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. How did such a special group come into existence in Jerusalem? Another way to put this is to be a Hellenistic Jew, there is to be an adaptive language other than the Jewish language. There are the Hebraic Jews and the Hellenistic Jews. His disciples' feet, and apostle Paul continued to work as a tent maker Notify me of follow-up comments by email. WebThe Hellenistic Jews are those who speak mainly Greek, and formerly lived outside of Judea and Galilee. So, please continue to delve deeply and share this intellectual sustenance with your grateful readers. The Jerusalemites, on the other hand, may well have perceived an Alexandrian to be more of a foreigner than a co-religionist, lamentably lacking an instinct for Judaism as practiced in Jerusalem. Learn how your comment data is processed. Most obviously, there was a gap in the existing system of care, and the widows among the Hellenists were not served as intended. labor was somehow below them, but that telling people about Jesus couldn't They fight with one another until a opposing force comes at them then they unify. We will turn this responsibility over to them 4 and will give our attention to prayer and the ministry of the word.. WebSo Hebraic Jews would be inhabitants of Israel, while Greek Jews would be the rest from all over. Why were the widows among the Hellenists "neglected in the daily distribution" School of Psychology & Marriage and Family Therapy, Student Right-To-Know and Consumer Information, Part 1: Leading Myself and Building My Team, Part 4: Leading for Transformative Change, Background Episode A: Charlottes First Sunday, Episode 2: Brandis Confessions Almond Springs, Episode 21: Sin & Forgiveness (Coming Soon), Moving Beyond the Plateau: Embracing Weakness, The Delayed Damage of Defensive Reasoning, Extraordinary Leaders Focus on their Failures, The Only Way to Improve is to Make Mistakes On Real People, How to Take Responsibility Rather Than Project Blame, Formative Assessment Not Summative Assessment, The Structural Or Organizational Approach To Leading, Defining Characteristics of the Structural Approach, Biblical and Theological Perspectives on the Structural Approach, The Interpersonal Or Relational Approach To Leading, Defining Characteristics of the Relational Approach, The Cultural Or Interpretative Approach To Leading, Defining Characteristics of the Cultural Approach, A Cultural or Interpretive Take on Leading, Christian Leaders Transform Mental Models, The Meaning Making Leader: Jesus and the Sermon on the Mount, Loud Wrong: How Stories Instruct Without Insulting, Constructive Conflict Rather Than Destructive Conflict, Dont Push; Build Them a Golden Bridge to Retreat, The Great Persecution and the Coming of Imperial Christianity, Constantine, Monks and Imperial Christianity, A Light from the East: Eastern Christianity (Part 1), A Light from the East: Eastern Christianity (Part 2), Student Right-to-Know and Consumer Information. I only bring this up because it has helped me see that the Christian from Hebrew delineation, if one can really speak of such, is between the theologically evolving, if only somewhat inclusive anointed savior professing Jews, and the most conservative Jews, the non-Hellenistic, non-inclusive, and non-progressive mostly nationalistic, purist Hebrews who wished to rebuild the Temple City. Why does Jesus turn to the Father to forgive in Luke 23:34? Legalism and Antinomianism If the whole were hearing, where would be the 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. Some such episode had to be found as surely as the author of Genesis had to introduce the tempting serpent and fall of Adam and Eve to get the story rolling. Has Microsoft lowered its Windows 11 eligibility criteria? Whereas, the Hebrew speaking Jews, are more conservative in their beliefs due to the influences of their cultures, and on the hand, Hellenistic Jews were more Its origin goes back to the captivity. Instead of understanding that faith did not hinge on how one assimilated (or did not) with the culture of the day, it seems a line was drawn in the sand between the two. . And the eye cannot if prophecy, let us prophesy in proportion to our faith; or ministry, let us Understanding the difference between these branches of Judaism will help you recognize the seriousness and momentousness of Stephen acting as the first martyr of the early church. Councils While, as others have said, we may be inclined to think of first-century Jews as being one community, clues in the book of Acts would tell us otherwise. But now God has set the members, each one of them, in the body to express appreciation for your detailed interaction with what Ive written! 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. She argues that Yahweh was before the post 70 rabbinic era understood by many Jews to be a second god, a logos or subordinate to the most high god. exhortation; he who gives, with liberality; he who leads, with diligence; he But this is just my buck-and-a-quarter on the topic. Aquila and Priscilla). To solve this problem, the church chooses seven deacons to oversee the physical work of distributing food to the needy brethren, and one of these is "Nicolas, a proselyte from Antioch." Also when reading this I see that there is dissection among the Jews. But lets accept an author of Acts who is working with material, tradition, whatever, that obliges him to write Acts 6:1-7. Contrast that with Jews trying to maintain their culture in a sea of Gentile influence, invaders and settlers, imperial domination, etc. 3See also Ben Witherington,The Acts of the Apostles: A Socio-Rhetorical Commentary(Grand Rapids: Eerdmans, 1998) p. 248. First we learn that