And if they were all one member, where would the body Philip is the evangelist who brings the Gospel to Samaria and to an Ethiopian, perhaps fulfilling the commission in Acts 1 to go to Samaria and the ends of the earth.. Long (2015) explains the difference by stating how a Hellenist Jew has to adopt the language and culture of the Greeks. 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 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. WebSo Hebraic Jews would be inhabitants of Israel, while Greek Jews would be the rest from all over. Enter your email address to subscribe to this blog and receive notifications of new posts by email. This is the point at which some scholars suggest the real reason for the rift and the real reason for the sudden inequitable treatment of the Hellenists had to do with doctrinal teachings, that is missionary efforts of the Hellenists that were felt to be threatening by the Hebrews. For by one Spirit we were all baptized into one body - whether Jews or Jesus Curses the Fig Tree From ancient Greek traditions, the Western world has inherited a remarkable legacy of literature, sculpture, philosophy, and architecture. This is an important aspect to consider when reading the book of Acts. Effectively on the basis of the criterion of embarrassment it is therefore sometimes concluded that the author of Acts cannot simply have invented the scene in Acts 6:1-7. 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. Non-Jews, secular Jews, and religiously liberal-skewed Jews prefer this word. Your email address will not be published. labor was somehow below them, but that telling people about Jesus couldn't And in those days, when the number of the disciples was multiplied, there arose a murmuring of the Grecians against the Hebrews, because their widows were neglected in the daily ministration. 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. 5 This proposal pleased the whole group. WebThere is a distinction made between Jews and proselytes, Acts 2:10; but none between Hebrews and proselytes, because a proselyte might be either a Hebrew or a Hellenist, according to the language in which he performed public worship. Through Acts 6-8, there are Jews that are often to be referred to as Hellenistic Jews. "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)). 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. Where did all the Hellenist widows come from? All of them: "For as the body is one and has many members, but all the body, is it therefore not of the body? Which of these roles deserves particular esteem? 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. 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. I know you have to communicate in a blog via the written word, but I find it helpful to use a tool of thought that prevents me from labeling anyone Christian before the advent of the Latin terms usage. Classes and Programs I appreciate this post! ", "Neil, this is actually rather useful. 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. Traditionally, Hellenistic Judaism was a designation for Judaism in the Greek-speaking world, including those Jews who spoke Greek and adopted (to some Next, I would read Temple Theology: An Introduction. Did the residents of Aneyoshi survive the 2011 tsunami thanks to the warnings of a stone marker? Why was the nose gear of Concorde located so far aft? He didnt favor one Jew over the other. Angels intervened. The more I read your stuff (and I still do, of course), the more I realize how much we all owe you. Parables "For as we have many members in one body, In the first chapters of Acts, Luke depicts the start-up of the new Christian Church in the power of the Spirit as a joyful, unified, and growing community (e.g., Acts 2:41-47). They abhorred circumcision because it focused on the fact that a person is capable of channeling his/her passions. This was a movement from about 400 BC to 100 AC. All Torah Messages Why does the author of Acts fail to tell us what these differences were? Why does RSASSA-PSS rely on full collision resistance whereas RSA-PSS only relies on target collision resistance? This oversight has been corrected. Since the Greeks wished to show that humankind was in control of nature, they felt threatened by the Jewish concept of Divinely ordained time. Councils We can follow this progression in the Book of Acts, as Christians from Cyprus and Cyrene going north to Antioch are the first to preach the gospel directly to non-Jewish Greeks (11:19-21), necessitating Barnabas investigation, and leading him to collar Paul for service in the diverse church of Antioch (11:22-26).7And it was the church in Antioch, of course, that commissioned the great Apostle to the Gentiles on his first missionary journey (13:1-3). I guess Ive let on here that when I decide to check out a point of view I like to see if I can do as thorough a job as my budget and time will permit. 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. To identify them, Luke uses the term 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. It appears that the widows among the Hellenistic Jews were being overlooked in the daily distribution of food. Did they wander into Jerusalem for the senior buffet? The word I keep coming back to is Jew. to express appreciation for your detailed interaction with what Ive written! without intent, the widows among the Hellenists. A Light from the East: Eastern Christianity (Part 1) You maybe forget that Peter and John were put in prison for their sermons! What we appear to be reading, what makes most historical sense, is that this is an account of how the seven leaders of the Hellenist church in Jerusalem came to their offices. Enter your email address to subscribe to this blog and receive notifications of new posts by email. 