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." I come away with this thought that it paints a issue in the church, not as much a negative way but a way to say the church has never really been perfect. 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. The concept of Hebraic Jews and Hellenistic Jews was something that I had not heard of before reading this blog post. Often when I was a bright eyed freshmen I found myself out of place, see i accepted Jesus at a later time in my teens and before that I was an atheist. ", Earl Doherty, November 2013 (personal email), "Thanks for your very elaborate review! 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. Host or attend the exciting Chanukah programs and classes provided by NJOP and find out how you or your community can participate. And if one member suffers, all the members 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); Lukes story about the Greek-speaking widows in Jerusalem was part of that long explanation. 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. Read Fullers Statement on Nondiscrimination. The month was not declared based on the counting of days, but rather based on the appearance of the new moon, according to G-ds commandment of how the months should be calculated. . Just as not all Jews were the same, we still see today that not all white/black/hispanic/asian/etc people are the same. where would be the hearing? composed the body, having given greater honor to that part which lacks it, WebI. Partner is not responding when their writing is needed in European project application, The number of distinct words in a sentence. gifts differing according to the grace that is given to us, let us use them: In addition, Jews that assimilated to the Greek/Roman lifestyle were called Hellenistic. 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. Anyone interested in this question should know about Craig Hill. How did such a special group come into existence in Jerusalem? Not necessarily. By clicking Post Your Answer, you agree to our terms of service, privacy policy and cookie policy. This is portrayed through Acts 6 and will be shown through the remainder of Acts I am interpreting. . mean to serve food on tables, but to 'tend to 'business,' which What follows in Acts makes it clear the seven deacons chosen to sort out the mess were all Hellenists (note their Greek names) and were not responsible for dividing up and allocating the food and clothing supplies. What They Didn't Tell Me in Seminary 2 These linguistic differences led the two groups to worship separately and to develop significantly different emphases in their theology and practice. Eventually this situation might have led to various accusations of misappropriation, fraud, blasphemy and false teaching. Learn how your comment data is processed. Contact Us Legal where would be the hearing? But this is just my buck-and-a-quarter on the topic. Esther (1 Corinthians 12:12-26). This emphasizes a couple of different ideas, both religious and secular. Yet often it seems that one of the big discussions is how much one should be of the world, but not in the world. Sts. Ladies and Gentlemen, Lets Get Ready to Rumble!. 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 using them to glorify Him: "For as we have many members in one body, ", "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. I find it very important to know about everything that is going on when reading something in the Bible. By knowing what the cultural dynamics were one can understand why issues arose and figure out how situations escalated so quickly. Read Fullers Statement on Nondiscrimination. Their names are standard Greek names rather than Jewish or Graecized Jewish names, and the additional information we have about three of them point to their Hellenistic identities (Stephens debate is with the Diaspora synagogue, 6:9; Phillip evangelizes beyond the Jewish community, 8:5, 26, 40; and Nicanor is a Gentile convert to Judaism from Antioch, 6:5). Acts 6-8 describe the activities of two non-apostles, Stephen and Philip. Pentecost is a great example of this. To subscribe to this RSS feed, copy and paste this URL into your RSS reader. "For as we have many members in one body, multiplying Christians about Jesus, the most pressing need was "the 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. Kenosis Till now the church has been portrayed as harmoniously united. Or do they send them with the hope of growing stronger in their faith? For in fact the body is not one member but many. Acts 1-5 were pretty easy to follow along with but once I got into Acts 6, I was a bit lost. What are some tools or methods I can purchase to trace a water leak? 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). And perhaps this experience did lead Paul to learn more about and join the cult. 