Topical Encyclopedia In the context of the Bible, the term "barbarian" is used to describe individuals or groups who spoke languages that were foreign or unintelligible to the speaker. This term is derived from the Greek word "barbaros," which was used by the Greeks to refer to anyone who did not speak Greek, implying a lack of cultural and linguistic sophistication from their perspective.The Apostle Paul uses the term "barbarian" in his epistles to illustrate the diversity of languages and cultures within the early Christian community. In Romans 1:14, Paul states, "I am obligated both to Greeks and non-Greeks, both to the wise and the foolish." The term "non-Greeks" is often translated as "barbarians," indicating those who were outside the Hellenistic cultural sphere. Here, Paul emphasizes his mission to preach the Gospel to all people, regardless of their cultural or linguistic background, underscoring the universal nature of the Christian message. In 1 Corinthians 14:11, Paul addresses the issue of speaking in tongues within the church, saying, "If then I do not know the meaning of the language, I will be a foreigner to the speaker, and the speaker a foreigner to me." The word "foreigner" is translated from the same Greek root as "barbarian," highlighting the confusion and lack of edification that can occur when language barriers exist within the body of Christ. Paul advocates for clarity and understanding in communication, especially in the context of worship, to ensure that all members of the congregation are edified. The use of "barbarian" in the Bible reflects the broader Greco-Roman world’s view of linguistic and cultural differences. However, the Christian message, as articulated by Paul, transcends these divisions, calling for unity and mutual understanding among believers of diverse backgrounds. This perspective aligns with the biblical theme of the Gospel being for all nations and peoples, as seen in the Great Commission (Matthew 28:19-20) and the vision of a diverse multitude worshiping before the throne of God in Revelation 7:9. 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 underscores the breaking down of cultural and social barriers within the Christian community, affirming that in Christ, all distinctions are rendered secondary to the unity found in Him. The inclusion of "barbarian" and "Scythian" serves to emphasize the breadth of this unity, extending even to those considered outsiders by the prevailing cultural standards of the time. Thus, the biblical use of "barbarian" serves as a reminder of the early church's commitment to inclusivity and the transformative power of the Gospel to bridge cultural and linguistic divides. Torrey's Topical Textbook 1 Corinthians 14:11Therefore if I know not the meaning of the voice, I shall be to him that speaks a barbarian, and he that speaks shall be a barbarian to me. Torrey's Topical Textbook Library This HomilyIs Intended to Shew that the Fear of Magistrates is ... The Life of Cassian. The Fourth Book Exposition of the Moral Law. The Jewish Institutions and Laws of Far Higher Antiquity than the ... Answer to Eunomius' Second Book . The First Chaldaean Empire and the Hyksos in Egypt Dialogue iii. --The Impassible. The Reaction against Egypt Memoir of John Bunyan Resources Should Bible translations use gender-inclusive language? | GotQuestions.orgWhat are the five love languages? | GotQuestions.org What is Biblical Hebrew? Why was the Old Testament written in Hebrew? | GotQuestions.org Language: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Language of all Mankind One at First Language of some Nations Difficult Language: Ancient Kingdoms often Comprehended Nations of Different Language: Confusion of a Punishment for Presumption Language: Confusion of Divided Men Into Separated Nations Language: Confusion of Originated the Varieties In Language: Confusion of Scattered Men Over the Earth Language: Dialects of the Jews Language: Great Variety of, Spoken by Men Language: Interpretation of a Gift of the Holy Spirit Language: Interpretation of Antiquity of Engaging Persons For Language: Interpretation of Most Important in the Early Church Language: Interpretation of The Jews Punished by Being Given up to People of a Strange Language: Kinds of, Mentioned: Arabic Language: Kinds of, Mentioned: Chaldea Language: Kinds of, Mentioned: Egyptian Language: Kinds of, Mentioned: Greek Language: Kinds of, Mentioned: Hebrew Language: Kinds of, Mentioned: Latin Language: Kinds of, Mentioned: Lycaonian Language: Kinds of, Mentioned: Syriack Language: Many Spoken at Jerusalem Language: Parthian and Other Lands Language: Power of Speaking Different: A Gift of the Holy Spirit Language: Power of Speaking Different: A Sign to Unbelievers Language: Power of Speaking Different: Ceased when the Written Bible Completed Language: Power of Speaking Different: Conferred by Laying on of the Apostles' Hands Language: Power of Speaking Different: Followed Receiving the Gospel Language: Power of Speaking Different: Given on the Day of Pentecost Language: Power of Speaking Different: Necessary to Spread of the Gospel Language: Power of Speaking Different: Promised Language: Power of Speaking Different: Sometimes Abused Language: Speaking in Inspired "Tongues" Forbidden Language: The Term Barbarian Applied to Those Who Spoke a Strange Related Terms |
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