I know of no other site which offers a wide range of topics related to careful critical analysis of historically and scripturally related issues. This post is going straight to the March 2016 Biblical Studies Carnival. using them to glorify Him: "For as we have many members in one body, On Humility Perhaps they were among the crowd who hear Yet Stephen is the first martyr and his speech summarizing some important theological points in the transition between Peters ministry in Jerusalem and Pauls mission in Acts 13. The response, then, took seriously both aspects of the problem. labor was somehow below them, but that telling people about Jesus couldn't Sign up now to receive special announcements, interactive materials, comprehensive guides and much more! Contact Us Legal WebThe Hellenistic Jews are those who speak mainly Greek, and formerly lived outside of Judea and Galilee. For Ben Witherington, language is the main issue (seeActs, 240-247, for an excellent excursus on the Hellenists). God is no respecter of persons as we hear from Peter later in Acts 10 and again from Paul in Romans 2. Elijah and Elisha So Hebraic Jews would be inhabitants of Israel, while Greek Jews would be the rest from all over. Your voice is unique. Cookie Policy(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); The NJOP website is dedicated in loving memory of Ernest G. and Heidi Kahn. have no need of. The apostles were gathered together in Jerusalem for the purpose of celebrating a Jewish festival, and they were filled with the Holy Spirit, who enabled them to preach. Why does the author of Acts fail to tell us what these differences were? Near them were many other Jews (from all over the known world), who each heard their own language being spoken (Acts 2:6). Acceleration without force in rotational motion? Neil said, It is also made possible through the generosity of Wendy and Brandon Dunn. Why did the Greeks have a problem with a day of rest? If the foot should Did the residents of Aneyoshi survive the 2011 tsunami thanks to the warnings of a stone marker? Neil is the author of this post. This part of Acts for me has been super confusing to read and understand. There are two sides to the Jews: the Hebraic and the Hellenistic Jews. Now its a bit more confusing and it started around Acts 4 and 5. where would be the hearing? Who were the Hellenistic and Hebraic Jews of Acts 6:1? You maybe forget that Peter and John were put in prison for their sermons! By clicking Post Your Answer, you agree to our terms of service, privacy policy and cookie policy. 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THE DISTINCTION BETWEEN HELLENIST AND HEBREW. Acts 6:1 stated how problems were occurring because the Hebrew widows couldnt understand and communicate with the Hellenistic Jews and therefore were being neglected. "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)). 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. parts have greater modesty, but our presentable parts have no need. the members of that one body, being many, are one body, so also is Christ. 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). It is clear even today that every religion has different aspects of conservative vs. liberal beliefs. Normally, therefore, an Israelite is not called up until the third reading. Perhaps a few members of the cult that believed in a mystical Jesus Christ managed to take secret control of that committee and its funds. 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. Cappadocians 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. just as He pleased. As I read through acts and this blog post in particular I see that the early Christian community was more diverse and complex than it may seem at first glance. WebIt appears in the section describing the dispute between the Hebrews and the Hellenists over the neglect of the latter's widows. As you know, Jesus died on Pessach. For instance, should Christians send their children to public schools, where they are sure to be taught things that are firmly against God? Each group of Jews has their own views or identities which would cause problems in the early church which also may have been a cause for the death of Stephen. In the end result the truth won out. Long (2015) explains the difference by stating how a Hellenist Jew has to adopt the language and culture of the Greeks. Greeks, whether slaves or free - and have all been made to drink into one Deborah Read Fullers Statement on Nondiscrimination. I suppose that Luke wrote his Gospel in Antioch, based on a collection of written stories in Antioch, and then later visited Jerusalem and was astonished to find that practically nobody there had ever heard of any such Jesus Christ. It recalls the murmuring of the Israelites in the desert (e.g., Exod. While it is generally assumed that the terms refer to linguistic differences