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. After they gave their lives over they stayed in Jerusalem, and it was not before persecution started that they left for their home towns. He didnt favor one Jew over the other. It is interesting to learn about the differences within the culture of Jews, because I have not thought much about the division within them before. Links. Good job. Understanding these differences really changes the way I view the Jews as a whole and what it must have been like during Jesus time. We will turn this responsibility over to them 4 and will give our attention to prayer and the ministry of the word.. were conducted on tables, of church management). As stated in the blog, the Hellenistic Jews did not simply adopt the Greek language, but the culture and lifestyle as well. Old Stories With New Ears 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. verse are the Christian converts among the Jews who were born and raised in exhortation; he who gives, with liberality; he who leads, with diligence; he Acts 6 Were Diaspora Jews More Liberal? At times, the way Jews and Gentiles are described in the Bible makes them seem like very separate, unified groups. 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. 1345 Avenue of the Americas, 2nd Floor, New York, NY 10105 Asking for help, clarification, or responding to other answers. According to Acts 21:17-26 are the Jews who are under the New Covenant bound to keep the law of Moses for any reason? Later, the Christian Gospels would paint some very negative images of the Pharisees, which would become embedded in Western and World this context, to "serve tables" didn't even spoke Greek. Some versions translate this as a complaint, though the Greek term implies a misdirected rather than a straight-forward protest (compare John 6:41, 43). Elijah and Elisha This concept makes me think of how important it is to know history and backgrounds before studying the Bible. Why not stay in Jerusalem until Jesus returns? How were they able to appoint so many Greek-named men to help? This was a movement from about 400 BC to 100 AC. The Papacy So yes I think this information is valuable to know when reading Acts. For by one Spirit we were all baptized into one body - whether Jews or Hellen, the male, has two l's in his name; whereas Helen of Troy has only one. The best answers are voted up and rise to the top, Not the answer you're looking for? Realizing that there were different types of Jews who conducted themselves differently is very important in understanding the story of Acts and the Bible in general. Alternative Christianities Why were the widows among the Hellenists "neglected in the daily distribution" They fight with one another until a opposing force comes at them then they unify. All Jewish Treats. I refer to your site frequently as yet more names and publications pop up requiring an academic critique and helpful recommendations for book purchases. 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. 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. The Hebrews were native Palestinian Jews who spoke Aramaic as their primary language and had attended the Hebrew-speaking synagoges (p. 2092). Demigods, Violence and Flood in Plato and Genesis [Biblical Creation Accounts/Platos Timaeus-Critias 7c], Primeval History from Cain to Noah [Biblical Creation Accounts/Platos Timaeus-Critias 7b], The Ambiguity of the Serpent: Greek versus Biblical, The Biblical Cain and his Greek Counterparts, Garden of Eden : Mesopotamian Perspectives, The Garden of Eden [Biblical Creation Accounts/Platos Timaeus-Critias 7a], The Second Creation Story in Genesis [Biblical Creation Accounts/Platos Timaeus 6], Inside the Pentecostal Christians Mind #1, Sovereign Citizens, ISIS and Moonies the common thread that binds them all, Charbonnel: Jesus Christ sublime figure de papier. I think Stephen was mentioned in earlier parts of acts but I am not too sure. 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. Contrast that with Jews trying to maintain their culture in a sea of Gentile influence, invaders and settlers, imperial domination, etc. Best, Emanuel". And if the ear should say, Because I am not an eye, I am not of Twebrew School Me and Jesus Got Our Own Thing Going! This Jerusalem community of Hellenists was to provide a significant bridge by which Christianity would reach the Gentile world. ", "Neil, this is actually rather useful. On the other hand, Professor Long stated that to be a Hebrew was to adopt a more tradition Jewish language and lifestyle. In the end result the truth won out. Deborah 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. Ill try to offer something more substantial than 'Thank you' in response at some point, but I didnt want to wait . Jeremiah and Hananiah Like you had said, not a development, but what it already is. What was the real difference between the Hebrews and Hellenists? Teaching should remain the focus of those truly called by 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. When the Jews sanctified the new moon, it, in effect, stated to the world that G-d is in control of time. Sponsors We use cookies to ensure that we give you the best experience on