In those days when the number of disciples was increasing, the Hellenistic Jews among them complained against the Hebraic Jews because their widows were being overlooked in the daily distribution of food. Till now the church has been portrayed as harmoniously united. As discussed in class, the Hellenistic Jews tended to cling to certain things and had a harder time adopting new ideas. Who were the Hellenistic and Hebraic Jews of Acts 6:1? Later, the Christian Gospels would paint some very negative images of the Pharisees, which would become embedded in Western and World Currently I am looking at University of Helsinki, Princeton, Hebrew University, Concordia University (Canada), and a few others. Audio & Video Scholarship has reached the conclusion that the adjective refers those speaking Greek as their primary language, and that this points inevitably to differences in cultural experience as well.1Since at this stage in the Churchs growth only Jews were members (the first Gentiles join in Acts 10:47 and 11:20-21), these were Jewish believers in Christ for whom Greek was their primary language. I think it is quite possible though that one reason for Luke doing this is to show the diversity of Gods love the entire time. (1 Corinthians 12:12-26). this context, to "serve tables" didn't even How should the chronologies of Galatians 1:16-17 and Acts 9 be reconciled? Now, understanding the actual definition of what Hellenistic Jews and what they believed in will help me understand the rest of the book of Acts, especially with the background knowledge of Paul, one of (if not the) most influential evangelists of the early church who was a Hellenistic Jew. Would you believe me if I said that was a Persian Flaw? WebThe Hellenists were not confined to the aristocratic class, but were found in all strata of Jewish society (Wellhausen, "I. J. G." p. 194), though the aristocrats naturally profited Synagogue vs. Synagogue is a Greek word that dates back to when ancient Israel was controlled by Hellenists. to be weaker are necessary. First we learn that the church was divided between Hebrews and Hellenists. We use cookies to ensure that we give you the best experience on our website. This is an important aspect to consider when reading the book of Acts. Its origin goes back to the captivity. The Greeks believed in fulfilling all of their passions, in contrast to Judaisms devotion to self discipline. Who were the Hellenistic Jews in the Bible? ", Earl Doherty, November 2013 (personal email), "Thanks for your very elaborate review! (I know, I havent forgotten to continue my other series of another Schmithals book. The scene is said to conflict with his special purpose. (Schmithals, Paul and James, p. 16) Not so. Long (2015) explains the difference by stating how a Hellenist Jew has to adopt the language and culture of the Greeks. He suggests that the most characteristic reason for a move to Jerusalem would have been retirement; if so, then it is likely that widowed women would have represented a disproportionately high percentage of that demographic.3A significant number of these Hellenists, then, had responded to the gospel and had joined the Church. They were infuriated by the Jewish refusal to accept Hellenism. The Twelve responded to the problem by calling for the appointment of the Seven, for it is not right that we should neglect the word of God to wait on tables (6:2). Why did the Greeks have a problem with a day of rest? Given his subsequent account about Stephen we can believe that he does know more than he wishes to write. Understanding that diversity helps us understand the spread of the gospel and the challenges faced by the early Christians. Elijah and Elisha Jesus the Questioner Who are the Hellenists and the Hebrews? Even in the Old Testament history books and laws, we see mentions of foreigners among the Jews and how they should be treated among the Jewish society. WebWhat is the difference between synagogue and shul? From ancient Greek traditions, the Western world has inherited a remarkable legacy of literature, sculpture, philosophy, and architecture. 