Topical Bible: Murmuring: Grecians

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Definition and Context:
Murmuring, in the biblical context, refers to the act of grumbling or complaining, often in a subdued or secretive manner. It is typically directed against God or His appointed leaders and is seen as a sign of discontent and lack of faith. The term "Grecians" in the New Testament refers to Hellenistic Jews—those who were Jews by birth but had adopted the Greek language and culture. This group is distinct from the Hebraic Jews, who maintained traditional Jewish customs and spoke Aramaic.

Biblical Occurrence:
The most notable instance of murmuring involving the Grecians is found in the Book of Acts. In Acts 6:1 , it is recorded: "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 murmuring arose from a perceived inequality in the early Christian community, where the needs of the Grecian widows were not being met as adequately as those of the Hebraic widows.

Theological Implications:
Murmuring is often portrayed in Scripture as a negative response to God's provision and leadership. It reflects a lack of trust in God's sovereignty and a failure to appreciate His blessings. In the case of the Grecians, their murmuring highlighted early tensions within the Christian community regarding cultural and linguistic differences. This incident underscores the importance of unity and equitable treatment within the body of Christ, as well as the need for wise and Spirit-led leadership to address grievances.

Resolution and Apostolic Response:
The apostles responded to the murmuring of the Grecians by appointing seven men of good repute, full of the Spirit and wisdom, to oversee the distribution of food. This decision is recorded in Acts 6:3-4 : "Therefore, brothers, select from among you seven men confirmed to be full of the Spirit and wisdom. We will appoint this responsibility to them and will devote ourselves to prayer and to the ministry of the word." This solution not only addressed the immediate concern but also set a precedent for the delegation of responsibilities within the church, allowing the apostles to focus on prayer and teaching.

Lessons for the Church:
The account of the Grecians' murmuring serves as a reminder of the potential for division within the church when cultural or social differences are not addressed with sensitivity and fairness. It highlights the need for church leaders to be attentive to the needs of all members and to ensure that resources and care are distributed justly. Moreover, it emphasizes the importance of maintaining unity and harmony within the Christian community, as well as the role of the Holy Spirit in guiding decisions and resolving conflicts.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Acts 6:1
And in those days, when the number of the disciples was multiplied, there arose a murmuring of the Grecians against the Hebrews, because their widows were neglected in the daily ministration.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

The Seven Deacons
... In those days, when the number of the disciples was multiplied, there arose a murmuring
of the Grecians against the Hebrews, because their widows were ...
/.../white/the acts of the apostles/lesson 9 the seven deacons.htm

The Mystery of Iniquity
... Both the partiality of the Hebrews ceased, and the murmuring of the Grecians: And
"then had the churches rest, and were edified;" built up in the love of God ...
/.../wesley/sermons on several occasions/sermon 61 the mystery of.htm

The Institution of Deacons, and the History of Stephen.
... "And in those days, when the number of the disciples was multiplied, there arose
a murmuring of the Grecians against the Hebrews, because their widows were ...
/.../dick/lectures on the acts of the apostles/lecture viii the institution of.htm

The Progress of the Gospel from the Death of Christ to the Death ...
... At an early period complaints were made respecting the distribution of this charity,
and we are told that "there arose a murmuring of the Grecians against the ...
/.../christianbookshelf.org/killen/the ancient church/chapter iv the progress of.htm

The Acts of the Apostles
... 5:12"42. The murmuring of the Grecians leads to the appointment of seven
deacons, one of which, viz. Stephen, wrought miracles ...
/.../drummond/introduction to the new testament/the acts of the apostles.htm

The Foundation of the Church among the Jews
... Sidenote: AD34. The first schism.] And now came the first division in the body,
"a murmuring of the Grecians against the Hebrews[38].". ...
/.../blunt/a key to the knowledge of church history/chapter i the foundation of.htm

The Propagation of Christianity.
... of the succeeding chapter, wherein we are told, that "when the number of the disciples
was multiplied, there arose a murmuring of the Grecians against the ...
/.../paley/evidences of christianity/chapter ix the propagation of.htm

Since the Book of the Acts Tells us that Seven Deacons were ...
... of the Acts reads as follows: "In those days, when the number of the disciples was
multiplied, there arose a murmuring dissension of the Grecians against the ...
/.../schaff/the seven ecumenical councils/canon xvi since the book.htm

Philip the Evangelist
... The Church was in a state of agitation, and there was murmuring going on ... the Church
selected seven brethren, all apparently belonging to the 'Grecians' or Greek ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture the acts/philip the evangelist 2.htm