Topical Encyclopedia The term "Freed-men" refers to individuals who were formerly enslaved but have gained their freedom. In the context of the Bible, the concept of freed-men is significant both historically and theologically, as it reflects themes of liberation, redemption, and the transformative power of God's grace.Historical Context In the ancient world, slavery was a common institution, and the Roman Empire, which forms the backdrop for much of the New Testament, was no exception. Slaves could be freed through various means, such as manumission by their masters, purchasing their own freedom, or through legal decrees. Once freed, these individuals were known as "freed-men" and often continued to live in the same society, sometimes even maintaining a relationship with their former masters. Biblical References The Bible does not explicitly use the term "freed-men," but the concept is present in several passages. One notable reference is found in the Book of Acts, where the "Synagogue of the Freedmen" is mentioned: "But some from the Synagogue of the Freedmen (as it was called)—Jews of Cyrene and Alexandria, as well as from Cilicia and Asia—rose up and disputed with Stephen." (Acts 6:9) This passage highlights a group of Hellenistic Jews, likely descendants of Jewish slaves who had been freed, who were involved in the early disputes with Stephen, one of the first deacons of the Christian church. Theological Significance Theologically, the concept of freed-men resonates deeply with the Christian message of spiritual liberation. The New Testament frequently uses the metaphor of slavery and freedom to describe the believer's transition from bondage to sin to the freedom found in Christ. The Apostle Paul writes: "For he who was called in the Lord as a slave is the Lord’s freedman. Likewise, he who was free when called is Christ’s slave." (1 Corinthians 7:22) This verse underscores the paradoxical nature of Christian freedom: while believers are freed from the bondage of sin, they willingly become servants of Christ, living under His lordship. Cultural and Social Implications In the early church, the presence of freed-men would have been a testament to the inclusive nature of the Christian community. The church was a place where social distinctions, such as those between slave and free, were transcended in Christ. Paul emphasizes this unity in his letter to the Galatians: "There is neither Jew nor Greek, slave nor free, male nor female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus." (Galatians 3:28) This radical equality would have been countercultural in a society where social hierarchies were rigidly maintained. Conclusion The concept of freed-men in the Bible serves as a powerful reminder of the transformative power of the Gospel. It illustrates the breaking down of social barriers and the creation of a new community in Christ, where all believers, regardless of their past, are united in their identity as children of God. Greek 3032. Libertinos -- Freedman, the name of a synagogue ... Word Origin of Latin origin Definition Freedman, the name of a synagogue NASB Word Usage Freedmen (1). Roman freedman, Libertine. ... //strongsnumbers.com/greek2/3032.htm - 6k Library That Slaves and Freedmen and all Infamous Persons Ought not to ... Pheroras's Wife is Accused by his Freedmen, as Guilty of Poisoning ... That Vespasian, after He had Taken Gadara Made Preparation for the ... In the Fifteenth Year of Tiberius C??sar and under the Pontificate ... Saurin -- Paul Before Felix and Drusilla Of the Navigation of King Agrippa to Rome, to Tiberius Caesar; and ... Introduction Acts VI Christianity in Rome. The Stage as it was Once. Thesaurus Freedmen (1 Occurrence)... Noah Webster's Dictionary (n.) Plural of Freedman. Multi-Version Concordance Freedmen (1 Occurrence). Acts 6:9 And there arose up ... /f/freedmen.htm - 6k Freed-men (1 Occurrence) Libertines (1 Occurrence) Freedom (45 Occurrences) Narcissus (2 Occurrences) Urbanus (1 Occurrence) Freedman (1 Occurrence) Roused (24 Occurrences) Encounter (10 Occurrences) Debate (13 Occurrences) Resources What is prevenient grace? | GotQuestions.orgWhat is the YMCA / YWCA? | GotQuestions.org Do we sin daily? Is it possible to go an entire day without sinning? | GotQuestions.org Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Concordance Freed-men (1 Occurrence)Acts 6:9 Subtopics Related Terms |
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