Hebrews (Acts 6)

Biblical Text

The term "Hebrews" in this sense appears only once, in Acts 6:1. As the number of disciples in the Jerusalem church was growing, the Hellenistic Jews complained against the Hebrews that their widows were being neglected in the daily ministration. The Twelve Apostles responded that they would devote themselves to prayer and the ministry of the word, and they proposed that the community choose seven men of good report to take charge of the relief work (Acts 6:2–4). The seven chosen were Stephen, Philip, Prochorus, Nicanor, Timon, Parmenas, and Nicolas of Antioch (Acts 6:5).

The Greek word in the original text, Hebraioi (Ἑβραῖοι), means "Hebrews." Paul likewise called himself "an Hebrew of the Hebrews" (Philippians 3:5), and, comparing himself with other teachers, said, "Are they Hebrews? so am I" (2 Corinthians 11:22). Some modern translations render the term in Acts 6:1 in a way that makes the linguistic element explicit, for example "Hebrew-speaking Jews."

Background

Both the Hebrews and the Hellenists were Jews. Reading the distinction as one between Jews and Gentiles therefore does not fit the text. Scholars generally locate the difference in language. On this view, the Hebrews were people born and raised in Palestine who spoke Aramaic (the language widely used in Judea at the time) or Hebrew and who read the Hebrew Scriptures in the synagogue, while the Hellenists came from the Diaspora (the Jewish communities scattered outside Palestine), spoke Greek, and were familiar with the Septuagint. Many scholars also hold that "the Hebrew tongue" in the New Testament often refers in fact to Aramaic. Because differences in language could easily lead to separate gatherings and social circles, this is commonly offered as an explanation of how one group could come to be overlooked in the distribution of relief.

Significance in the Whole of Scripture

Acts 6 depicts the first internal conflict faced by the early church. The church resolved the conflict by dividing responsibilities, and the text reports that as a result the word of God increased and the number of disciples multiplied greatly (Acts 6:7). Because all seven men chosen bore Greek names, many interpreters conclude that the relief work was entrusted to members of the Hellenistic group that had raised the complaint. Later, some of those scattered by the persecution that followed the martyrdom of Stephen preached the gospel to Greeks as well in Antioch (Acts 11:19–20). This development is connected with the spread of the gospel beyond Jerusalem.

Interpretation and Points of Discussion

• Differences between the two groups: The view that the difference was purely linguistic is widely accepted. Others, however, appealing to Stephen's speech (Acts 7), hold that the two groups also differed in their attitudes toward the temple and the law. The text does not state this directly.
• Target of the persecution: Acts 8:1 reports that all except the apostles were scattered. Some interpret this persecution as having been directed mainly at Hellenistic believers, but this is an inference.
• The Seven and the office of deacon: Many church traditions trace the origin of the office of deacon to these seven men. Others, noting that the text never uses the noun "deacons" for them, are cautious about linking them directly to the beginning of a formal church office.
• Relation to the Epistle to the Hebrews: There is no textual basis for identifying the "Hebrews" to whom the Epistle to the Hebrews is addressed with the Hebrews of Acts 6.

In the Korean Church

In the Korean church, Acts 6 is frequently used as a sermon text at ordination services, especially for the ordination of deacons. The conflict between the Hebrews and the Hellenists is often cited as an example in sermons addressing generational differences or differences of background within the church, or the care of marginalized members.