary and/or Permanent Immigrants to Israel (called Geirim), and Righteous Foreigners (Gentiles/Noachides) visiting Yisra'el.

For the Israelite Nation living in the land, there are a total of 613 commands, which proceed from the Ten Precepts known as the Ten Commandments. But, these 613 are divided among the nation according to who the command pertains to. There are General Commands that pertain to all Israelites and there are Specific Commands for particular groups within Israel.

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From www.betemunah.org/noachide.html

Besides the Seven Noachide laws, the Children of Noach have traditionally taken it upon themselves to fulfill the commandment of honoring mother and father, and the commandment of giving charity.

Seven Turns Into Sixty-Six

From these seven laws our Sages derived the following 66 laws:

 1. MURDER:

(1) against anyone murdering anyone. [Some say that this also prohibits Lashon HaRa, evil speech.]

 2. THEFT:

(1) against stealing; (2) against committing robbery (3).against shifting a landmark; (4) against cheating;

(5) against repudiating a claim of money owed; (6) against overcharging; (7).against coveting;

(8) against desiring; (9) a laborer shall be allowed to eat of the fruits among which he works (under certain conditions);

(10) against a laborer eating of such fruit (when certain conditions are not met); (11) against a laborer taking of such fruit home;

(12) against kidnapping; (13) against the use of false weights and measures;

(14) against the possession of false weights and measures; (15) that one shall be exact in the use of weights and measures; and

(16) that the robber shall return (or pay for) the stolen object.

 3. ILLICIT INTERCOURSE:

(1) against (a man) having union with his mother;

(2) against (a man) having union with his sister; (3) against (a man) having union with the wife of his father;

(4) against (a man) having union with another man's wife; (5) against (a man) copulating with a beast;

(6) against a woman copulating with a beast; (7) against (a man) lying carnally with a male;

(8).against (a man) lying carnally with his father; (9) against (a man) lying carnally with his father's brother; and

(10) against engaging in erotic conduct that may lead to a prohibited union.

[Some have suggested that this list should also forbid intercourse with a woman who is Niddah. The Shulchan Aruch also has a chapter about adulterous thinking and discharging one's seed in vain, which is also forbidden.]

4. LIMB OF A LIVING CREATURE:

(1) against eating a limb severed from a living animal, beast, or fowl; and

(2) against eating the flesh of any animal which was torn by a wild beast, which, in part, prohibits the eating of such flesh as it was torn off an animal while it was still alive.

5. IDOLATRY:

(1) against entertaining the thought that there exists a deity except HaShem;

(2) against making any graven image (and against having anyone else make one for us);

(3) against making idols for use by others;

(4) against making any forbidden statues (even when they are for ornamental purposes);

(5) against bowing to any idol (and not to sacrifice nor to pour libation nor to burn incense before any idol, even where it is not the customary manner of worship to the particular idol);

(6) against worshipping idols in any of their customary manners of worship;

(7) against causing our children to pass (through the fire) in the worship of Molech;

(8) against practicing Ov; (9) against the practice of Yiddoni [Sorcerer, Soothsayer, Magician]; and

(10) against turning to idolatry (in word, in thought, in deed, or by any observance that may draw us to its worship).

6. BLASPHEMY:

(1) to acknowledge the existence of HaShem; (2) to fear HaShem; (3) to pray to HaShem;

(4) to sanctify HaShem's name (in face of death, where appropriate);

(5) against desecrating HaShem's name (even in face of death, when appropriate);

(6) to study the Torah; (7) to honor the scholars, and to revere one's teacher; and (8) against blaspheming.

7. JUSTICE:

(1) to appoint judges and officers in each and every community; (2) to treat the litigants equally before the law;

(3) to inquire diligently into the testimony of a witness; (4) against the wanton miscarriage of justice by the court;

(5) against the judge accepting a bribe or gift from a litigant; (6) against the judge showing marks of honor to but one litigant;

(7) against the judge acting in fear of a litigant's threats; (8) against the judge, out of compassion, favoring a poor litigant;

(9) against the judge discriminating against the litigant because he is a sinner;

(10) against the judge, out of softness, putting aside the penalty of a mauler or killer;

(11) against the judge discriminating against a stranger or an orphan;

(12) against the judge hearing one litigant in the absence of the other;

(13) against appointing a judge who lacks knowledge of the Law; (14) against the court killing an innocent man;

(15) against incrimination by circumstantial evidence; (16) against punishing for a crime committed under duress;

(17) that the court is to administer the death penalty by the sword;

(18) against anyone taking the law into his own hands to kill the perpetrator of a capital crime (this point is disagreed upon by different writers: "The Noachides are not restricted in this way but may judge singly and at once.");

(19) to testify in court; and (20) against testifying falsely.