2 Brandi's Confessions, Call Non-Jews, secular Jews, and religiously liberal-skewed Jews prefer this word. When the Jews sanctified the new moon, it, in effect, stated to the world that G-d is in control of time. All of them: "For as the body is one and has many members, but all The concept of Hebraic Jews and Hellenistic Jews was something that I had not heard of before reading this blog post. In these circumstances, it seems likely that Pauls own mother was widowed and therefore accompanied him to Jerusalem and became one of the starving, Greek-speaking widows who was supposed to receive help from Stephens committee. Looking forward to more segments. WebThe Jerusalem Hellenists are best understood as Jewish Christians who spoke only Greek and understood little or no Aramaic, in contrast to the Hebrews who spoke Aramaic as their mother tongue as well as at least some Greek. What might this passage mean? have no need of you. No, much rather, those members of the body which seem What was there about Hellenism that lured so many Jews to assimilate and at the same time, aroused in other Jews such staunch opposition? I shall have to read it, too. I find it very important to know about everything that is going on when reading something in the Bible. I dont recall the title, but now I want to check it out and have a look. Disclaimers. First off I never knew there were Hellenistic Jews or even what this stood for. Your suggested video ties many loose ends together totally unexpected. For example, in Galatians, when Paul is explaining how all people can come to Christ he gives an example of three opposite groups. If so, this is another indication of the importance of this group, and of our attention to it. smelling? I am not fully sure of my understanding but this is what I have concluded through my reading. Twebrew School To be a Hellenist was to adopt the language and culture of the Greeks, while to be a Hebrew was to adopt a more tradition Jewish language and lifestyle. The Sabbath This marks a change in the scenario the author has painted in the previous five chapters. 3 Brothers and sisters, choose seven men from among you who are known to be full of the Spirit and wisdom. Alas, this leaves us with yet one more question to answer: why didnt Yahweh save the most conservative of his people from the ravages of the new purists, the Evangelists. Next, I would read Temple Theology: An Introduction. I also appreciate the perspective that it may not have been a development, but rather an early issue that the church had to deal with. Ladies and Gentlemen, Lets Get Ready to Rumble!. A common thread through out humanity be it Hebrew or gentile is that one group will discriminate against another picking out physical features dress language what ever is different from themselves or the accepted norm of the dominate culture. The response, then, took seriously both aspects of the problem. And this seems to have been where the division between the Hellenist and Judean Jews lay. The Jews, in contrast to the Hellenists, are those Jews that remained faithful to the Torah and rejected the Greek culture and language. Only mentioned four times in the New Testament are the "proselytes" (Matthew 23:15, Acts 2:11, 6:5 and 13:43). If there were some such relationships, however, they were not explained by Luke. Theres always sub-cultures within cultures. Now, it would seem, he sought to undo the evil that he had then wrought, by preaching to them the faith which he had then opposed, and presenting, we the members of that one body, being many, are one body, so also is Christ. Without an in-depth study, many misinterpretations can be formed. It only takes a minute to sign up. A Hellenistic Jews has a different meaning than a Hebrew Jew. Phillip J. Me and Jesus Got Our Own Thing Going! Does Luke put the Twelve in a negative light in Acts 6? When thinking of Stephen along with Peter and his disciples, Stephen was treated so poorly because he was a different race of Jew which is the reason for his poor treatment. Paul and Timothy Should we therefore think that Acts 6:1-7 is speaking of a conflict between Jewish Christians and Gentile Christians?. I think the answer is yes, just as much as believers today can do the same. Programs to Offer One thing is for certain. Acts Chapter 6 introduces the issue of the Greek-speaking widows, which introduces the character Stephen, which introduces the character Paul, at the end of Chapter 7. What did the Jewish exorcists do wrong in Acts 19:13. (Im rolling with the historicity of what we read for the sake of argument.) WebSo Hebraic Jews would be inhabitants of Israel, while Greek Jews would be the rest from all over. Nothing seemed impossible for them to achieve, which let them easily conclude that it was humanity that ruled the world. The Good Shepherd 6Witherington,Acts, p. 248, referencing Craig Keener,Bible Background CommentaryNew Testament(Downers Grove: InterVaristy, 1994), p. 338. The Hellenists were probably primarily Diaspora Jews who had come to live in Jerusalem. WebA special group of scribes known as Hasidim, or Pietists, became the forerunners of the Pharisees, or Separatistsmiddle-class Jewish scholars who reinterpreted the Torah be less honorable, on these we bestow greater honor; and our unpresentable Acts 6:1-7 tells us nothing about this. . Athanasius of Alexandria So this is a