The term Hellenist appears in the Bible, particularly in the New Testament, and plays an important role in understanding the historical and cultural background of early Christianity. The Hellenists were Jews who adopted Greek culture and language, influencing how they practiced their faith and interacted with others.
Understanding who the Hellenists were, their beliefs, and their significance in biblical history provides deeper insight into the spread of Christianity and the challenges faced by early believers.
What Does ‘Hellenist’ Mean?
The word Hellenist comes from the Greek word Hellēnistēs, which refers to someone who speaks Greek or adopts Greek customs. In a biblical context, Hellenists were Greek-speaking Jews who lived outside of Israel but maintained their Jewish faith.
They were different from the Hebrews, who were Jews that continued to speak Aramaic or Hebrew and followed traditional Jewish customs without much Greek influence.
Hellenists in the New Testament
The term Hellenist appears in the Bible in Acts 6:1, where there was a dispute between Hellenistic and Hebrew Jews regarding the distribution of food to widows. This conflict shows the cultural and linguistic divide within the early Jewish-Christian community.
Acts 6:1 – The Conflict Between Hellenists and Hebrews
‘Now in these days when the disciples were increasing in number, a complaint by the Hellenists arose against the Hebrews because their widows were being neglected in the daily distribution.’ (Acts 6:1)
This passage highlights the tension between Greek-speaking and Hebrew-speaking Jews in the early church. The Hellenists felt that their widows were being treated unfairly, which led to the appointment of seven deacons, including Stephen, to ensure fair treatment.
Acts 9:29 – Paul and the Hellenists
The Apostle Paul, who was well-educated in Greek culture, also had interactions with Hellenists.
‘And he spoke and disputed against the Hellenists. But they were seeking to kill him.’ (Acts 9:29)
This shows that Hellenistic Jews were deeply involved in religious debates and sometimes opposed the Christian message, just as many Hebrew-speaking Jews did.
Acts 11:20 – The Spread of Christianity
Hellenists also played a role in spreading the gospel.
‘But there were some of them, men of Cyprus and Cyrene, who on coming to Antioch spoke to the Hellenists also, preaching the Lord Jesus.’ (Acts 11:20)
This verse demonstrates that Hellenists were not only involved in disputes but also in the expansion of Christianity beyond Jewish communities.
Differences Between Hellenists and Hebrews
Although both Hellenists and Hebrews were Jews, they had key differences:
| Hellenists | Hebrews |
|---|---|
| Spoke Greek | Spoke Hebrew or Aramaic |
| Lived in Greek-speaking regions outside Israel | Lived in Israel, especially Judea and Galilee |
| Adopted some Greek customs and philosophy | Maintained traditional Jewish customs |
| Used the Septuagint (Greek translation of the Old Testament) | Used the Hebrew Scriptures |
These differences sometimes caused tension within the Jewish and early Christian communities.
Why Were Hellenists Important in the Bible?
1. They Helped Spread Christianity
Because they were familiar with Greek culture and language, Hellenists were instrumental in spreading the gospel to non-Jews (Gentiles). Their ability to bridge Jewish and Greek worlds made them important in the early church.
2. They Faced Persecution
Hellenistic Jews who converted to Christianity often faced opposition from other Jews. Stephen, one of the first Christian martyrs, was a Hellenist, and his preaching led to his death by stoning (Acts 7).
3. They Showed the Early Church’s Diversity
The presence of both Hellenists and Hebrews in the early Christian community demonstrated that Christianity was not limited to one culture or language. This was an important step in the global spread of the gospel.
The Role of Hellenists in Early Christianity
1. The Appointment of Deacons
To resolve the conflict between Hellenists and Hebrews, the apostles appointed seven deacons, including Stephen and Philip, to oversee the fair distribution of resources (Acts 6:1-6).
This decision helped create a more organized church structure, ensuring that all believers, regardless of their background, were treated equally.
2. Stephen’s Martyrdom
Stephen, a Hellenistic Jew, was the first Christian martyr. He boldly preached about Jesus, which angered the religious leaders, leading to his execution (Acts 7). His death sparked widespread persecution, forcing Christians to scatter and spread the gospel further.
3. Philip’s Evangelism
Philip, another Hellenistic believer, became a key figure in early Christian evangelism. He preached to Samaritans and an Ethiopian official, showing that the gospel was for all people, not just Jews (Acts 8:4-40).
Lessons from the Hellenists in the Bible
The story of the Hellenists teaches important lessons for believers today.
1. The Gospel is for Everyone
The inclusion of Greek-speaking Jews in the early church shows that Christianity is not limited to one language or culture. This encourages modern Christians to share their faith with people of all backgrounds.
2. Unity in Diversity
Despite cultural and linguistic differences, the early church worked to unite Hellenists and Hebrews under one faith. Today, churches should also strive for unity among diverse believers.
3. Boldness in Faith
Hellenistic Christians like Stephen and Philip showed great courage in preaching the gospel, even in the face of persecution. Their example encourages believers to stand firm in their faith.
The Hellenists in the Bible were Greek-speaking Jews who played a crucial role in early Christianity. They helped spread the gospel, faced persecution, and demonstrated the diversity of the early church.
Their story teaches that God’s message is for all people, regardless of culture or language. The unity and boldness of the Hellenists and Hebrews serve as an inspiration for believers today, reminding them to embrace diversity, share their faith, and trust in God’s plan.