The term "Hellenists" refers to a group of Greek-speaking Jews in the early Christian church, particularly during the time of the Apostles. The Hellenists were Jews who had adopted the Greek language and, to some extent, Greek culture, due to the widespread influence of Hellenism following the conquests of Alexander the Great. This cultural assimilation was especially prevalent among Jews living outside of Judea, in regions such as Egypt, Asia Minor, and other parts of the Roman Empire.

Biblical References:

The primary reference to Hellenists in the New Testament is found in the Book of Acts. In Acts 6:1 , it is written: "In those days, as the disciples were increasing in number, the Hellenistic Jews among them began to grumble against the Hebraic Jews because their widows were being overlooked in the daily distribution of food." This passage highlights the early tensions within the Christian community between the Hellenistic Jews and the Hebraic Jews, who were native Aramaic-speaking Jews of Judea.

The distinction between these two groups was not merely linguistic but also cultural. The Hellenists were more open to Greek customs and ideas, which sometimes led to friction with the more traditional Hebraic Jews. This cultural divide necessitated the appointment of seven deacons, including Stephen and Philip, to ensure fair treatment and distribution of resources within the community (Acts 6:2-6).

Stephen and the Hellenists:

Stephen, one of the seven deacons, is a prominent figure associated with the Hellenists. Acts 6:8-9 states: "Now Stephen, full of grace and power, was performing great wonders and signs among the people. But resistance arose from what was called the Synagogue of the Freedmen (including Cyrenians, Alexandrians, and men from Cilicia and Asia), and they began to argue with Stephen." This passage indicates that Stephen, a Hellenist, was actively engaged in ministry and debate with other Hellenistic Jews, some of whom opposed the message of the Gospel.

Stephen's bold proclamation of faith and his subsequent martyrdom (Acts 7:54-60) marked a significant moment in the early church, leading to increased persecution and the scattering of believers. This dispersion contributed to the spread of Christianity beyond Jerusalem, as Hellenistic Jews carried the Gospel message to other regions.

Paul and the Hellenists:

The Apostle Paul, formerly known as Saul, also had interactions with Hellenists. After his conversion, Paul began preaching in Jerusalem, where he encountered opposition from the Hellenistic Jews. Acts 9:29 records: "He talked and debated with the Hellenistic Jews, but they tried to kill him." This hostility forced Paul to leave Jerusalem, further illustrating the tension between Hellenistic Jews and the early Christian movement.

Cultural and Theological Impact:

The presence of Hellenists in the early church played a crucial role in shaping the spread of Christianity. Their familiarity with Greek language and culture facilitated the communication of the Gospel to a broader audience, bridging the gap between Jewish and Gentile communities. The Hellenists' influence is evident in the New Testament writings, many of which were composed in Greek and addressed to a diverse audience.

Theologically, the inclusion of Hellenists in the early church underscored the universality of the Christian message. The resolution of conflicts between Hellenistic and Hebraic Jews, as seen in Acts 6, demonstrated the church's commitment to unity and equality among believers, regardless of cultural background. This inclusivity laid the foundation for the church's mission to all nations, as articulated in the Great Commission (Matthew 28:19-20).

The Jewish Dispersion in the West - the Hellenists - Origin of ...
... THE JEWISH DISPERSION IN THE WEST - THE HELLENISTS - ORIGIN OF HELLENIST LITERATURE
IN THE GREEK TRANSLATION OF THE BIBLE - CHARACTER OF THE SEPTUAGINT. ...
/.../the life and times of jesus the messiah/chapter ii the jewish dispersion.htm

Antioch
... that the outcry against the Christians in Jerusalem which led to the death of Stephen
did not start among the native Jews but among the Hellenists"those who ...
/.../lake/landmarks in the history of early christianity/iii antioch.htm

The Jewish World in the Days of Christ - the Jewish Dispersion in ...
... The former, as we know from the New Testament, commonly bore in Palestine the name
of the dispersion of the Greeks,' [25] and of Hellenists' or Grecians.' [26 ...
/.../the life and times of jesus the messiah/chapter i the jewish world.htm

