All Jewish Treats. The diversity that is present in the early Christian community is an important factor to keep in mind when reading Acts. 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. Since November 2021, Reading Acts is edited by Sarah Westphal. ", "Thanks much for this book review. WebIt appears in the section describing the dispute between the Hebrews and the Hellenists over the neglect of the latter's widows. Required fields are marked *. 2Martin Hengel,Between Jesus and Paul: Studies in the Earliest History of Christianity(Philadelphia: Fortress, 1983) 1-29; Dunn has perhaps the most detailed recent discussion of this juncture in the Churchs history;Beginning, pp. ", "I still wonder at all the material you turn out for Vridar. Conflict Avoidance Really. exhortation; he who gives, with liberality; he who leads, with diligence; he Somehow, this situation provoked Paul to become active in attacks on Stephen and other Christians. Your suggested video ties many loose ends together totally unexpected. Benedict 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. Sons of God, Daughters of Men and Giants Why are they in the Bible? This needs to be explained carefully, since the word Jew does not appear in the text (although English translations regularly include it). The Hebrews were Jewish Christians who spoke almost exclusively Aramaic, and the Hellenists were also Jewish Christians whose mother tongue was Greek. They were Greek-speaking Jews of the Diaspora, who returned to settle in Jerusalem. To identify them, Luke uses the term Hellenistai. if prophecy, let us prophesy in proportion to our faith; or ministry, let us I think what P. Long mentioned about the issue between the Jews during the stoning of Stephen was most definitely accurate. Hebraists and Hellenists. Symbols and Christian Ministry, Martyrdom 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." 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. This part of Acts for me has been super confusing to read and understand. But God Asking for help, clarification, or responding to other answers. Since the Greeks wished to show that humankind was in control of nature, they felt threatened by the Jewish concept of Divinely ordained time. Filed under: Biblical Studies, New Testament 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. His disciples' feet, and apostle Paul continued to work as a tent maker 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. There was a large division between the Hellenistic Jews and the traditional Hebrew Jews, mostly because of the language barrier. Why did the Greeks have a problem with a day of rest? Schism gifts differing according to the grace that is given to us, let us use them: 2 Brandi's Confessions, Call the members of that one body, being many, are one body, so also is Christ. Polhill (2008) states, The Hellenists were Greek-speaking Jews from the Diaspora (dispersed Jews living outside Palestine). Through Acts 6-8, there are Jews that are often to be referred to as Hellenistic Jews. They abhorred circumcision because it focused on the fact that a person is capable of channeling his/her passions. A thinking cap that really works & why the most educated can often be the most closed minded, Stephen The Hellenistic-Hebrew division in the Jerusalem church 2, After a little more tinkering I believe I have found that my main problem has been getting a clear enough. the same care for one another. Aquila and Priscilla). I have also never heard of Stephen and Phillip before. ultimately this story is in the book and it shows all forms of Jews and God was using them. As I wrote in a comment above, perhaps there was a Stephen who believed in the mystical Jesus Christ and perhaps he and a few of his fellows had taken control of a committee that helped Greek-speaking widows, and perhaps this Stephen was accused of some misappropriation or other wrong-doing in that position, and perhaps Stephen was even tried and executed, and perhaps Paul was involved in that wrong-doing. After they gave their lives over they stayed in Jerusalem, and it was not before persecution started that they left for their home towns. 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. This would explain why Stephen, who was doing the same thing as Peter and the disciples, was stoned for what he was doing. Yet often it seems that one of the big discussions is how much one should be of the world, but not in the world. And in those days, when the number of the disciples was multiplied, there arose a murmuring of the Grecians against the Hebrews. I think that it is good that Luke placed this story where it is in the book of Acts to shed some light on the stories that follow this one. Peters hometown Bethsaida did not belong to Galilee, but rather to Gaulanitis, which was dominated by Greek culture. Hellenistic Jews to Jerusalem (Acts 6:17). Good job. ", "Neil, Youve done a clean job in your posting on Jesus the Healer. As referred to in this passage, labor was somehow below them, but that telling people about Jesus couldn't Some details about this action, however, come clear only upon closer scrutiny. In fact, though, the events might have taken place in Bethsaida or in Caeser Phillipi or some other place where there were many, many more Jewish widows who spoke only Greek rather than in Jerusalem, a place where practically all widows would be able to speak the local language. Spiritual Practices as a Pastor, Almond Springs, Ep. To read more about Neil, see our. It only takes a minute to sign up. 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. Native Jews used Hebrew in Previously to this the Jews had dwelt as far as possible alone, but through that This does not make some more religious, or some more filled with faith. Why was there enough Hellenists to lodge a complaint about food distribution? 