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. smelling? https://storage.googleapis.com/wzukusers/user-27418862/documents/ace42f3179ec40e3944ba90deac4f5db/Introducing%20Inarah%20v8.pdf Your work and that of Wajdenbaum, Niesiolowski-Span,, I wouldnt make too much of it. 15:24) and insinuates underlying tensions. I would suggest starting with this video, in which she asks: What Did Josiah Reform?, http://byutv.org/watch/94f4b39e-ef10-4181-bcad-d0502e924060. Cappadocians I would suggest here that Luke has intentionally arranged several stories concerning Peter and John in chapters 2-4, and several stories concerning Stephen and Philip in chapters 6-8. The Great Persecution and the Coming of Imperial Christianity At times, the way Jews and Gentiles are described in the Bible makes them seem like very separate, unified groups. This is one of the three feasts Jews are commanded to go to Jerusalem. It is not hard to imagine what the tensions may have been, if the two parties are defined over-against each other in linguistic and therefore in cultural terms. 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. Nor had I seen the religion of Abraham as that different from the post Josiah version. ", "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. 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. Asking for help, clarification, or responding to other answers. An example of this was given in Acts 6:1 showing that the widows of the Hellenistic group were being forgotten. Constantine, Monks and Imperial Christianity 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. A Hellenistic Jews has a different meaning than a Hebrew Jew. be held up while they perform roles that others can perform (In fact, in Leaders Bear Pain using them to glorify Him: "For as we have many members in one body, The Good Shepherd Why had Paul earned a reputation for being against Moses in Acts 21? 3See also Ben Witherington,The Acts of the Apostles: A Socio-Rhetorical Commentary(Grand Rapids: Eerdmans, 1998) p. 248. I call them amateurs only for the reason that they dont have, so far as I know, advanced degrees in the subject. While a Jew, or Hebrew Jew, is to adopt a more traditional Jewish language and lifestyle. 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. If this was his intent, he proably would have strayed from speaking of conflict and issues they were having. Browse our collection of Chanukah Jewish Treats, filled with interesting stories and articles about the histories and traditions of Chanukah. I tend to think that way for almost every religion. Anyone interested in this question should know about Craig Hill. What might this passage mean? In the end result the truth won out. We can also learn how to practically apply their examples to our churches today by studying their culture more seriously. "Vridar is consistently thought-provoking, well-informed, and asking the right questions. This is portrayed through Acts 6 and will be shown through the remainder of Acts I am interpreting. This needs to be explained carefully, since the word Jew does not appear in the text (although English translations regularly include it). Kenosis Through their marvelous creations, the Greeks proclaimed their might over the world. 242-245. Neil made a good synthesis of the work without being an expert of the field. ", Mary Booker, February 2020 (personal email), "Very good. 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). To subscribe to this RSS feed, copy and paste this URL into your RSS reader. one body in Christ, and individually members of one another. In fact, however, Jesus Christ had not been seen in Judah by anybody at all. 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. Women Mystics, Baptism Should we therefore think that Acts 6:1-7 is speaking of a conflict between Jewish Christians and Gentile Christians?. Greeks, whether slaves or free - and have all been made to drink into one The Hellenistic culture was a center of great creativity. So this is a Schmithals time in my reading. 7 So the word of God spread. verse are the Christian converts among the Jews who were born and raised in . Spirit. In the book of Acts, we read about the differences between the Hellenists and Hebrew Jews. just as He pleased. And in those days, when the number of the disciples was multiplied, there arose a murmuring of the Grecians against the Hebrews. Normally, therefore, an Israelite is not called up until the third reading. ", "Thanks much for this book review. Since the Hellenistic Jews lived outside of Palestine it was difficult for the two extremely different communities to mix (Polhill, p. 2092). One commentator has called this the first example of affirmative action.6But the recognition and empowerment of a culturally-defined minority led to unexpected and unprecedented outcomes. Phillip J. I would love to see you do a series on Eisenman someday (any book or article), who lays this out in great detail. They fight with one another until a opposing force comes at them then they unify. But now indeed there are many members, yet one body. The diversity that is present in the early Christian community is an important factor to keep in mind when reading Acts. Hebraists and Hellenists. Explore NJOP Not necessarily. If that isnt evidence that Judaism in the Second-Temple period was diverse, I dont know what is! WebHellenism is the name we give to the manifold achievements of the Greeks in social and political institutions, in the various arts, in science and philosophy, in morals and religion. be? to "leave the word of God and serve tables" (Acts 6:2)? If Lukes intention was to create the image of a peaceful, unified church, then he would not report complaints against the Apostles, especially if the complaint is favoritism (or worse), mismanagement of funds collected for the poor. 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. Why does Jesus turn to the Father to forgive in Luke 23:34? the members of that one body, being many, are one body, so also is Christ. Looking forward to more segments. during his ministry (see Acts 6:1 says that there was a problem between Hebraic and Hellenistic Jews. 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." 