Acts XI
... (20) "And some of them were men of Cyprus and Cyrene, who, having come into
Antioch, spoke to the Hellenists, preaching the Lord Jesus. ...
/.../mcgarvey/a commentary on acts of the apostles/acts xi.htm

Later Greek Versions.
... in its quotations from the OT is strong evidence, so far as it goes, for
the acceptance of the LXX. by Palestinian Hellenists. Its ...
/.../chapter ii later greek versions.htm

The Opinion of Justin with Regard to the Reign of a Thousand Years ...
... if he would rightly consider it, would not admit that the Sadducees, or similar
sects of Genist??, Merist??, [2262] Galil??ans, Hellenists, [2263] Pharisees ...
/.../chapter lxxx the opinion of justin.htm

Early Life the Place of Paul +The Man
... The expression which Paul uses, "An Hebrew of the Hebrews" is very significant.
The Jews of the Dispersion were known at this time as Hebrews and Hellenists. ...
/.../sell/bible studies in the life of paul/study i early life the.htm

Acts VI
... The Hellenists were Jews of foreign birth and Greek education, and were so called
because of their conformity to the manners of the Hellenes, as Greeks were ...
/.../mcgarvey/a commentary on acts of the apostles/acts vi.htm

The Old Faith Preparing for the New - Development of Hellenist ...
... disproved. This allegorical method [155] was the welcome key by which the
Hellenists might unlock the hidden treasury of Scripture. In ...
/.../edersheim/the life and times of jesus the messiah/chapter iii the old faith.htm

The Foundation of the Church among the Jews
... 38].". [Sidenote: Distinction between "Grecians" (or Hellenists) and "Hebrews."].
By ... [Sidenote: Probably all Hellenists.]. Judging from ...
/.../blunt/a key to the knowledge of church history/chapter i the foundation of.htm

Hellenists (3 Occurrences)
... Multi-Version Concordance Hellenists (3 Occurrences). ... He spoke and disputed against
the Hellenists, but they were seeking to kill him. (WEB WEY DBY YLT RSV). ...
/h/hellenists.htm - 7k

Grecians (4 Occurrences)
...Hellenists, Greek-Jews; Jews born in a foreign country, and thus did not speak Hebrew
(Acts 6:1; 9:29), nor join in the Hebrew services of the Jews in Palestine ...
/g/grecians.htm - 14k

Deacon (4 Occurrences)
... a feeling of mutual jealousy had existed between the "Hebrews," or Jews proper,
who spoke the sacred language of palestine, and the "Hellenists," or Jews of ...
/d/deacon.htm - 14k

Hellenistic (2 Occurrences)
... Acts 6:1 And in these days, the disciples multiplying, there came a murmuring of
the Hellenists at the Hebrews, because their widows were being overlooked in ...
/h/hellenistic.htm - 7k

Greeks (22 Occurrences)
... which is rendered "Greeks," and (Hellenistai), which is rendered "Grecians" or
"Grecian Jews," or in the Revised Version, margin "Hellenists," eg Acts 6:1 ...
/g/greeks.htm - 19k

Native (35 Occurrences)
... Acts 6:1 Now in those days, when the number of the disciples was multiplying, a
complaint arose from the Hellenists against the Hebrews, because their widows ...
/n/native.htm - 19k

Neglected (10 Occurrences)
... Acts 6:1 Now in those days, when the number of the disciples was multiplying, a
complaint arose from the Hellenists against the Hebrews, because their widows ...
/n/neglected.htm - 9k

Often (74 Occurrences)
... Acts 9:29 and speaking fearlessly in the name of the Lord. And he often talked
with the Hellenists and had discussions with them. (WEY). ...
/o/often.htm - 29k

Jew (34 Occurrences)
... (2.) Hebrews, with regard to their language and education, to distinguish
them from Hellenists, ie, Jews who spoke the Greek language. ...
/j/jew.htm - 22k

Widows (33 Occurrences)
... Acts 6:1 Now in those days, when the number of the disciples was multiplying, a
complaint arose from the Hellenists against the Hebrews, because their widows ...
/w/widows.htm - 17k

Who were the Hellenistic Jews in the Bible? | GotQuestions.org

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