Topical Encyclopedia The term "Hellenistic" refers to the period and cultural influence following the conquests of Alexander the Great (356–323 BC), during which Greek culture spread across the eastern Mediterranean and into parts of Asia. This era, known as the Hellenistic Age, lasted from the death of Alexander in 323 BC until the rise of the Roman Empire, marked by the Battle of Actium in 31 BC. The Hellenistic period is characterized by the blending of Greek culture with local elements, resulting in a rich and diverse cultural tapestry.Historical Context The Hellenistic period began with the division of Alexander's empire among his generals, known as the Diadochi. This division led to the establishment of several Hellenistic kingdoms, including the Ptolemaic Kingdom in Egypt, the Seleucid Empire in Persia and Mesopotamia, and the Antigonid dynasty in Macedonia. These kingdoms became centers of Greek culture and influence, promoting the spread of the Greek language, art, architecture, and philosophy. Hellenistic Influence on Judaism The Hellenistic period had a profound impact on Jewish life and thought. The conquests of Alexander the Great brought the Jewish people into closer contact with Greek culture. This interaction is evident in the translation of the Hebrew Scriptures into Greek, known as the Septuagint, which was completed in the 3rd century BC in Alexandria, Egypt. The Septuagint became a crucial text for Hellenistic Jews and later for early Christians. The influence of Hellenism is also seen in the rise of various Jewish sects and philosophical movements, such as the Sadducees, who were more open to Hellenistic ideas, and the Pharisees, who emphasized adherence to traditional Jewish law. The tension between Hellenistic and traditional Jewish values is a recurring theme in the intertestamental period and is reflected in the Maccabean Revolt (167–160 BC), which was a reaction against the enforced Hellenization policies of the Seleucid king Antiochus IV Epiphanes. Hellenistic Influence in the New Testament By the time of the New Testament, Hellenistic culture had permeated much of the Roman Empire, including Judea. The New Testament itself was written in Koine Greek, the common language of the Hellenistic world, which facilitated the spread of the Gospel message across diverse cultures and regions. The Apostle Paul, a Hellenistic Jew from Tarsus, was particularly adept at engaging with Greek culture and philosophy. In Acts 17:22-23 , Paul addresses the Areopagus in Athens, demonstrating his familiarity with Greek religious practices and using them as a starting point to proclaim the Gospel: "Men of Athens, I see that in every way you are very religious. For as I walked around and examined your objects of worship, I even found an altar with this inscription: TO AN UNKNOWN GOD. Therefore what you worship as something unknown, I now proclaim to you." The spread of Christianity in the Hellenistic world was facilitated by the common language and cultural elements shared across the region. The early church fathers, many of whom were educated in Greek philosophy, engaged with Hellenistic thought to articulate Christian doctrine and defend the faith against heresies. Hellenistic Philosophy and Christianity Hellenistic philosophy, particularly Stoicism and Platonism, influenced early Christian thought. The Stoic emphasis on virtue and the Logos (reason) found resonance in Christian teachings about the Word (Logos) made flesh in Jesus Christ (John 1:14). Similarly, Platonic ideas about the immaterial and eternal nature of the soul contributed to Christian understandings of the afterlife and the nature of God. While the Hellenistic period presented challenges to Jewish and Christian communities, it also provided opportunities for the articulation and dissemination of their beliefs in a culturally diverse world. The interaction between Hellenistic culture and biblical faith continues to be a subject of scholarly study and theological reflection. Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (a.) Alt. of Hellenistical.Greek 1843. exomologeo -- to agree, confess ... admit, acknowledge (cf. the early Hellenistic sense of the middle: I acknowledge a debt), (c) I give thanks, praise. 1843 (from ... //strongsnumbers.com/greek2/1843.htm - 8k 4647. skolops -- anything pointed, spec. a stake, thorn 1535b. eiten -- then 1675. Hellenistes -- a Hellenist (Greek-speaking Jew) Library Antioch The Literature Introduction Introduction Contemporary Pagan and Heretical Hymns Landmarks in the History of Early Christianity The Old Faith Preparing for the New - Development of Hellenist ... The Greek of the Septuagint. The Jewish Dispersion in the West - the Hellenists - Origin of ... Conjunctions, 99-111 Thesaurus Hellenistic (2 Occurrences)... Noah Webster's Dictionary (a.) Alt. of Hellenistical. Multi-Version Concordance Hellenistic (2 Occurrences). Acts 6:1 And in these ... /h/hellenistic.htm - 7k Stephen (13 Occurrences) Desolation (131 Occurrences) Flavius Josephus Great (10383 Occurrences) Hellenist Hellenism Nabathaeans Nabataeans Resources Who were the Hellenistic Jews in the Bible? | GotQuestions.orgWhat is Hellenism, and how did it influence the early church? | GotQuestions.org What is Hanukkah? Should a Christian celebrate Hanukkah (Christmaskah)? | GotQuestions.org Hellenistic: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Concordance Hellenistic (2 Occurrences)Acts 6:1 Acts 9:29 Subtopics Related Terms |
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