Topical Encyclopedia Greeks (Ἕλληνες, Hellēnes): In the New Testament, the term "Greeks" generally refers to non-Jewish people who spoke the Greek language and were part of the Hellenistic culture. The Greeks are often mentioned in the context of the spread of the Gospel beyond the Jewish community. In John 12:20-21 , it is recorded that some Greeks came to worship at the feast and expressed a desire to see Jesus, indicating the growing interest in Jesus' teachings among Gentiles: "Now there were some Greeks among those who went up to worship at the feast. They came to Philip, who was from Bethsaida in Galilee, and requested of him, 'Sir, we want to see Jesus.'"The Apostle Paul, known for his mission to the Gentiles, frequently engaged with Greek audiences. In Acts 17:22-23 , Paul addresses the Athenians at the Areopagus, acknowledging their religious nature and introducing them to the "unknown god" they worshiped: "Then Paul stood up in the meeting of the Areopagus and said, '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.'" Greece (Ἑλλάς, Hellas): Greece, in the biblical context, refers to the region known for its rich cultural and philosophical heritage. It was a significant part of the Roman Empire during the New Testament period. The influence of Greek language and culture was pervasive throughout the Mediterranean world, which facilitated the spread of the Gospel. In Acts 20:2 , Paul travels through Greece, strengthening the disciples: "After traveling through that area and speaking many words of encouragement, he arrived in Greece." The Greek language was the lingua franca of the Eastern Mediterranean, and the New Testament itself was written in Koine Greek, making it accessible to a broad audience. This linguistic unity played a crucial role in the dissemination of Christian teachings. Grecians (Ἑλληνισταί, Hellenistai): The term "Grecians" or "Hellenists" refers to Greek-speaking Jews who had adopted Greek culture and language. They are distinct from the "Hebrews," who were Jews speaking Aramaic or Hebrew. In Acts 6:1 , a dispute arises between the Hellenists and the Hebrews over the distribution of food: "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 cultural and linguistic division within the early church highlights the challenges faced by the apostles in maintaining unity among diverse groups. The appointment of deacons, including Stephen, a man full of faith and the Holy Spirit, was a response to this issue, ensuring fair treatment and the continued growth of the church. The presence of Greeks, Greece, and Grecians in the biblical narrative underscores the early church's engagement with diverse cultures and the universal scope of the Gospel message. The integration of Greek culture and language into the early Christian context facilitated the spread of Christianity and the fulfillment of the Great Commission to make disciples of all nations. Smith's Bible Dictionary Greeks Greece GreciansThe histories of Greece and Palestine are little connected with each other. In (Genesis 10:2-5) Moses mentions the descendants of Javan as peopling the isles of the Gentiles; and when the Hebrews came into contact with the Ionians of Asia Minor, and recognized them as the long-lost islanders of the western migration, it was natural that they should mark the similarity of sound between Javan and Iones. Accordingly the Old Testament word which is Grecia , in Authorized Versions Greece, Greeks , etc., is in Javan (Daniel 8:21; Joel 3:6) the Hebrew, however, is sometimes regained. (Isaiah 66:19; Ezekiel 27;13) The Greeks and Hebrews met for the first time in the slave-market. The medium of communication seems to have been the Tyrian slave-merchants. About B.C. 800 Joel speaks of the Tyrians as, selling the children of Judah tot he Grecians, (Joel 3:6) and in Ezek 27:13 The Greeks are mentioned as bartering their brazen vessels for slaves. Prophetical notice of Greece occurs in (Daniel 8:21) etc., where the history of Alexander and his successors is rapidly sketched. Zechariah, (Zechariah 9:13) foretells the triumphs of the Maccabees against the Greco-Syrian empire, while Isaiah looks forward to the conversion of the Greeks, amongst other Gentiles, through the instrumentality of Jewish missionaries. (Isaiah 66:19) The name of the country, Greece occurs once in the New Testament, (Acts 20:2) as opposed to Macedonia. [GENTILES] Library The Institution of Deacons, and the History of Stephen. The Propagation of Christianity. The Mediaeval Church in Great Britain and Ireland Book 1. Jews and Gentiles in "The Land" Book ii. Introduction Vesalius the Anatomist {9} [Endnotes] Resources What is henotheism / monolatrism / monolatry? | GotQuestions.orgWho was Andrew in the Bible? | GotQuestions.org Who is the unknown god in Acts 17:23? | GotQuestions.org Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus |
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