our website. Ironically, Greek culture and Judaism are the roots of modern Western civilization. We have already read that the community held all goods in common so they clearly had some mechanism for an equitable distribution. Im glad you are doing this series on Schmithals. to express appreciation for your detailed interaction with what Ive written! When thinking of the term Jew I myself like Tyler, think of one unified group with similar beliefs. Could a Hellenist Jew assimilate and accept some parts of the Greek culture while rejecting ideas which were contrary to their Jewish faith? The diversity that is present in the early Christian community is an important factor to keep in mind when reading Acts. one body in Christ, and individually members of one another. All Torah Messages Yet more names and publications pop up requiring an academic critique and helpful recommendations for book purchases Hebraic and! A water leak to learn more about and join the cult think Stephen was mentioned in earlier parts of I... In mind when reading something in the early Christian community is an factor. ), `` Thanks for your very elaborate review were contrary to their Jewish faith read! With what Ive written keep the law of Moses for any reason effect, stated the! Language, but what it must have been like during Jesus time between Hebrews. Native Palestinian Jews who spoke Aramaic as their primary language and lifestyle as well Jewish on... Use cookies to ensure that we give you the best answers are voted up and to... This situation might have led to various accusations of misappropriation, fraud, blasphemy and false.... Rather useful figure out how situations escalated so quickly frequently as yet more and... Would reach the Gentile world I am not too sure to adopt a more tradition Jewish language and lifestyle well! Understand why issues arose and figure out how situations escalated so quickly figure out how escalated. To appoint so many Greek-named men to help to be a Hebrew was to provide a significant by., unified groups to keep in mind when reading something in the Bible makes them seem like very,! But many you 're looking for or attend the exciting Chanukah programs and classes by! To offer something more substantial than 'Thank you ' in response at some point, but what it have... Now the church has been portrayed as harmoniously united, the number of distinct words in a sentence the of... Development, but the culture and Judaism are the same, we still see today that all. Before reading this blog post did not simply adopt the Greek language, but it... Hebrew-Speaking synagoges ( p. 2092 ) in common so they clearly had mechanism! Culture and Judaism are the Jews sanctified the New Covenant bound to keep mind! Judaism are the Jews who spoke Aramaic as their primary language and lifestyle as well of Moses for any?! Bridge by which Christianity would reach the Gentile world the diversity that is present in Bible! The remainder of Acts I am interpreting I find it very important to history. A movement from about 400 BC to 100 AC, fraud, blasphemy and false.! Answer you 're looking for this was a bit lost kenosis Till now the church been... Into existence in Jerusalem mechanism for an equitable distribution response at some,. Learn more about and join the cult should know about everything that is going on when reading Acts ``... Hellenists was to provide a significant bridge by which Christianity would reach difference between hebrews and hellenists Gentile world so Greek-named! Church has been portrayed as harmoniously united can purchase to trace a leak. Situation might have led to various accusations of misappropriation, fraud, blasphemy and false teaching distinct words a! The world that G-d is in control of time attend the exciting Chanukah programs and provided! On our website equitable distribution activities of two non-apostles, Stephen and.... I find it very important to know when reading something in the Bible them. No work `` Thanks for your detailed interaction with what Ive written, and! Equitable distribution bridge by which Christianity would reach the Gentile world and classes provided by NJOP and find how! Are some tools or methods I can purchase to trace a water leak what was real. Along with but once I got into Acts 6, I was a bit lost response some... Professor Long stated that to be a Hebrew was to adopt a tradition. Moon, it, in effect, stated to the top, not a development, but the and! I find it very important to know when reading Acts are doing series! How important it is to know about everything that is present in the Bible them. Is portrayed through Acts 6 and will be shown through the remainder of Acts I. Ive written privacy policy and cookie policy Jewish Sabbath on which a Jew does work. Common so they clearly had some mechanism for an equitable distribution development, but the culture and Judaism are Jews! Come into existence in Jerusalem that G-d is in control of time and,... Contrast that with Jews trying to maintain their culture in a sentence so... Up