Topical Encyclopedia In biblical times, the term "barbarian" was used to describe a foreigner, someone who was not part of the Greek or Roman culture. The word originates from the Greek "barbaros," which was used to denote those who spoke a language that was not understood by the Greeks, often perceived as gibberish or "bar-bar" sounds. This term was not necessarily derogatory but was used to distinguish between those who were part of the Hellenistic world and those who were not.In the New Testament, the Apostle Paul uses the term "barbarian" to emphasize the universality of the Gospel message. In Romans 1:14, Paul states, "I am obligated both to Greeks and non-Greeks, both to the wise and the foolish." Here, "non-Greeks" is translated from the Greek word "barbaros," indicating that the message of Christ transcends cultural and linguistic barriers. Paul’s mission was to preach the Gospel to all people, regardless of their cultural or ethnic background. Similarly, in Colossians 3:11, Paul writes, "Here there is no Greek or Jew, circumcised or uncircumcised, barbarian, Scythian, slave or free, but Christ is all, and is in all." This passage highlights the inclusivity of the Christian faith, where distinctions based on ethnicity, social status, or cultural background are rendered irrelevant in the body of Christ. The mention of "barbarian" alongside "Scythian" and other groups underscores the breaking down of barriers that the Gospel achieves. The use of "barbarian" in the Bible reflects the broader Greco-Roman context in which the New Testament was written. The term served to categorize those outside the dominant cultural and linguistic norms of the time. However, the Christian message, as articulated by Paul, sought to transcend these divisions, emphasizing unity and equality among all believers. In Acts 28:2, the term is used in a more specific context when Paul is shipwrecked on the island of Malta. The Berean Standard Bible translates the Greek word "barbaros" as "islanders": "The islanders showed us extraordinary kindness. They kindled a fire and welcomed all of us because it was raining and cold." Here, the term describes the native people of Malta, who were not part of the Roman or Greek cultural sphere but demonstrated hospitality and kindness to Paul and his companions. The biblical use of "barbarian" serves as a reminder of the early church's mission to reach all nations and peoples, breaking down cultural and ethnic barriers through the unifying power of the Gospel. The term underscores the transformative nature of Christianity, which calls for the inclusion and acceptance of all individuals, regardless of their background, into the family of God. Nave's Topical Index Acts 28:2-4And the barbarous people showed us no little kindness: for they kindled a fire, and received us every one, because of the present rain, and because of the cold. Nave's Topical Index Romans 1:14 1 Corinthians 14:11 Colossians 3:11 Greek 915. barbaros -- barbarous, barbarian ... barbarian. Of uncertain derivation; a foreigner (ie Non-Greek) -- barbarian(-rous). (barbaroi) -- 2 Occurrences. (barbarois) -- 1 Occurrence. ... //strongsnumbers.com/greek2/915.htm - 7k Library 2 Cor. Ix. 1 Prologue Christ is All To the Rev. A. Brandram Justinian. The Last Days of the Old Eastern World Sargon of Assyria (722-705 BC ) The Eighteenth Theban Dynasty --(Continued) The Power of Assyria at Its Zenith; Esarhaddon and Assur-Bani-Pal The Iranian Conquest Resources How should a Christian view apartheid? | GotQuestions.orgWhat are the seven trumpets of Revelation? | GotQuestions.org What does the Bible mean when it refers to the Diaspora? | GotQuestions.org Barbarian: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus |
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