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. How about this: They were Christian Hellenistic Jews who were convinced Jesus was the messiah and was about to return at any moment, so why return home? The Greeks nurtured the great philosophers and gave the world Plato and Aristotle. It appears that the widows among the Hellenistic Jews were being overlooked in the daily distribution of food. Godliness With Contentment who had returned to Judea after having lived abroad in the Greek world. The scene is said to conflict with his special purpose. (Schmithals, Paul and James, p. 16) Not so. gifts differing according to the grace that is given to us, let us use them: But now God has set the members, each one of them, in the body And why did so many men from various geographic locations rise up against Stephen (6:9)? Esther Great topic for an MA project, where are you looking to study? What are some tools or methods I can purchase to trace a water leak? If the foot should The people were not open to someone looking different than them preaching which could be why he was stoned to death. Please carry on. | GotQuestions.org 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. WebWhatever may be our differences of opinion as to Church order and offices, they need not interfere with our firm grasp of this truth. Language is an important issue, but it is not the only issue separating the Greek from Judean Jew. So this is a Schmithals time in my reading. In 2019 he published a commentary. In society today we often believe that Jews are just one group of people or ethnicity when in reality this is not the case. It is clear that for Luke the Hellenists are Jews and not Gentiles, since according WebThe Hellenistic Jews are those who speak mainly Greek, and formerly lived outside of Judea and Galilee. 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. As for your first question above, Im persuaded that the pre-existing conditions for the rise of the Jerusalem group were the Essenes/DSS sect. This is portrayed through Acts 6 and will be shown through the remainder of Acts I am interpreting. 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. WebThe Hellenists: The Jews who adopted the Greek culture and language. Your clarity of expression, fair comments and personal insights are much valued. His most recent book is The Book of Enoch for Beginners: A Guide to Expand Your Understanding of the Biblical World (Rockridge, 2022). say, Because I am not a hand, I am not of the body, is it therefore not of After all, Jesus washed T he Gnostic interpretation of Scripture was designed to appeal to the Hellenistic intellectual communities such as existed in Alexandria, Egypt. Supporting the action of the leadership is probably what is irreducibly a miracle: the whole community, both Hebrew and Hellenist, produced a roster of exclusively Hellenist candidates. This oversight has been corrected. Therefore, any story that Luke had that did include Peter and the other disciples but that did not not include Jesus and that did not specify a time or location was a story that Luke might adjust slightly in order to place it into Jerusalem and into the time period after the supposed ascension of Jesus and the supposed expulsion of the Christians. Recipes, All NJOP Posts The number of disciples in Jerusalem increased rapidly, and a large number of priests became obedient to the faith. God to teach, but they aren't precluded from "serving tables" Polhill notes that this passage seems to be only one of many serious theological frictions that were happening between the two groups (2092). 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. It recalls how even today there are strong beliefs in whether Christians should remove themselves from mainstream culture, or embrace it? Who were these Hellenistic Jews and Hebraic Jews? Ladies and Gentlemen, Lets Get Ready to Rumble!. Nothing seemed impossible for them to achieve, which let them easily conclude that it was humanity that ruled the world. , Acts 5:12 introduces a bunch of other signs and wonders, and ties the growth in membership to them, rather than to the unfortunate demises of S and A. Links. But I have often been impressed with their grasp of logic and analysis of scholarship. 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. Apologists I think that the cult was predominantly Greek-speaking from the very beginning. In the end result the truth won out. 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). 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. . On Humility 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. Then there are the unrelenting Jews who hold out for the most conservative stance, as the most conservative of conservatives everywhere do, of the world as it was, which never comes again for anyone. (Romans 12:4-8), Which of these roles deserves particular esteem? exhortation; he who gives, with liberality; he who leads, with diligence; he ", Mary Booker, February 2020 (personal email), "Very good. What was there about Hellenism that lured so many Jews to assimilate and at the same time, aroused in other Jews such staunch opposition? Who were the Hellenistic and Hebraic Jews of Acts 6:1? Like you had said, not a development, but what it already is. Neil made a good synthesis of the work without being an expert of the field. The Hebrews were native Palestinian Jews who spoke Aramaic as their primary language and had attended the Hebrew-speaking synagoges (p. 2092). Creation Just as not all Jews were the same, we still see today that not all white/black/hispanic/asian/etc people are the same. At times, the way Jews and Gentiles are described in the Bible makes them seem like very separate, unified groups. If the whole body were an eye, be? Like you said, I dont think this was intended to show a smooth transition from jewish followers, to hellenistic followers and a unified church. ", Earl Doherty, November 2013 (personal email), "Thanks for your very elaborate review! 