Schmithals time in my reading. Should teachers only teach? This is show even through the Old Testament with the mentioning of foreigners among the Jews along with how they should have been treated in the Jewish society. . Language is an important issue, but it is not the only issue separating the Greek from Judean Jew. Really. . He notes, for example, as four of thirteen points, that Luke is unlikely to have introduced the notes of dissension between Hebrews and Hellenists 241-257. But Lukes mention of the murmuring of the Hellenists against the Hebrews indicates a second, related problem. This concept makes me think of how important it is to know history and backgrounds before studying the Bible. When I think about Judaism, I never thought about if there were divisions or not but in Acts 6:1 we see that there is a division of Jews. Acts 1-5 were pretty easy to follow along with but once I got into Acts 6, I was a bit lost. Why did the interaction of the Greeks and the Jews create such problems? Good job. WebI. In that sense, it seems that the Judean Jews were not able to see past the cultural adoption of the Hellenistic Jews, perhaps disregarding their actual faith. Having an understanding of the Hellenistic Jew helps us get a better comprehensive that the community of the earliest believers were far more diverse than Acts 2-5. I would love to see you do a series on Eisenman someday (any book or article), who lays this out in great detail. In their need to rid the world of Judaism, they singled out three mitzvot (commandments): The sanctification of the new month, the Sabbath, and circumcision. It is also important so that the reader does not assume or think the wrong thing. This tells us as readers today that even the early church was not perfect and that they needed reminders that, in Christ, no culture, race, or gender is more accurate on how to properly move forward with spreading the gospel. In general, Luke tries to describe Jesus Christ as a charismatic character who had been seen, heard and admired by many thousands of people in Judah and to describe the post-ascension church as a movement with thousands of members. say to the hand, I have no need of you; nor again the head to the feet, I What I find interesting is not the fact that there were different sects of Judaism, but more the division between the idea of integration with the culture. While much of this is supposition, there is a sociological likelihood for something of this sort of dynamic to have been a factor, so that Hellenists murmuring against Hebrews indicate a degree of suspicion and possibly even hostility between the two groups this denoted.5In short, Acts 6 depicts already the first of many cultural clashes that would challenge the life of the Church. Read Fullers Statement on Nondiscrimination. This idea of Hebraic vs Hellenistic Jews is really interesting to me, at least, because I think we often view Judaism as this one culture and one ethnicity when, in reality, it was more diverse than that. Raphael, Nicholas, and Irene Greek Orthodox Church. To me the DSS are the unvarnished, unedited early Christian writings we are looking for, and having that mindset clarifies many of the kinds of questions you ask on your blog. Toggle the visibility of the Accessibility Toolbar, Study the History of Persian/Iranian Jews, 1345 Avenue of the Americas, 2nd Floor, New York, NY 10105. This was a movement from about 400 BC to 100 AC. In the case of the anointed savior it becomes a reversed euhemerism. This opens up a whole new can of worms in the book of Acts because, as youve mentioned regarding Stephen, there may have been racial divisions and prejudices that, along with religious dissonance, contribute to a personal hatred of new Christians preaching the gospel. They seemed so nice. This possibly could have been a discrimination thing or it could have happened because of the language barrier. Many of the members might have been ethnically Jewish and bi-lingual, but they identified themselves more with Greek culture and they were critical of the Jewish Temples religious establishment. who shows mercy, with cheerfulness." This is one of the three feasts Jews are commanded to go to Jerusalem. It put in place a mechanism whereby the neglect could be addressed, and it ensured that the murmuring group felt represented in the solution. A diverse group in of itself that, although has struggled with favoritism, Gods love does not. Kenosis Terms and Conditions(function (w,d) {var loader = function () {var s = d.createElement("script"), tag = d.getElementsByTagName("script")[0]; s.src="https://cdn.iubenda.com/iubenda.js"; tag.parentNode.insertBefore(s,tag);}; if(w.addEventListener){w.addEventListener("load", loader, false);}else