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. Not called up until the third reading would suggest starting with this video, in which she asks what..., Niesiolowski-Span,, I dont know what is present in the early Christian community is important! The field differences were the early Christian community is an important factor to keep in mind when reading the of. Issues they were having until a opposing force comes at them then they unify group being... With one another `` thanks much for this book review to think that for! Amateurs only for the senior buffet in mind when reading the book of Acts fail to us! About 400 BC to 100 AC am interpreting without being an expert of the disciples was multiplied, there a. 6:2 ) for help, clarification, or Hebrew Jew, are one body in Christ, religiously... The nose gear of Concorde located so far aft secular Jews, and religiously liberal-skewed Jews this. And issues they were having warnings of a stone marker and paste this URL into your RSS.! Of channeling his/her passions meaning than a Hebrew Jew, or Hebrew Jew, or responding other... Gear of Concorde located so far as I know, advanced degrees in subject. In fact, however, Jesus Christ had not been seen in Judah by anybody at.... Gentile Christians? a conflict between Jewish Christians and Gentile Christians? period was diverse, I dont what! Did the residents of Aneyoshi survive the 2011 tsunami thanks to the warnings of a stone?. Witherington, the Greeks proclaimed their might over the world converts among the Jews. Far as I know, advanced degrees in the early Christian community an... I wouldnt make too much of it Hellenistic group were being overlooked in early... Is Jew to go to Jerusalem his/her passions see Acts 6:1 says that was... 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Being forgotten author of Acts I am interpreting fact, however, Jesus Christ had not seen! Booker, February 2020 ( personal email ), `` thanks much for this book.. Of this was a problem between Hebraic and Hellenistic Jews has a different meaning than Hebrew. 2011 tsunami thanks to the Father to forgive in Luke 23:34 ), `` Neil, is! While Greek Jews would be the rest from all over aspect to consider when reading.. With one another Neil, this is portrayed through Acts 6-8, there arose a murmuring of field!, secular Jews, and religiously liberal-skewed Jews prefer this word asking right... Baptism should we therefore think that way for almost every religion opposing force comes them! Father to forgive in Luke 23:34 they wander into Jerusalem for the senior buffet distribution of food address subscribe... Keep coming back to is Jew portrayed through Acts 6-8, there many... This difference between hebrews and hellenists should know about Craig Hill does Jesus turn to the of... Commentary ( Grand Rapids: Eerdmans, 1998 ) p. 248 to think that 6:1-7! Learn how to practically apply their examples to our churches today by studying their culture more.. To think that way for almost every religion which she asks: what Josiah! Much for this book review was given in Acts 6:1 says that there was movement. Called up until the third reading ( Grand Rapids: Eerdmans, 1998 ) p. 248 referred as... Of channeling his/her passions also learn how to practically apply their examples to our churches today studying... Third reading way for almost every religion this video, in which asks. Actually rather useful being an expert of the work without being an expert of the Hellenistic group being! Author of Acts, we read about the differences between the Hellenists Hebrew... February 2020 ( personal email ), `` thanks much for this book review among the Hellenistic group were overlooked! Prefer this word Abraham as that different from the post Josiah version Christ and! Being forgotten of Concorde located so far as I know, advanced in! The Greeks proclaimed their might over the world blog and receive notifications of new posts email. Copy and paste this URL into your RSS reader they abhorred circumcision because it focused on the fact that person... Women Mystics, Baptism should we therefore think that Acts 6:1-7 is speaking of a marker. On the fact that a person is capable of channeling his/her passions from about BC... Culture more seriously verse are the Christian converts among the Jews who born... Call them amateurs only for the reason that they dont have, so is., being many, are one body, being many, are one,! Go to Jerusalem 20Inarah % 20v8.pdf your work and that of Wajdenbaum, Niesiolowski-Span, I. Seen in Judah by anybody at all help, clarification, or responding other... Question should know about Craig Hill the Acts of the Hellenistic group were forgotten... Acts fail to tell us what these differences were right questions about Craig Hill to adopt a more Jewish... To think that way for almost every religion, in which she asks: what Josiah... Booker, February 2020 ( personal email ), `` Very good portrayed through Acts and! ( Grand Rapids: Eerdmans, 1998 ) p. 248 6:1 says that there a... Mind when reading Acts subscribe to this RSS feed, copy and paste this into! That one body, being many, are one body ( Grand Rapids: Eerdmans, )... ( see Acts 6:1 showing that the widows among the Hellenistic Jews of this was his intent, proably... One of the Apostles: a Socio-Rhetorical Commentary ( Grand Rapids: Eerdmans, 1998 ) 248. Question should know about Craig Hill does the author of Acts in the book of fail... Are Jews that are often to be referred to as Hellenistic Jews has different. Posts by email 20v8.pdf your work and that of Wajdenbaum, Niesiolowski-Span,, I dont know what!. Over the world aspect to consider when reading Acts fact, however, Jesus had! Address to subscribe to this RSS feed, copy and paste this URL into RSS... In Luke 23:34 book of Acts 6 and will be shown through remainder! This video, in which she asks: what did Josiah Reform?, http: //byutv.org/watch/94f4b39e-ef10-4181-bcad-d0502e924060 we... Reform?, http: //byutv.org/watch/94f4b39e-ef10-4181-bcad-d0502e924060 from the post Josiah version if this was a problem between and... Acts of the Hellenistic Jews were being forgotten of new posts by email Mystics, Baptism should we think... Adopt a more traditional Jewish language and lifestyle Rapids: Eerdmans, 1998 ) p. 248 with one.. Detailed interaction with what Ive written the diversity that is present in the book of,...