Corrected Additions
Now at this time while the disciples were increasing in number, a complaint arose on the part of the Hellenistic Jews against the native Hebrews, because their widows were being overlooked in the daily serving of food. Acts 6:1 NASB
Hellenistic Jews – If you read the marginal notes on this verse in the 1963 edition of the NASB, you will find this explanation: “I.e., non-Palestinian Jews who normally spoke Greek.” But if you read the marginal note on the latest NASB electronic version, you will find, “Jews who adopted the Greek language and much of Greek culture through acculturation.” Ah, much improved. You see, the 1963 edition presupposes that there is a land in the first century called Palestine (which there isn’t) and that these Jews are not from that land (then why are they in the assembly in Jerusalem?) and that they normally spoke Greek (which is not the case). Fortunately, we have learned a few things since 1963. The land is not Palestine. The Romans didn’t call it Palaestina after the Bar Kochba revolt (132 CE). Today’s popularization of the term is without true historical basis. Hellenization did not mean that the people “normally” spoke Greek. Hellenization was a cultural movement, not a change in language. Yes, the culture of Hellenism came from Greece, but people all over the Empire adopted it without changing their language. They simply embraced Greek values and Greek philosophy. In fact, during the first century there were a large number of Jews living in Jerusalem who were Hellenists. But they spoke Hebrew, just like everyone else. So even the latest version of the NASB still contains a mistake. It isn’t the Hellenists vs. the native Hebrews. It is two different cultural orientations among the same people.
And this is important. Hellenists adopted a lot of views that were contrary to traditional Hebraic thinking. Hellenists were Hellenists because they were trying to fit into the world of the Roman Empire. They were politically correct, Greek educated, progressives. They had a different view of the body, the mind and the soul. And they tended to be “tolerant” of other gods, less inclined to worry about ancient practices and generally non-Torah observant. Just like today, by the way.
So what were they doing in the Messianic synagogues? Who let them in? And why in the world did the Twelve make special provision to deal with their complaints? Who cares about those “outsiders” anyway? “They don’t think like we do. They don’t have our values and practices. They are sinners!! We don’t want them with us!” But there they are, right in the midst of the assembly, part of the Messianic congregation, treated with the same dignity and compassion by the Twelve. As James would say, “We don’t worry about how they will eventually behave because every week they hear Moses taught in the synagogue.” Why were they there in the first place? Because God called them, that’s why. Because they believed that Yeshua was the Jewish Messiah, that’s why. All the rest was to be resolved over time. The treatment of widows might have initiated the problem, but the attitude of the Twelve reveals the real hand of God in this group. If God brings you, who am I to say you don’t belong?
Topical Index: Hellenism, Jew, Palestine, Acts 6:1
“Whosoever will may come” -did not originate with me. There is without one smidgeon of doubt in this man’s finite mind no limitations, (race, gender, sexual orientation, culture, etc..) to the love of God towards mankind. All are welcome. (But!) Sinners only – need apply.
Until we (each) take the place – come to the place of the penitent prodigal (been there..done that) and confess to God (Himself btw..) “I have sinned and am no longer worthy to be called Your son!” we (each and all) will remain in our sin.
Does our Bible, the word of God contain any “happy news?” (Oy!) If there is one thing we (each and all) need to hear in this (seemingly) morbid and morose world (clueless culture) we now live in (oh look!- he is eating with sinners!- gluttons and winebibbers!- lol!) it is the Gospel.
The command of (the) Christ is clear: “Preach (declare openly) the Gospel” Now, before we go off to locate a “qualified” Preacher.. (you know, degreed, pedigreed, seminary trained.. etc.-the more degrees the better!) Who is “qualified” to “preach/proclaim/declare” the gospel? (The Good News – Jesus Saves)
Mr. (or M’am) “if” you are saved, – “if” you have been born from Above, – “if” you have His Holy Breath, His Spirit of Truth resides within, then, (and only then!) You too! may say, (preach it-declare it- lift up your voice like a trumpet) with a multitude of saints who have gone before – and are alive (and well) today, – Praise God for the Good News!! He (dear ones) is alive!
What is our malfunction? I do believe we might need a “tune up!” – Or, perhaps a good (ahem*) knock on the noggin’. My question- (no beating around the bush) – straight to the heart is this: Do you (yes, you!) belong to Him? What do the scriptures say? (this, is how we roll!) ~ if any man.. woah! (not woe!)- “here it is again! “any man?” Why, -that would include me! I’m “qualified!” However, before I go to celebrating (too early)- “if any man have not the Spirit of Christ- He (or she) is none of His!” (Romans 8.9)
Notice, please, these are not my words- these words came out of a Book. A Book that has been banned (how did that happen?) from the American public education system. A Book that some men fear. And rightly so. For this Book is God’s Book. A Book like no other – (ever!). A Book that gathers dust in many homes. A Book that many have read and rejected. But for a few, (not many) but for some.. – the word of God has taken root and has brought forth fruit.