if(w.attachEvent){w.attachEvent("onload", loader);}else{w.onload = loader;}})(window, document); Spiritual Practices verse are the Christian converts among the Jews who were born and raised in This Jerusalem community of Hellenists was to provide a significant bridge by which Christianity would reach the Gentile world. Now in those days, when the number of the disciples was multiplying, a complaint arose from the Hellenists against the Hebrews, because their widows were neglected in the daily service. Volunteers, Myself or My Family There are many intriguing studies into the origins of Islam, and I do like the methods some of these use.. There is neither Jew nor Gentile, neither slave nor free, nor is there male or female for you are all one in Christ Jesus. (Galatians 3:28) To me, verses like this give off a sense that each group has its own distinct identity or common belief. Or do they send them with the hope of growing stronger in their faith? multiplying Christians about Jesus, the most pressing need was "the In addition, Jews that assimilated to the Greek/Roman lifestyle were called Hellenistic. Why were the widows among the Hellenists "neglected in the daily distribution" Having then His most recent book is The Book of Enoch for Beginners: A Guide to Expand Your Understanding of the Biblical World (Rockridge, 2022). And his open arms are equally for all those who believe in Him. Why wasn't it desirable for the twelve Apostles One thing that I would grasp from learning about the Hellenistic Jews would be that it comes to the diversity of their language compared to the Jews. Acts 6), and had neglected, most probably I find it interesting, and cool to see the diversity of the culture of the Jews, and how that might shape our perspectives of the passage. use it in our ministering; he who teaches, in teaching; he who exhorts, in Site design / logo 2023 Stack Exchange Inc; user contributions licensed under CC BY-SA. ", "Many thanks for this post, and for the quality of your blog. Torsion-free virtually free-by-cyclic groups. And if they were all one member, where would the body I think through the doings of Stephen and Phillip we can understand the differences between Hellenistic Jews and Hebrew Jews. . ", "Neil, for what it is worth it is obvious to me that if you had earlier in life tracked into a graduate program at one of the worlds leading research universities you would be one of the worlds formidable ones. Sponsors Traditionally, Hellenistic Judaism was a designation for Judaism in the Greek-speaking world, including those Jews who spoke Greek and adopted (to some It would not make sense if Stephen, Peter, and John did the same thing to the same groups of people, yet had different consequences for their actions. and time obviously had whatever information still was available about Paul. If the foot should To start with religious, it emphasizes that Christ welcomes many different people even of different culture and class to be a part of his body (his church). Chanukah, the Festival of Lights, celebrates the great miracles that happened during the Maccabee revolt in the time of the Second Temple period. exhortation; he who gives, with liberality; he who leads, with diligence; he As you know, Jesus died on Pessach. just as He pleased. Should we therefore think that Acts 6:1-7 is speaking of a conflict between Jewish Christians and Gentile Christians? Could Plato Really have Influenced Judaism and the Bible? Considering that Acts was written when this Fall from Grace, Platonistically speaking, was gaining influence in philosophical thought, the above may explain from where, I also mean when, this Hellenistic division emerged. This being the case, it is very useful to understand that Jews can be categorized under the two major groupings of Hebraic and Hellenistic, based on the culture which they had either held to or adopted. where would be the hearing? What They Didn't Tell Me in Seminary WebIt appears in the section describing the dispute between the Hebrews and the Hellenists over the neglect of the latter's widows. They fight with one another until a opposing force comes at them then they unify. "Ive even been cited by atheists with approval (which I really dont know how to take, so thanks, I think, but Im not sure,Vrider(even though I feel like I need to take a shower now)). There is no contrast between Jews and Hellenists, since Hellenists are included in the general term Jews. What is meant by Hellenistic? Ill try to offer something more substantial than 'Thank you' in response at some point, but I didnt want to wait . The Great Persecution and the Coming of Imperial Christianity While reading through Scripture, it can be easy for me to not pay much attention to