Topical Encyclopedia The term "Libertine" appears in the New Testament, specifically in the book of Acts. It is derived from the Latin word "libertinus," which refers to a freedman or a person who has been liberated from slavery. In the context of the Bible, the term is used to describe a group of people who were part of a synagogue in Jerusalem.Biblical Reference: The primary reference to Libertines is found in Acts 6:9: "But some from what was called the Synagogue of the Freedmen (including Cyrenians, Alexandrians, and others from Cilicia and Asia) rose up and disputed with Stephen" . This passage indicates that the Libertines were part of a synagogue that included Jews from various regions, including Cyrene, Alexandria, Cilicia, and Asia. These individuals were likely descendants of Jews who had been taken as slaves and later freed, or they themselves had been freed from slavery. Historical and Cultural Context: During the time of the early church, Jerusalem was a melting pot of various Jewish communities, each with its own synagogue. The Synagogue of the Freedmen was one such community, composed of Hellenistic Jews who had returned to Jerusalem. These Jews were likely influenced by Greek culture and language, which may have contributed to their distinct identity within the broader Jewish community. The Libertines, along with other Hellenistic Jews, played a significant role in the early opposition to the Christian message. Their dispute with Stephen, one of the first deacons of the church, highlights the tension between traditional Jewish beliefs and the emerging Christian faith. Stephen's bold proclamation of Jesus as the Messiah and his critique of the Jewish leaders led to his martyrdom, as recorded in Acts 7. Theological Significance: The mention of the Libertines in Acts underscores the diverse and often contentious environment in which the early church was established. The opposition from the Synagogue of the Freedmen reflects the broader resistance faced by the apostles and early Christians as they spread the gospel. This resistance was not only from the Jewish religious authorities but also from various Jewish sects and communities, each with its own interpretation of the Law and the Prophets. Theologically, the account of the Libertines' dispute with Stephen serves as a reminder of the challenges the early church faced in proclaiming the message of Christ. It also highlights the fulfillment of Jesus' prophecy that His followers would face persecution for His name's sake (cf. Matthew 10:22, John 15:20). Relevance for Today: The account of the Libertines and their opposition to Stephen can be seen as a reflection of the ongoing struggle between cultural and religious traditions and the transformative message of the gospel. It serves as an encouragement for believers to remain steadfast in their faith, even in the face of opposition and persecution. The account also calls Christians to engage with diverse communities, understanding that the gospel transcends cultural and ethnic boundaries, just as it did in the early church. Easton's Bible Dictionary Found only Acts 6:9, one who once had been a slave, but who had been set at liberty, or the child of such a person. In this case the name probably denotes those descendants of Jews who had been carried captives to Rome as prisoners of war by Pompey and other Roman generals in the Syrian wars, and had afterwards been liberated. In A.D. 19 these manumitted Jews were banished from Rome. Many of them found their way to Jerusalem, and there established a synagogue. Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary 1. (n.) A free thinker who lacks moral restraint.2. (n.) One of a sect of Anabaptists, in the fifteenth and early part of the sixteenth century, who rejected many of the customs and decencies of life, and advocated a community of goods and of women. 3. (n.) One free from restraint; one who acts according to his impulses and desires; now, specifically, one who gives rein to lust; a rake; a debauchee. 4. (n.) A defamatory name for a freethinker. 5. (n.) Free from restraint; uncontrolled. 6. (n.) Dissolute; licentious; profligate; loose in morals; as, libertine principles or manners. Greek 3032. Libertinos -- Freedman, the name of a synagogue ... Roman freedman, Libertine. Of Latin origin; a Roman freedman -- Libertine. (libertinon) -- 1 Occurrence. 3031, 3032. Libertinos. 3033 . Strong's Numbers. //strongsnumbers.com/greek2/3032.htm - 6k 4205. pornos -- a fornicator Library Third Tractate. On Providence (2). Life of Bunyan Latitudinarian Churchmanship. the Use of Humiliation The Comforts Belonging to Mourners Opposition to Messiah Unreasonable The People among whom we Labour. The Christian Alone Rich. Away in Paris, a Vast Concourse of People were Assembled Round an ... The Desire of the Soul in Spiritual Darkness Thesaurus Libertine... 5. (n.) Free from restraint; uncontrolled. 6. (n.) Dissolute; licentious; profligate; loose in morals; as, libertine principles or manners. ... /l/libertine.htm - 7k Libertines (1 Occurrence) Liberated (2 Occurrences) Epistles (2 Occurrences) John (154 Occurrences) Resources What is libertinism? What is a libertine? | GotQuestions.orgWorldview and Ethics ' Article Index | GotQuestions.org Questions about Worldview (All) | GotQuestions.org Libertine: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus |
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