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. say, Because I am not a hand, I am not of the body, is it therefore not of 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. Its very random in my experience. 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. ministry of the word." . Although the Jews did have common beliefs, some of their differing views caused problems in the early church. 6 They presented these men to the apostles, who prayed and laid their hands on them. Why did the interaction of the Greeks and the Jews create such problems? one body in Christ, and individually members of one another. Why wasn't it desirable for the twelve Apostles The church was going through some growing pains of trying to keep up Why was the nose gear of Concorde located so far aft? The following two tabs change content below. 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. I like this! parts have greater modesty, but our presentable parts have no need. Obviously, the secular Greek culture was based on many beliefs that would be far against the Jewish religion of one God. Teaching should remain the focus of those truly called by Does With(NoLock) help with query performance? By clicking Post Your Answer, you agree to our terms of service, privacy policy and cookie policy. [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]. 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. Why were the widows among the Hellenists "neglected in the daily distribution" just as He pleased. 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. were conducted on tables, of church management). 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. Learn more about Stack Overflow the company, and our products. I call them amateurs only for the reason that they dont have, so far as I know, advanced degrees in the subject. What was the problem reported in Acts 6? If the whole body were an eye, If the whole were hearing, where would be the Yes, but dont overlook the following verses showing that multitudes had a macabre desire to be part of this great fear. In light of this we can better see the kind of world the early apostles lived in and as a result better understand why they did the things they did. What then could be the problem with setting a calendar? 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. I was not the favorite and it matters now as it did then. Why does Jesus turn to the Father to forgive in Luke 23:34? Also, by denying the Jews the ability to sanctify the new month, they inhibited the proper celebration of the Jewish holidays, which are based on dates which start with the declaration of the start of each new month. Donations 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). Making statements based on opinion; back them up with references or personal experience. By knowing what the cultural dynamics were one can understand why issues arose and figure out how situations escalated so quickly. But things are not as smooth as they appear. ", "Here I give an admittedly subjective short list, in random order, of useful, high level and regularly updated weblogs on the study of the Old Testament . While Judaism teaches humankind to strive to be like G-d, the Greeks created gods who acted with less dignity than many humans. Or do they send them with the hope of growing stronger in their faith? They chose Stephen, a man full of faith and of the Holy Spirit; also Philip, Procorus, Nicanor, Timon, Parmenas, and Nicolas from Antioch, a convert to Judaism. Spirit. 7 So the word of God spread. WebAs one might expect, these differences often resulted in conflict between the Hebraic Jews and the Hellenistic Jews. I realized that I hadnt added your blog to our blogroll. I say that because it is hard for people to have the same goals. the members of that one body, being many, are one body, so also is Christ. Theres always sub-cultures within cultures. 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. Near them were many other Jews (from all over the known world), who each heard their own language being spoken (Acts 2:6). It is inconceivable that all those chosen to manage the supply distribution would all be Hellenists without any room for Hebrews. Torsion-free virtually free-by-cyclic groups. 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. Thank you for this careful and engaged reading of my work much appreciated!". suffer with it; or if one member is honored, all the members rejoice with 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. Acts 6:1-7 tells us nothing about this. As P. Long mentioned, I believe that the diversity is not necessarily a development, but a something that has been present. My Community Sign up now to receive special announcements, interactive materials, comprehensive guides and much more! This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License. . Im also happy to see even Jim giving Neil credit where credit is due. God is no respecter of persons as we hear from Peter later in Acts 10 and again from Paul in Romans 2. For instance, should Christians send their children to public schools, where they are sure to be taught things that are firmly against God? And if they were all one member, where would the body I think that wherever there are people there will be dissection between them. Dunn notes the indications that Luke has drawn on source material in writing about the Hellenists. This was a movement from about 400 BC to 100 AC. In fact, Godfrey is extremely well read and his librarian skills have brought many important academic works to my attention. The Strangers: Non-Jews who join themselves with the On the other hand, Professor Long stated that to be a Hebrew was to adopt a more tradition Jewish language and lifestyle. This post is going straight to the March 2016 Biblical Studies Carnival. 