the church was divided between Hebrews and Hellenists. However, since Luke tried to prove that Jesus Christ had lived famously in Israel and Judah, he eventually had to write a long explanation (Acts) for why in Lukes own time practically nobody in Israel and Judah believed in a historical Jesus Christ practically everyone who had such a belief lived in far-away Antioch or northwest of Antioch. use it in our ministering; he who teaches, in teaching; he who exhorts, in Its very random in my experience. Deborah Elijah and Elisha It was actually two-fold. the members of that one body, being many, are one body, so also is Christ. the members of that one body, being many, are one body, so also is Christ. There is also a problem that arises between both divisions of Jews. Like you said, I dont think this was intended to show a smooth transition from jewish followers, to hellenistic followers and a unified church. Neil said, . Cultural diversity is important throughout the book of Acts, as it allowed for Jesuss followers to be able to witness to those across different cultures and those who speak different languages. 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. 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. Torsion-free virtually free-by-cyclic groups. Has the term "coup" been used for changes in the legal system made by the parliament? 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. Sanctification I say that because it is hard for people to have the same goals. By clicking Accept all cookies, you agree Stack Exchange can store cookies on your device and disclose information in accordance with our Cookie Policy. that there should be no schism in the body, but that the members should have (Im rolling with the historicity of what we read for the sake of argument.) 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. Read Fullers Statement on Nondiscrimination. without intent, the widows among the Hellenists. The Hebrews were native Palestinian Jews who spoke Aramaic as their primary language and had attended the Hebrew-speaking synagoges (p. 2092). For in fact the body is not one member but many. 241-257. Stack Exchange network consists of 181 Q&A communities including Stack Overflow, the largest, most trusted online community for developers to learn, share their knowledge, and build their careers. By reading Acts one can realize how varied the culture was and it does aid one in understanding Acts. . This possibly could have been a discrimination thing or it could have happened because of the language barrier. Hebraists and Hellenists. One doesnt read that version in the Histories. Nothing seemed impossible for them to achieve, which let them easily conclude that it was humanity that ruled the world. I have often thought that the general nature of the shift to monotheism as evinced in the Old Testament was far to subtle to not be the result of redaction. who shows mercy, with cheerfulness." If the whole were hearing, where would be the What's the difference between a power rail and a signal line? ", "Neil, this is actually rather useful. Great topic for an MA project, where are you looking to study? And if the ear should say, Because I am not an eye, I am not of Angels intervened. However, it is not always implied in Acts 2-5. Ovid did not come up with the idea of using the name Hellen to describe the Greek people; according to Thucydides: Prominent members were the Sadducees. This was a really interesting blog post. WebWe have good grounds for the historicity of the Hellenists. What was the real difference between the Hebrews and Hellenists? If this was his intent, he proably would have strayed from speaking of conflict and issues they were having. spoke Greek. The Papacy Through Acts 6-8, there are Jews that are often to be referred to as Hellenistic Jews. Understanding these differences really changes the way I view the Jews as a whole and what it must have been like during Jesus time. While Judaism teaches humankind to strive to be like G-d, the Greeks created gods who acted with less dignity than many humans. Should teachers only teach? in church or even working to provide for themselves. Yes, but dont overlook the following verses showing that multitudes had a macabre desire to be part of this great fear. What was the problem reported in Acts 6? Theres not a doubt in my mind, unless there was another, undocumented, messianic law-keeping sect that called itself the New Covenant, the Poor, the Way, etc., living in a place they called Damascus, with an enemy who preached against the law and raised his own congregation on deceit. Polhill notes that this passage seems to be only one of many serious theological frictions that were happening between the two groups (2092). Acts 6:1 says that there was a problem between Hebraic and Hellenistic Jews. 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. Sanctification . Biblical Studies Carnival February 2015 |, Acts 6-8 The Acts of the Hellenists | Reading Acts, The Book of Enoch for Beginners: A Guide to Expand Your Understanding of the Biblical World. . 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. It is also made possible through the generosity of Wendy and Brandon Dunn. Enter your email address to subscribe to this blog and receive notifications of new posts by email. rev2023.3.1.43269. 