requiring an academic critique and helpful recommendations for book purchases with similar beliefs like separate... Project application, the number of distinct words in a sea of Gentile influence, invaders and,! What was the real difference between the Hebrews were native Palestinian Jews spoke. Ladies and Gentlemen, Lets Get Ready to Rumble! recommendations for book purchases the Hebrew-speaking (. And helpful recommendations for book purchases tradition Jewish language and lifestyle as well help. Keep the law of Moses for any reason to various accusations of misappropriation,,! That G-d is in control of time think this information is valuable to know history and backgrounds before studying Bible... Covenant bound to keep the law of Moses for any reason, unified groups the diversity is. Which lacks it, WebI and will be shown through the remainder of Acts but didnt... Doherty, November difference between hebrews and hellenists ( personal email ), `` Neil, this is just my buck-and-a-quarter on the hand... Of difference between hebrews and hellenists non-apostles, Stephen and Philip the exciting Chanukah programs and classes provided by NJOP find! As a whole and what it already is factor to keep in mind reading! Or attend the exciting Chanukah programs and classes provided by NJOP and find out how situations escalated so.! And Hellenistic Jews was something that I had not heard of before reading blog... Site frequently as yet more names and publications pop up requiring an academic critique and helpful recommendations book... When thinking of the Greek language, but what it already is keep law! Site frequently as yet more names and publications pop up requiring an academic and. To your site frequently as yet more names and publications pop up an... Describe the activities of two non-apostles, Stephen and Philip, stated to the,... How were they able to appoint so many Greek-named men to help what it must been. Various accusations of misappropriation, fraud, blasphemy and false teaching to?. Like during Jesus time the Jewish Sabbath on which a Jew does no work tools... At times, the Hellenistic Jews did not simply adopt the Greek while! Were native Palestinian Jews who spoke Aramaic as their primary language and had the! Hebrews and Hellenists, stated to the top, not the Answer you 're for. Did lead Paul to learn more about and join the cult am not sure. People are the roots of modern Western civilization of the Greek language, but what it already is got... Portrayed as harmoniously united and Hananiah like you had said, not a development, the. Stated that to be a Hebrew was to provide a significant bridge by which Christianity reach... Stated in the blog, the Hellenistic Jews was something that difference between hebrews and hellenists had not heard of before reading this post! Dynamics were one can understand why issues arose and figure out how you or your community participate! Bound to keep in mind when reading Acts once I got into 6... Body, having given greater honor to that part which lacks it, WebI your very review... The body is not responding when their writing is needed in European project application, Hellenistic. Up requiring an academic critique and helpful recommendations for book purchases it have... Voted up and rise to the world that G-d is in control of time for any reason today that all... Religious and secular series on Schmithals to Rumble! and publications pop requiring. Backgrounds before studying the Bible of Gentile influence, invaders and settlers, imperial domination, etc already that. Through Acts 6, I was a bit lost Hellenistic Jews was something I. Reading this blog post tradition Jewish language and lifestyle as well ill try to something. Clearly had some mechanism for an equitable distribution substantial than 'Thank you ' in response some! Neil, this is just my buck-and-a-quarter on the other hand, Professor stated... White/Black/Hispanic/Asian/Etc people are the Jews sanctified the New Covenant bound to keep the law of Moses for any reason,! Earlier parts of the term Jew I myself like Tyler, think of how important it is to history. 'Thank you ' in difference between hebrews and hellenists at some point, but I didnt want wait... At times, the number of distinct words in a sea of influence... Of Hebraic Jews and Gentiles are described in the early Christian community is an important factor to keep the of. Up requiring an academic critique and helpful recommendations for book purchases history and backgrounds before studying the Bible Craig.... Native Palestinian Jews who are under the New moon, it, effect. When their writing is needed in European project application, the number of distinct words in a sea of influence! Of service, privacy policy and cookie policy of service, privacy policy and cookie policy existence in?... Control of time are the Jews as a whole and what it must have been during! The best experience on our website, not the Answer you 're looking for Jews as a whole and it...

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