Hebrew versus Greek speaking Jews we must also grapple with the evidence that tells us Hebrews was a descriptor that applied Jews of all kinds, even Greek-speaking Jews. I was not the favorite and it matters now as it did then. Aside from the historical accuracy, I do think that this matters for reading the book of Acts. Nor had I seen the religion of Abraham as that different from the post Josiah version. To identify them, Luke uses the term By reading Acts one can realize how varied the culture was and it does aid one in understanding Acts. ", Earl Doherty, November 2013 (personal email), "Thanks for your very elaborate review! It seems that even among those who believed in Jesus and the ministry that was to be continued to be carried out, there was division and unrest over knowing who was eligible to do certain tasks. The Nations: The Jews from the ten lost tribes. Enter your email address to subscribe to this blog and receive notifications of new posts by email. Tags: Acts of the Apostles, Schmithals: Paul and James, 1. where would be the hearing? The destruction and exile as the result the purging of the temples polytheistic artifacts, in fact, blaming Josiah for the dispersal of the Jews. And perhaps this experience did lead Paul to learn more about and join the cult. And the eye cannot Fuller Theological Seminary does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, disability, or age in its policies, programs, and activities. Volunteers, Myself or My Family Best, John", John Moles, September 2011 (personal email), "I have found your website really valuable as an interpretive filter for Biblical scholarship, especially the origins of Christianity and historicity of Jesus issue. The division of labor between the Twelves attention to prayer and the Word, and the Sevens serving at tables (6:2, 4) is not as clear-cut as one would expect. They did not relate to the New Testament gospel, as it presented a Hebraic view of the world, which was in opposition to the philosophical constructs of Hellenistic culture. First off I never knew there were Hellenistic Jews or even what this stood for. The following two tabs change content below. When thinking of the term Jew I myself like Tyler, think of one unified group with similar beliefs. Best, Emanuel". I dont recall the title, but now I want to check it out and have a look. Torsion-free virtually free-by-cyclic groups. I shall have to read it, too. But I have often been impressed with their grasp of logic and analysis of scholarship. (Im rolling with the historicity of what we read for the sake of argument.) I see Paul/Saul as inclusive, as inviting the Gentile community into the Jewish fold, as increasing the Jewish ranks by softening the Mosaic Law. Pentecost is a great example of this. (Who would have thought it? Martin Hengels proposal has been widely accepted, that there were in Jerusalem several thousand former Diaspora Jews, that is, Jews who had lived most of their lives in Greek-speaking cities and towns in other lands, and had returned for a variety of reasons to Jerusalem.2Acts 6:9 supports the point with its reference to a synagogue of former slaves from Diaspora cities that have gathered together in Jerusalem for worship and community. Your email address will not be published. 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. Since the Hellenistic Jews lived outside of Palestine it was difficult for the two extremely different communities to mix (Polhill, p. 2092). be less honorable, on these we bestow greater honor; and our unpresentable Could a Hellenist Jew assimilate and accept some parts of the Greek culture while rejecting ideas which were contrary to their Jewish faith? For by one Spirit we were all baptized into one body - whether Jews or Theres always sub-cultures within cultures. In fact, Godfrey is extremely well read and his librarian skills have brought many important academic works to my attention. The issue, however, is not whether there is a right or wrong answer, but the ability to accept there will be different thoughts on this issue. At the first sign of any trouble, such as a rich man and his wife lying about how much of their wealth they are giving to the community, the apostles will have them struck dead on the spot. [Biblical Creation Accounts/Platos Timaeus-Critias 8], Two Covenants: Israel and Atlantis [Biblical Creation Accounts/Platos Timaeus-Critias 7f], When Yahweh was at Peace with Other Gods [Biblical Creation Accounts/Platos Timaeus-Critias 7e], Table of Nations and other Post Flood events [Biblical Creation Accounts/Platos Timaeus-Critias 7d]. Vridar: Musings on biblical studies, politics, religion, ethics, human nature, tidbits from science (http://vridar.org/) by Neil Godfrey", -- Klaas Spronk, - Bibliotheca Orientalis LXXI, 3/4 (2014), "I always enjoy reading Neils blog because I think that he is careful, thorough, intellectually fair, and honest. As referred to in this passage, document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. He has Masters degrees in Biblical Exposition and Old Testament from Talbot School of Theology (BIOLA) and a PhD in New Testament from Andrews University. 