I am only one witness. But one among many. I do not believe this to be true- I know this to be true. “Your word is truth.” And here is my “truth stamp”- Amen.
Yes, “it is written” ( I do hope someone/somewhere fears these three words!) ~ These things I have written to you who believe in the Name of the Son of God, so that you may know that you have eternal life ~ that you may “think?” that you may “hope?” or that you (also) may “know?” Oh friend! Please.. “know!” (yes, – experientially!)
When, perhaps, in the process of consuming a cup of coffee and someone (anyone) were to say- “you know.. – there is no such thing as coffee!- I (for one) just do not how to respond to this (for lack of a better word: idiocy.
Is God real to you? And what about Calvary? Was Calvary a “mistake?” Does God (has God) ever (once) blundered or “erred?” lol! NO! – “He does all things well..” – including Calvary.
Now, I recognize, the length of this diatribe, and I apologize! It is more than 140 #characters long!
Is the Chosen One “real” to you? Do you know Him?
It would seem that the term “Hellenistic Jews” would be defined by the term which is opposed to it … “the native Hebrews”. That would seem to indicate that the “Hellenistic Jews” were not from the Land. Maybe they were diaspora Jews who returned on pilgrimage to Jerusalem and heard the good news of Messiah. They could could have also been Hellenistic in language and culture which is why the native Hebrews of the Messianic assembly might have (in their flesh) been prejudiced against them.
The growth of the Messianic body would come from this sect of the population which is why the Church would take on many of its errors… especially as they left the synagogues and did not hear Moses preached every Sabbath.
Skip,
Agreed. “If God brings you, who am I to say you don’t belong.”
This existence is all about Him! He calls the shots.
His Word tells us how.
“You did not choose Me, but I chose you and appointed you that
you should go and bear fruit, and that your fruit should remain, that
whatever you ask the Father in My name He may give you. These
things I command you, that you love one another.” Jn 15: 16-17
“And I, if I am lifted up from the earth, will draw all peoples
to Myself.” Jn 12:32
“Then Jesus said to those Jews who believed Him, “If you abide in
My word, you are My disciples indeed. And you shall know the truth,
and the truth shall make you free.” Jn 8:31-32
Great TW, Skip. I appreciate all your insights into the cultural context of the scriptures. Thank you.
The ’76 NIV version identifies the two groups as the Grecian Jews vs the Aramaic-speaking community; the ’68 RSV Interlinear Greek-English has the Hellenists vs the Hebrews; the 2009 Aramaic Peshitta has the two groups as the Greek disciples vs the Evraye: and the ’75 Open Bible KJV has the two as the Grecians vs the Hebrews.
Just with these four versions/translations I can easily end up with at least 16 different doctrinal statements it seems. No wonder I am drawn to the offerings at clarity this blog offers! It is clear that we surely and desperately need the historical context of the writers mind as well as how the readers of the time would receive these words.
Honestly, in ALL my years in the church and the study I’ve done, I have NEVER heard, read or remember anyone explaining this verse to any degree. That goes back to the year 1972!
Thanks, Skip. Piece by piece the vast pieces of puzzle pieces are coming together. At least the similar shaped and similar color pieces are at minimal being put in piles of commonality. You know how puzzling goes and the sifting process aids in finding the right piece for the right space. I may not be near done, but I really sense I’ve, with ya’ll’s help (yeah, I live in Georgia-what about it? 😉 ) made a great deal of progress in making sense out of the many veiled topics I’ve been in the dark in for so long.
Thanks, Skip, and all you other travelers.
Dear community,
Tonight I got the news that one of my pupils, a Vietnamese girl, was in the plane that was shot down, together with her brother and mother. My daughter lost an old schoolfriend in the same disaster. There is much sadness and mourning in Holland at the moment. Please pray for consolation.
I am saddened by this news. The community will lift you and your family up in prayer, I am sure.
I’m so sorry, Kees. There’s so much tragedy in the world that sometimes we tend to complacency when we hear something awful, simply because we don’t know the people involved. Thank you for sharing and reminding me that much of what I think is so critically important, pales in perspective when set against the loss of life. Your family is in my prayers.