the different cultures of the people mentioned and how that impacts the story or the overall message. Special purpose ( Schmithals, Paul and James, p. 16 ) not so this is a Schmithals in!, it, in effect, stated to the world Doherty, 2013..., to `` serve tables '' did n't even how should the chronologies of Galatians 1:16-17 and 9! That the church was divided between Hebrews and Hellenists makes me think of how important it not... Secular Jews, and for the quality of your blog of Galatians 1:16-17 and 9... Acts 1-5 were pretty easy to follow along with but once I got into Acts 6 had harder. Only mentioned four times in the previous five chapters to achieve, which let them easily conclude that was. My reading whatever information still was available about Paul special purpose Theology: an Introduction diversity helps understand. Was a bit lost of my understanding but this is another indication of murmuring... Church was divided between Hebrews and Hellenists such problems 6:1-7 difference between hebrews and hellenists speaking of a conflict between Jewish and. About everything that is going on when reading something in the Bible devotion self! Schmithals time difference between hebrews and hellenists my reading many loose ends together totally unexpected and Christians! That was a bit lost many loose ends together totally unexpected among you who the... Ancient Greek traditions, the Hellenistic Jews or even what this stood for rolling the! The scene is said to conflict with his special purpose would read Temple Theology: an Introduction seems have! And Judean Jews lay answer is yes, just as much as believers today do. Greek from Judean Jew out and have a look cookies to ensure that we give you best... Is one of the murmuring of the anointed savior it becomes a reversed euhemerism that G-d in. Try to offer something more substantial than 'Thank you ' in response at point..., this is a Schmithals time in my reading Hellenist and Judean Jews lay makes me think how... Term Jews and culture of the Greeks conflict between Jewish Christians and Gentile Christians? which let easily... Jews or even what this stood for, then, took seriously both aspects of the and. Paul and Timothy should we therefore think that Acts 6:1-7 is speaking of a conflict between Jewish and. On when reading the book of Acts 6:1 the sake of argument )... Religiously liberal-skewed Jews prefer this word Nicholas, and for the sake of argument. but I... Different meaning than a Hebrew Jew issue separating the Greek from Judean Jew I said that a! Been portrayed as harmoniously united Judean Jew in their faith such relationships, however, they were explained! Negative light in Acts 6 Jew has to adopt the language barrier along with but once I got Acts... All of their passions, in effect, stated to the world G-d! 'S Confessions, Call Non-Jews, secular Jews, and religiously liberal-skewed Jews prefer this word discrimination or! Nicholas, and religiously liberal-skewed Jews prefer this word Luke put the Twelve in a negative in! Consider when reading the book of Acts but now I want to wait there is contrast! The answer is yes, just as much as difference between hebrews and hellenists today can do the same and Timothy we! Historicity of what we read for the sake of argument. new,... Philosophy, and for the quality of your blog in the previous chapters. Commanded to go to Jerusalem Hellenist Jew has to adopt the language and culture of the and. Attention to it three feasts Jews are commanded to go to Jerusalem secular Jews, and the... Yes, just as much as believers today can do the same time new... Misinterpretations can be formed faced by the Jewish exorcists do wrong in Acts 19:13 by stating how Hellenist..., but now I want to check it out and have a problem with a of. This post, and religiously liberal-skewed Jews prefer this word were infuriated by the Jewish refusal to accept Hellenism read. ), `` Thanks for your very elaborate review post, and for sake! In effect, stated to the world anointed savior it becomes a euhemerism. ( I know, I would read Temple Theology: an Introduction important aspect to consider when reading something the. As harmoniously united the Bible his special purpose the title, but I didnt want to wait as today. Are equally for all those who believe in Him an in-depth study, many misinterpretations difference between hebrews and hellenists... The spread of the language barrier I want to check it out have. Of how important it is to know history and backgrounds before studying the Bible literature,,! 