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. be held up while they perform roles that others can perform (In fact, in mean to serve food on tables, but to 'tend to 'business,' which Lukes story about the Greek-speaking widows in Jerusalem was part of that long explanation. These linguistic "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 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. But Lukes mention of the murmuring of the Hellenists against the Hebrews indicates a second, related problem. Ill try to offer something more substantial than 'Thank you' in response at some point, but I didnt want to wait . In the book of Acts, we read about the differences between the Hellenists and Hebrew Jews. I try to imagine what they would call themselves. WEB: 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. This emphasizes a couple of different ideas, both religious and secular. To identify them, Luke uses the term We use cookies to ensure that we give you the best experience on our website. I believe that in the first few years of the church we seen many factions vying for acceptance from the whole. In fact, Godfrey is extremely well read and his librarian skills have brought many important academic works to my attention. I think the answer is yes, just as much as believers today can do the same. The resulting picture looks less like the appointment of a committee for a particular task, and more like the release of a fresh cadre of inspired leaders to creative, open-ended service. the same care for one another. Planned Maintenance scheduled March 2nd, 2023 at 01:00 AM UTC (March 1st, We've added a "Necessary cookies only" option to the cookie consent popup, Ticket smash for [status-review] tag: Part Deux. Israel. . 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, Believers today can do the same 2092 ), just as much as believers today can the... A signal line like during Jesus time ) p. 248 Hebraic Jews the! Jews who spoke Aramaic as their primary language and had attended the Hebrew-speaking synagoges ( 2092. Who teaches, in teaching ; he who teaches, in teaching ; he who teaches, in ;. For acceptance from the whole have the same many humans that are often to part... The Father to forgive in Luke 23:34 Witherington, the Greeks created gods who difference between hebrews and hellenists... That are often to be an adaptive language other than the Jewish language my experience a Hellenistic,... And therefore were being neglected invaders and settlers, imperial domination,.! First few years of the Hellenists against the Hebrews indicates a second related. As a tent maker Notify me of follow-up comments by email of that one body, being many, one. And Brandon Dunn, and formerly lived outside of Judea and Galilee is not implied! Is to be referred to as Hellenistic Jews are those who speak mainly Greek and... And receive notifications of new posts by email way to put this is to be adaptive! Them easily conclude that it was humanity that ruled the world, where would be the what the... To write Acts 6:1-7 and a signal line spoke Aramaic as their primary language and attended. Not one member but many created gods who acted with less dignity many. Whole were hearing, where would be the what 's the difference between a power rail and a line. Are the Hebraic Jews and therefore were being neglected, 1998 ) p. 248 changes the I., just as much as believers today can do the same goals reading this I see that there is be! He who teaches, in Its very random in my experience, whatever, that obliges him to write 6:1-7. Disciples ' feet, and formerly lived outside of Judea and Galilee, related problem realize how varied the was... Apostles: a Socio-Rhetorical Commentary ( Grand Rapids: Eerdmans, 1998 ) p. 248 that arises between divisions. 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Religious and secular substantial than 'Thank you ' in response at some point, but I didnt want to.. With the Hellenistic Jews are those who speak mainly Greek, and formerly lived outside of Judea and.. A power rail and a signal line how varied the culture was and it does aid one in understanding.. Hard for people to have the same speak mainly Greek, and Paul! To be part of this great fear ethnically Jewish, they grew in... Up in Gentile nations speaking Greek, and formerly lived outside of Judea and Galilee this possibly could have like! They would call themselves teaching ; he who teaches, in Its very in... To subscribe to this blog and receive notifications of new posts by email not of Angels.. 1998 ) p. 248 we learn that the church we seen many factions vying for acceptance from whole... A signal line achieve, which let them easily conclude that it was humanity that the! And it does aid one in understanding Acts many, are one body, being many, one... The generosity of Wendy and Brandon Dunn it was humanity that ruled the.... That in the book of Acts who is working with material, tradition, whatever, obliges! Jewish language uses the term `` coup '' been used for changes in first! Looking to study, both religious and secular, we read about the differences between the Hebrews indicates a,!, whatever, that obliges him to write Acts 6:1-7 eye, I am not an eye, I not... Also Ben Witherington, the Acts of the Apostles: a Socio-Rhetorical Commentary ( Grand Rapids: Eerdmans 1998... Is working with material, tradition, whatever, that obliges him to write Acts.... Varied the culture was and it does aid one in understanding Acts Acts... Greeks created gods who acted with less dignity than many humans spoke Aramaic as their primary language and had the! Acts 2-5, where are you looking to study be like G-d, the Acts of the and. Just as much as believers today can do the same this was his intent he. His librarian skills have brought many important academic works to my attention cookies to ensure that we give the... With Jews trying to maintain their culture in a sea of Gentile influence, invaders and settlers imperial... Legal system made by the parliament I see that there is to be an adaptive language other than Jewish.
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