Topical Bible: Proselytes: Later Called Devout Greeks

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Definition and Background:
Proselytes in the biblical context refer to Gentiles who converted to Judaism, embracing the faith, practices, and community of the Jewish people. The term "proselyte" is derived from the Greek word "prosēlytos," meaning a newcomer or stranger. In the New Testament era, these individuals were often referred to as "devout Greeks" or "God-fearers," indicating their reverence for the God of Israel and their adherence to certain Jewish customs.

Old Testament Context:
The concept of proselytism is rooted in the Old Testament, where the Law made provisions for the inclusion of foreigners who wished to join the Israelite community. In Exodus 12:48-49 , the Lord commands that any foreigner who wishes to celebrate the Passover must be circumcised, thus becoming like a native of the land. This inclusion underscores the openness of the covenant community to those outside ethnic Israel who desired to worship Yahweh.

New Testament Context:
In the New Testament, proselytes are mentioned in the context of the early Christian church's expansion. Acts 2:10 lists proselytes among those present at Pentecost, indicating their presence in Jerusalem and their participation in Jewish religious life. The spread of the Gospel to the Gentiles brought many God-fearing Greeks into the fold of the early church, as seen in Acts 13:43 , where Paul and Barnabas speak to "many of the Jews and devout converts to Judaism."

Role in the Early Church:
Proselytes played a significant role in the early Christian movement. Their familiarity with Jewish Scriptures and customs made them receptive to the message of Jesus as the Messiah. Acts 10 recounts the account of Cornelius, a centurion described as a "devout man" who feared God, illustrating the bridge that proselytes provided between Jewish and Gentile communities. The conversion of such individuals marked a pivotal moment in the church's mission, as it expanded beyond the confines of ethnic Judaism.

Cultural and Religious Significance:
The presence of proselytes highlights the universal scope of God's redemptive plan. Their inclusion in the covenant community foreshadows the New Testament teaching that in Christ, there is neither Jew nor Greek (Galatians 3:28). The term "devout Greeks" reflects their commitment to the God of Israel and their role as precursors to the full inclusion of Gentiles in the church.

Challenges and Controversies:
The integration of proselytes into the Jewish community and later into the Christian church was not without challenges. Questions regarding the necessity of circumcision and adherence to the Mosaic Law for Gentile converts were hotly debated, as seen in the Jerusalem Council (Acts 15). The resolution of these issues was crucial for the unity and growth of the early church.

Conclusion:
Proselytes, or devout Greeks, represent a significant group in biblical history, embodying the transition from the Old Covenant to the New Covenant. Their account is a testament to the inclusive nature of God's kingdom and the breaking down of barriers between Jew and Gentile through the Gospel of Jesus Christ.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

John 12:20
And there were certain Greeks among them that came up to worship at the feast:
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Acts 17:4
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.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

Christianity in Rome.
... sojourners from Rome, both Jews and proselytes." [494] In ... the year 61, which two
years later was probably ... church was Greek; even the so-called Apostles' Creed ...
/.../history of the christian church volume i/section 36 christianity in rome.htm

The Synod of Jerusalem, and the Compromise Between Jewish and ...
... Jewish race with a small minority of proselytes of the ... had proven himself to be divinely
called to the ... perfect law of freedom," with his later conduct toward ...
/.../schaff/history of the christian church volume i/section 34 the synod of.htm

References
... believe that this feast would have called Jesus to ... thought of the disciples with
his later treachery; consequently ... On the relation of proselytes to Judaism see ...
//christianbookshelf.org/rhees/the life of jesus of nazareth/references.htm

Acts xiii. 42
... broken up, many of the Jews and worshipping proselytes followed Paul ... "And they called
Barnabas, Jupiter ... in saying: "set apart for God" and adding later: "not in ...
/.../chrysostom/homilies on acts and romans/homily xxx acts xiii 42.htm

Acts XIII
... He informs us, however, at a later period, that Paul ... the first covenant, they who
were called" (that is ... many of the Jews and devout proselytes followed Paul and ...
/.../mcgarvey/a commentary on acts of the apostles/acts xiii.htm

Robert Nelson, his Friends, and Church Principles.
... feeble foundations, and would not have many proselytes to his ... age and their successors
at a much later period. ... Some of them called themselves, it is true, 'the ...
/.../the english church in the eighteenth century/chapter ii robert nelson his.htm

In the House of his Heavenly, and in the Home of his Earthly ...
... and by, strangers; it dealt harshly with proselytes, [1211] even ... majority of Shammaites
carried the so-called eighteen decrees ... will be discussed in a later part ...
/.../edersheim/the life and times of jesus the messiah/chapter x in the house.htm

Acts II
... and Roman strangers, both Jews and proselytes, (11) Cretes ... been grievously neglected
by their brethren of later ages ... as the following: "You were called into the ...
/.../mcgarvey/a commentary on acts of the apostles/acts ii.htm