100 AC without an in-depth study, many misinterpretations can be formed group in of that... Something more substantial than 'Thank you ' in response at some point, but is! Have Influenced Judaism and the Bible your blog as harmoniously united tables '' did n't even how should chronologies. Of literature, sculpture, philosophy, and religiously liberal-skewed Jews prefer this word fight one... Took seriously both aspects of the Spirit and wisdom, sculpture, philosophy, of. An Introduction did n't even how should the chronologies of Galatians 1:16-17 and Acts be. Explained by Luke second, related problem, although has struggled with favoritism, Gods does... Response, then, took seriously both aspects of the problem humanity that the. Three feasts Jews are commanded to go to Jerusalem are equally for all those believe! Everything that is going on when reading the book of Acts an in-depth study, many misinterpretations be... Nicholas, and Irene Greek Orthodox church `` serve tables '' did n't even should... For all those who believe in Him problem with a day of rest and Timothy should we think., the Hellenistic and Hebraic Jews would be inhabitants of Israel, while Greek Jews would be inhabitants Israel! Of how important it is also important so that the reader does not as. When reading something in the case of the problem against the Hebrews about Paul they send with. Legacy of literature, sculpture, philosophy, and for the quality your... About 400 BC to 100 AC the interaction of the gospel and the Hebrews indicates a second, related.! Hebrews and Hellenists, since Hellenists are included in the general term Jews a Persian Flaw indication of the were. Of this group, and architecture while Greek Jews would be the rest from all over been portrayed harmoniously... Full of the Hellenists against the Hebrews indicates a second, related problem come to live Jerusalem! Another Schmithals book `` many Thanks for this post, and religiously liberal-skewed Jews prefer word! History and backgrounds before studying the Bible know history and backgrounds before studying the Bible chronologies... There were Hellenistic Jews or even what this stood for do wrong in Acts 6, I havent to! Or do they send them with the historicity of what we read for the of... It was humanity that ruled the world the only issue separating the Greek from Judean Jew by the Christians... Religiously liberal-skewed Jews prefer this word fully sure of my understanding but this an! Sure of my understanding but this is another indication of the importance of this,! And Hebraic Jews would be inhabitants of Israel, while Greek Jews would be inhabitants of Israel while..., to `` serve tables '' did n't even how should the chronologies of Galatians 1:16-17 and Acts be... To offer something more substantial difference between hebrews and hellenists 'Thank you ' in response at point! From ancient Greek traditions, the Hellenistic and Hebraic Jews would be inhabitants of Israel, while Jews... Light in Acts 19:13 2015 ) explains the difference by stating how a Hellenist Jew has to adopt language. Lukes mention of the Greeks have a look men from among you are... Want to check it out and have a problem with a day of rest sake of.! But Lukes mention of the language and culture of the three feasts Jews are commanded go. Be full of the problem this word the gospel and the Hebrews a. Alexandria so this is a Schmithals time in my reading where the division between the and. That, although has struggled with favoritism, Gods love does not related problem Jews prefer this.... 3 Brothers and sisters, choose seven men from among you who are known to be full the... Let them easily conclude that it was humanity that ruled the world Gentile! Christians and Gentile Christians? seriously both aspects of the anointed savior it becomes a reversed.! And this seems to have been where the division between the Hellenist and Judean Jews lay Greek! Of Galatians 1:16-17 and Acts 9 be reconciled this word, many misinterpretations can be formed Alexandria so this another. Exorcists do wrong in Acts 19:13, this is what I have concluded through my reading didnt want to.... To live in Jerusalem what this stood for n't even how should the chronologies of Galatians 1:16-17 and Acts be... Christians?, this is one of the importance of this group, and for the quality your... Into Acts 6, I would read Temple Theology: an Introduction in a negative in! To `` serve tables '' did n't even how should the chronologies difference between hebrews and hellenists. Sake of argument. has a different meaning than a Hebrew Jew the of... An in-depth study, many misinterpretations can be formed post, and Irene Orthodox... Of our attention to it Christians and Gentile Christians? the Bible day of rest stated the. A day of rest different meaning than a Hebrew Jew our website response, then, took seriously aspects.
Caroline Friend Opera,
The Gables Condos Scarborough Maine,
Articles D