Topical Bible: Converts: Greeks

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The term "Greeks" in the context of the New Testament often refers to Gentiles, particularly those who were Hellenistic in culture and language. The spread of the Gospel to the Greeks marks a significant development in the early Christian church, as it signifies the extension of God's covenant beyond the Jewish people to include all nations.

Biblical Context

The New Testament records several instances where Greeks are mentioned as converts to Christianity. One of the most notable events is the Apostle Paul's missionary journeys, where he actively preached to both Jews and Greeks. In Acts 14:1 , it is recorded, "At Iconium, Paul and Barnabas went as usual into the Jewish synagogue. There they spoke so effectively that a great number of Jews and Greeks believed."

The inclusion of Greeks in the early church is a fulfillment of the prophecy that the Messiah would be a light to the Gentiles (Isaiah 49:6). This is further emphasized in the ministry of Jesus, who, although primarily focused on the "lost sheep of Israel" (Matthew 15:24), also interacted with Gentiles, such as the Syrophoenician woman (Mark 7:26) and the Roman centurion (Matthew 8:5-13).

Theological Significance

The conversion of Greeks to Christianity underscores the universal nature of the Gospel. In Romans 1:16 , Paul declares, "I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes, first to the Jew, then to the Greek." This statement highlights the breaking down of ethnic and cultural barriers through faith in Christ.

The Apostle Paul further elaborates on this theme in Galatians 3:28 , stating, "There is neither Jew nor Greek, slave nor free, male nor female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus." This unity in Christ was revolutionary in the ancient world, where divisions based on ethnicity, social status, and gender were prevalent.

Historical Impact

The conversion of Greeks and other Gentiles played a crucial role in the expansion of Christianity throughout the Roman Empire. Greek culture and language were dominant in the eastern Mediterranean, and the use of Koine Greek as the lingua franca facilitated the spread of the Gospel message. The New Testament itself was written in Greek, making it accessible to a broad audience.

The acceptance of Greek converts also led to significant theological discussions within the early church, particularly concerning the requirements for Gentile believers. The Jerusalem Council, as recorded in Acts 15, addressed these issues, ultimately deciding that Gentile converts did not need to adhere to the full Mosaic Law, thus affirming the sufficiency of faith in Christ for salvation.

Key Figures and Events

· Paul the Apostle: A pivotal figure in the mission to the Greeks, Paul tailored his message to resonate with a Hellenistic audience, as seen in his address at the Areopagus in Athens (Acts 17:22-31).
· The Church at Antioch: This was one of the first major centers of Christianity where both Jews and Greeks worshiped together (Acts 11:20-21).
· The Philippian Jailer: A Greek convert whose account is recounted in Acts 16:25-34, exemplifying the transformative power of the Gospel.

Conclusion

The conversion of Greeks to Christianity is a testament to the inclusive nature of the Gospel and the early church's mission to reach all peoples. It highlights the breaking down of cultural and ethnic barriers and the establishment of a new community united in Christ.

Nave's Topical Index

Acts 17:4,12
And some of them believed, and consorted with Paul and Silas; and of the devout Greeks a great multitude, and of the chief women not a few.
Nave's Topical Index

Library

Greeks Seek Jesus. He Foretells that He Shall Draw all Men unto ...
... d 20 Now there were certain Greeks among those that went up to worship at the feast
[The language indicates that they were Greek converts to Judaism, such as ...
/.../mcgarvey/the four-fold gospel/cxii greeks seek jesus he.htm

The Jew Continues his Address to those of his Countrymen who are ...
... The Jew continues his address to those of his countrymen who are converts, as follows ...
in that of a Jew, who is not very learned in the histories of the Greeks. ...
/.../origen/origen against celsus/chapter lv the jew continues.htm

1 Cor. viii. 1
... there are diversities of workings but the same God." But because now his speech
was with Greeks and the weaker sort of the converts from among Greeks, for this ...
/.../homilies on the epistles of paul to the corinthians/homily xx 1 cor viii.htm

[Greek: En Toyto Nika]
... You Greeks, with all your philosophy and your wisdom, have been trying, for hundreds ...
is the very wisdom of God, by which he convinces and converts all hearts ...
/.../kingsley/town and country sermons/sermon xxxiv greek en toyto.htm

Philosophy is Knowledge Given by God.
... 3306] So also to the Colossians, who were Greek converts, "Beware lest ... it was through
human understanding that philosophy was discovered by the Greeks, still I ...
/.../the stromata or miscellanies/chapter viii philosophy is knowledge given.htm

The Work Awaiting the Worker
... they had not been able to defend them from the victorious Greeks and Romans ... Their
first sermons were delivered in synagogues, their first converts were Jews and ...
/.../stalker/the life of st paul/chapter v the work awaiting.htm

Thessalonica and Berea
... many of them believed; also of honourable women which were Greeks, and of ... The converts
included Jews and proselytes in larger numbers, as may be gathered from ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture the acts/thessalonica and berea.htm

Paul and Silas in Thessalonica and Berea.
... he that planteth any thing, neither he that watereth: but God that giveth the increase."
These Jews were not the only converts. "Of the devout Greeks a great ...
/.../dick/lectures on the acts of the apostles/lecture xix paul and silas.htm

Jewish Rejecters and Gentile Receivers
... nothing of the circumstances that may have led to this presence of Greeks in the ...
'The brethren' bore the brunt of the attack; that is, the converts, not Paul ...
/.../jewish rejecters and gentile receivers.htm

St. Boniface (Ad 680-755)
... he went into Hessia, where he made and baptized many thousands of converts. ... they
allowed their hair to grow without being shorn; and the Greeks, who lived far ...
/.../chapter iii st boniface ad.htm