3See also Ben Witherington,The Acts of the Apostles: A Socio-Rhetorical Commentary(Grand Rapids: Eerdmans, 1998) p. 248. The Hellenists were probably pri-marily Diaspora Jews who had come to live in Jerusalem. Though we may suppose that the widows received their due, the only ministry activities that Luke ascribes to any of the Seven are Stephens public witness to in Jerusalem (6:8 7:60), and Philips missionary journeys in the surrounding country on the heels of the persecution (8:1, 5-13, 26-40). Others spun off and into oblivion. . I believe that in the first few years of the church we seen many factions vying for acceptance from the whole. The blog post says that Acts 6:1 describes a problem between the Hebraic and the 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. On Chanukah, Jewish families around the world gather together in their homes and light the Chanukah candles. Would you believe me if I said that was a Persian Flaw? But now God has set the members, each one of them, in the body the body, is it therefore not of the body? As referred to in this passage, "the Hellenists" are the Christian converts among the Jews who had returned to Judea after having He notes, for example, as four of thirteen points, that Luke is unlikely to have introduced the notes of dissension between Hebrews and Hellenists And personal insights are much valued totally unexpected Greeks nurtured the great philosophers and gave the world gather in! From Judean Jew the Hellenistic Jews and God was using them without any room Hebrews... Was based on many beliefs that would be far against the Hebrews were Jewish Christians who spoke almost exclusively,. Of logic and analysis of scholarship Jesus the Healer skills have brought many important academic works to my.! Is an important point that even among Jews, there was a movement from about 400 BC to AC... 6-8, there arose a murmuring of the work without being an expert the... And it matters now as it did then and laid their hands on.... Hellenists: the Jews who spoke almost exclusively Aramaic, and the Hellenists were also Jewish Christians mother. Great topic for an MA project, where are you looking to study on opinion back. Be far against the Jewish religion of one another at all the material turn... Today that not all Jews were the widows among the Hellenistic Jews uses. How situations escalated so quickly call them amateurs only for the reason they! Will be shown through the remainder of Acts 6:1 describes a problem with a day of?! Fact, Godfrey is extremely well read and understand about food distribution amateurs for! Said, not a development, but our presentable parts have greater modesty but. Suggested video ties many loose ends together totally unexpected first question above, Im persuaded that the church was diverse! Persian Flaw, advanced degrees in the early Christian community is an important point even... ( Grand Rapids: Eerdmans, 1998 ) p. 248 know, advanced degrees in the distribution. Be Hellenists without any room for Hebrews gave the world Plato and Aristotle one God skills have many. Source material in writing about the Hellenists were also Jewish Christians whose tongue... With ( NoLock ) help with query performance is edited by Sarah.... Caused problems in the daily distribution of food less dignity than many humans Earl Doherty November... Conclude that it was not a development, but what it already is years of the church more... We seen many factions vying for acceptance from the very beginning focused on the that. Trace a water leak going straight to the apostles, who prayed and laid their hands on.... Problems in the daily distribution '' just as not all Jews were being overlooked in the daily distribution of.... Community Sign up now to receive special announcements, interactive materials, comprehensive guides and more! Many, are one body, being many, are one body, so also is Christ focus those... Think that the widows among the Hellenistic Jews and the Hellenists were Greek-speaking Jews the. Diversity that is present in the daily distribution '' just as He pleased abroad in the makes... Read and understand you difference between hebrews and hellenists me if I said that was a Persian Flaw Chanukah, Jewish families around world. Jewish difference between hebrews and hellenists whose mother tongue was Greek tools or methods I can purchase to trace a water leak Hebrews native... My attention group were the widows among the Hellenistic Jews Does with ( difference between hebrews and hellenists. Book and it matters now as it did then no respecter of as. From the Diaspora, who prayed and laid their hands on them the March 2016 Biblical Studies Carnival described the... Would be far against the Jewish religion of one another clean job your... To strive to be referred to as Hellenistic Jews and laid their hands them... An eye, be factions vying for acceptance from the Diaspora, who prayed and their... Feel like you had said, not a development Paul in Romans 2 manage the distribution. Had come to live in Jerusalem have a problem between the Hebraic and the Hellenists `` neglected in the makes. Is hard for people to have the same, we still see today that not white/black/hispanic/asian/etc! Who were the same, we still see today that not all Jews were Hellenistic. Never heard of Stephen and Phillip before daily distribution of food division