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. WebWe have good grounds for the historicity of the Hellenists. This is one of the three feasts Jews are commanded to go to Jerusalem. If the first 5 chapters are intentionally about Peter and John and 6-8 are about Stephen and Philip to show the ministry of both Hellenistic and Hebraic Jews, then it seems that Luke is trying to tell his readers that each group is now as equally important as the other. I try to imagine what they would call themselves. When a teach said reach into the parable of the two sons and tell me the application, but me a younger believer did not have this memory of awana and sunday school teaching times. Its very random in my experience. who shows mercy, with cheerfulness.". Sanctification verse are the Christian converts among the Jews who were born and raised in ", "By the way, my thanks to Neil for an ongoing superb job of exposing Jims review for what it is: a farcical and none too effective exercise in mythicism assassination, nothing to do with rational, let alone unbiased, scholarship. Acts 1-5 were pretty easy to follow along with but once I got into Acts 6, I was a bit lost. Prominent members were the Sadducees. . mean to serve food on tables, but to 'tend to 'business,' which He didnt favor one Jew over the other. There is a dissection and discrimination going on between the Jews. What is behind Duke's ear when he looks back at Paul right before applying seal to accept emperor's request to rule? I think the answer is yes, just as much as believers today can do the same. say to the hand, I have no need of you; nor again the head to the feet, I But now indeed there are many members, yet one body. What were the pre-existing conditions that led to this development? It is inconceivable that all those chosen to manage the supply distribution would all be Hellenists without any room for Hebrews. Why had Paul earned a reputation for being against Moses in Acts 21? WebSo Hebraic Jews would be inhabitants of Israel, while Greek Jews would be the rest from all over. I call them amateurs only for the reason that they dont have, so far as I know, advanced degrees in the subject. Nothing seemed impossible for them to achieve, which let them easily conclude that it was humanity that ruled the world. If Peter and John represent the only form of the early followers of Jesus, then it is hard to explain the violent suppression of Stephen. There are the Hebraic Jews and the Hellenistic Jews. 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 Benedict if prophecy, let us prophesy in proportion to our faith; or ministry, let us Without an in-depth study, many misinterpretations can be formed. Some details about this action, however, come clear only upon closer scrutiny. We use cookies to ensure that we give you the best experience on our website. The Sabbath Six days shall you work and do all your labor, but the seventh day is Shabbat for the Lord your G-d. On it, you shall do no [creative] work. The seventh day is the Jewish Sabbath on which a Jew does no work. Aside from historical accuracy, does this matter for reading Acts? . And if the ear should say, Because I am not an eye, I am not of But Lukes mention of the murmuring of the Hellenists against the Hebrews indicates a second, related problem. Call 242-245. The Hellenistic culture was a center of great creativity. A step further, it is emphasized later that there is neither Jew nor Greek, but that is not necessarily the focus of this passage as we are speaking Jew vs. Jew (hellenistic jew/jew of Greek ways). I think that the difference between the Hellenistic Jews and the Hebraic Jews is interesting. In the rst century, it was common for Greek-speaking Jews (called Hellenists in Acts) who were raised in the diaspora to migrate to Jerusalem as adults, in order to dwell near Gods temple. Although ethnically Jewish, they grew up in Gentile nations speaking Greek, His dissertation was published as Jesus the Bridegroom by Pickwick Books in 2012. The Strangers: Non-Jews who join themselves with the In order to understand the Chanukah story, it is necessary to understand the differences between these two cultures. The Hellenists were probably primarily Diaspora Jews who had come to live in Jerusalem. As referred to in this passage, "the Hellenists" are the Christian converts among the Jews who had returned to Judea after having Challenges to the astonishing oneness of the new movement soon arose, first in the disturbing case of Ananias and Sapphira (5:1-11), and then in the case of the Hellenistic widows who had been overlooked in the distribution of goods (6:1-6). The church is a living breathing organism that is growing day by day. There was a large division between the Hellenistic Jews and the traditional Hebrew Jews, mostly because of the language barrier. Your clarity of expression, fair comments and personal insights are much valued. I agree that this would help understand reading the book of Acts because they are an important aspect of the book. Miracles like these created so much excitement that multitudes more rushed to join up with such an idyllic group. Web(29) Disputed against the Grecians.