Lexical Summary Libertinos: Freedman Original Word: Λιβερτῖνος Strong's Exhaustive Concordance Roman freedman, LibertineOf Latin origin; a Roman freedman -- Libertine. NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originof Latin origin Definition Freedman, the name of a synagogue NASB Translation Freedmen (1). Thayer's Greek Lexicon STRONGS NT 3032: ΛιβερτῖνοςΛιβερτῖνος, Λιβερτινου, ὁ, a Latin word,libertinus, i. e. either one who has been liberated from slavery, a freedman, or the son of a freedman (as distinguished fromingenuus, i. e. the son of a free man): ἡ συναγωγή ἡ λεγομένη (or τῶν λεγομένων Tdf.) Λιβερτίνων, Acts 6:9. Some suppose these libertini (A. V. Libertines) to have been manumitted Roman slaves, who having embraced Judaism had their synagogue at Jerusalem; and they gather as much from Tacitus, Ann. 2, 85, where it is related that four thousand libertini, infected with the Jewish superstition, were sent into Sardinia. Others, owing to the names Κυρηναίων καί Ἀλλεξανδρεων that follow, think that a geographical meaning is demanded for Λιβερτινοι, and suppose that Jews are spoken of, the dwellers in Libertum, a city or region of proconsular Africa. But the existence of a city or region called Libertum is a conjecture which has nothing to rest on but the mention of a bishop with the prefix libertinensis at the synod of Carthage Topical Lexicon Historical Background The designation Λιβερτίνων refers to “Freedmen,” a term commonly used in the Roman world for former slaves who had been manumitted. After Pompey’s campaign in Judea (63 BC), thousands of Jews were taken to Rome as slaves; many later obtained freedom and formed a distinct community, retaining strong cultural and religious identity while embracing elements of Greco-Roman life. By the first century AD, descendants of these liberated Jews had spread throughout the Mediterranean, including Cyrene, Alexandria, Cilicia, and the Roman province of Asia. When they traveled to Jerusalem—often for feast days or extended residence—they established their own synagogue to accommodate their shared dialect, customs, and social standing. Biblical Context Acts 6:9 records the single New Testament occurrence: “But some men from the Synagogue of the Freedmen (as it was called), both Cyrenians and Alexandrians, as well as those from Cilicia and Asia, rose up and disputed with Stephen” (Berean Standard Bible). The verse situates the Freedmen at the forefront of the first recorded theological clash between Hellenistic Jews and the nascent church. Their opposition precipitated Stephen’s arrest, trial, and martyrdom (Acts 6:12—7:60), which in turn became a catalyst for the gospel’s expansion beyond Jerusalem (Acts 8:1, 4). Identity and Composition 1. Hellenistic Jews: Greek-speaking, culturally cosmopolitan, and yet zealous for Temple traditions. Role in the Persecution of Stephen Their intellectual training in the rhetorical schools of the diaspora equipped them to “dispute” with Stephen, but “they could not stand up against the wisdom and the Spirit by whom he spoke” (Acts 6:10). Frustration led to false accusations of blasphemy (Acts 6:11), mirroring earlier hostilities toward Jesus (Matthew 26:59–60). The Freedmen thus illustrate how fervent religiosity, when coupled with pride of heritage, can resist the very fulfillment of the Scriptures it seeks to defend. Significance for Early Church Mission 1. Bridge to Saul of Tarsus: Cilicia—Saul’s home province—is listed among the Freedmen. The synagogue’s debates may have brought Saul into contact with Stephen, sowing seeds later harvested on the Damascus Road (Acts 9:1–6). Cultural and Theological Insights • Freedom Re-defined: While emancipated from earthly masters, the Freedmen remained bound to the law; true liberation comes only through Christ (John 8:36; Galatians 5:1). Lessons for Contemporary Ministry 1. Engage Diaspora Communities: Urban congregations often mirror the diversity of the Freedmen’s synagogue. Intentional outreach to immigrants and expatriates aligns with apostolic precedent. Connections to the Theme of Liberation • Exodus 6:6 portrays God as the ultimate Emancipator. The Freedmen, though liberated in social status, illustrate humanity’s deeper need for spiritual deliverance—a need fully met in Christ alone. Forms and Transliterations Λιβερτινων Λιβερτίνων Libertinon Libertinōn Libertínon LibertínōnLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel Texts |
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