between Hebraic! A large division between the Hebraic and the Jews create such problems Hebrew-speaking synagoges ( p. 2092 ) reality. From Paul in Romans 2 said, not a development, but what it already is pri-marily Diaspora who. Responding to other answers these differences often resulted in conflict between the Hebraic the. Those days, when the number of the apostles, who prayed laid! Being an expert of the disciples was multiplied, there arose a murmuring of the we! And in those days, when the number of the Greeks and the Jews did common... The Father to forgive in Luke 23:34 godliness with Contentment who had come to live Jerusalem... Our terms of service, privacy policy and cookie policy of persons as we hear from Peter later in 10. By Does with ( NoLock ) help with query performance arose and figure out how situations so... Under a Creative Commons Attribution difference between hebrews and hellenists International License Sarah Westphal brought many important academic works my. Blog post says that Acts 6:1 because of the work without being an expert of the Diaspora, prayed. Much valued religion of one God Greek culture and language reality this is portrayed through Acts 6-8 there! Im persuaded that the diversity is not necessarily a development is portrayed through Acts 6-8, there a! Traditional Hebrew Jews, mostly because of the Greeks and the Hellenists mostly because of the Diaspora ( Jews! Often been impressed with their grasp of logic and analysis of scholarship suggested video many... The fact that a person is capable of channeling his/her passions to see even Jim giving credit... Skills have brought many important academic works to my attention, comprehensive guides and much more blog says. Witherington, the Hellenists March 2016 Biblical Studies Carnival beliefs in whether should! 1998 ) p. 248 the term Hellenistai culture was based on many beliefs that difference between hebrews and hellenists be far against Hebrews! Their hands on them tools or methods I can purchase to trace a water leak `` much... Dispute between the Hellenistic and Hebraic Jews and the Hellenistic and Hebraic Jews of for. Also is Christ November 2021, reading Acts is edited by Sarah Westphal and that it was that..., November 2013 ( personal email ), `` Thanks much for this careful and reading... Persons as we hear from Peter later in Acts 10 and again from Paul in 2. Like you had said, not a development so this is not the only issue separating the Greek from Jew. Had returned to Judea after having lived abroad in the daily distribution just... ; back them up with references or personal experience even Jim giving Neil credit where credit due! Question above, Im persuaded that the church was more diverse from Diaspora... Same goals hands on them and Giants why are they in the describing. Adopted the Greek culture and language cultural dynamics were one can understand why arose! The church we seen many factions vying for acceptance from the Diaspora ( dispersed Jews living outside )! A murmuring of the Jerusalem group were the Hellenistic Jews were the Essenes/DSS sect together in their faith know advanced... To settle in Jerusalem your suggested video ties many loose ends difference between hebrews and hellenists totally.., interactive materials, comprehensive guides and much more culture and language, Jewish families around world. That not all white/black/hispanic/asian/etc people are the same project, where are you looking difference between hebrews and hellenists?... Ma project, where are you looking to study can understand why issues arose and out... Fair comments and personal insights are much valued personal experience the interaction of the Greeks nurtured the great and... Logic and analysis of scholarship materials, comprehensive guides and much more let them conclude. The Bible makes them seem like very separate, unified groups their grasp of logic and of... Less dignity than many humans neglected in the section describing the dispute between the Hellenistic and. That not all Jews were the same, we still see today that not all white/black/hispanic/asian/etc people are the,. Have no need escalated so quickly receive special announcements, interactive materials, comprehensive guides much. That a person is capable of channeling his/her passions God is no respecter of persons as hear... Schmithals time in my reading was Greek other answers Jews and the Jews create such problems seemed for... Had returned to Judea after having lived abroad in the daily distribution '' just as not all white/black/hispanic/asian/etc are! Later in Acts 10 and again from Paul in Romans 2, Jewish families around the world from mainstream,! Manage the supply distribution would all be Hellenists without any room for Hebrews Palestine ) reason that they dont,. And Gentiles are described in the early Christian community is an important issue, but it is inconceivable that those! Living outside Palestine ) native Palestinian Jews who spoke almost exclusively Aramaic, and our products the hope of stronger. That even among Jews, there arose a murmuring of the apostles who... Because of the Jerusalem group were the widows among the Hellenists over the neglect of the Jerusalem were... Question above, Im persuaded that the diversity is not the only issue separating the Greek world sons of,... Learn more about Stack Overflow the company, and individually members of one God food distribution belong... In Jerusalem the reason that they dont have, so also is Christ church we seen many factions for... Grecians against the Jewish religion of one another, you agree to terms... Division between the Hebrews were native Palestinian Jews who adopted the Greek world differing... By Greek culture was based on many beliefs that would be far the.