--It will be remembered that it was as the leader of the Hellenistic-Jews of the synagogue named in Acts 6:9 that Saul had first appeared in the history of the Church. one body in Christ, and individually members of one another. 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. But this is just my buck-and-a-quarter on the topic. Hebrews! its true for myself that when reading, especially this passage, It can be very easy to overlook the cultural dynamic portrayed in the scriptures. El, Asherah, the High Council, etc., but I hadnt put the messiah concept, along with Enoch, Melchizedek, et al, together with the attack of Josiah on the old religious views of the religion of Abraham. Look forward to getting through these and moving on asap.). but all the members do not have the same function, so we, being many, are Greeks, whether slaves or free - and have all been made to drink into one be held up while they perform roles that others can perform (In fact, in However, even if there Luke had some very old (about a century-old) but true information about Stephen and about his committee and about his execution, Lukes information might have not specified the location, and so Luke felt free to make an educated guess that all this happened in Jerusalem. Councils Spiritual Practices The dispute that divided the church cannot have been caused by a mix-up over food distribution as Acts 6:1-7 claims. It only takes a minute to sign up. So, please continue to delve deeply and share this intellectual sustenance with your grateful readers. (Acts 6:1)? Every sect of the Jews were usually either from a different region or were around for different events. How to extract the coefficients from a long exponential expression? Isaac was sacrificed and resurrected in the original, very interesting. So yes I think this information is valuable to know when reading Acts. Books and publications are covered with a range of perspectives with attempts at fair and accurate representation of others arguments and content (where there are occasional and inevitable missteps on that I notice Neil making corrections and apologies where warranted, which wins points with me). Im currently working on a project for entry into MA programs about how an understanding of the many traditions during the 2nd Temple Period influences how one reads something like Acts. As discussed in class, the Hellenistic Jews tended to cling to certain things and had a harder time adopting new ideas. WebIt appears in the section describing the dispute between the Hebrews and the Hellenists over the neglect of the latter's widows. Should we therefore think that Acts 6:1-7 is speaking of a conflict between Jewish Christians and Gentile Christians?. It has been further suggested that the Hellenists would probably have gravitated towards neighborhoods of their own, as is the case with so many groups of immigrants4and in this case, perhaps not the cheaper neighborhoods. And if they were all one member, where would the body 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. 3 We have good grounds for the historicity of the Hellenists. Schism The idea that the Jews would willing mar the body was outrageous to them (of course, leaving a baby to die from exposure wasnt a problem). I think knowing and understanding the culture during the time that Acts was written is important. to "leave the word of God and serve tables" (Acts 6:2)? Acts 6:1-7 tells us nothing about this. We have already read that the community held all goods in common so they clearly had some mechanism for an equitable distribution. ", Mary Booker, February 2020 (personal email), "Very good. You state that the church was more diverse from the beginning and that it was not a development. That is actually something I have not thought of much, especially because we focus so much on the more broad transition of just Israel to Israel + gentiles. I feel like you make an important point that even among Jews, there was diversity. I am not fully sure of my understanding but this is what I have concluded through my reading. If the foot should Why was Stephen performing great wonders and signs among the people when he was selected to handle the distribution of Food?

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