Young EDUC 746 Biblical Critique- Hellenistic and Hebraic Jews
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BIBLICAL CRITIQUE
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Biblical Critique: Hellenistic and Hebraic Jews
Whitney Young-Magee
School of Education, Liberty University
Author Note
Whitney Young-Magee
I have no known conflict of interest to disclose. Correspondence concerning this article should be addressed to Whitney Young-Magee Email: wnyoung1@liberty.edu
BIBLICAL CRITIQUE: [CHARACTER]
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Biblical Critique: Hellenistic and Hebraic Jews
Conflict resolution is a recurring challenge in human society, and the Bible provides us with valuable insights into how different cultural and religious backgrounds can influence methods of conflict resolution. In the New Testament book of Acts, we encounter a situation that
sheds light on the contrasting approaches of Hellenistic and Hebraic Jews to resolving disputes within the early Christian community. This analysis intends to explore the character traits and worldviews of Hellenistic and Hebraic Jews as they relate to conflict resolution, drawing from the account in Acts 6:1-7 of the New American Standard Version.
In Acts 6:1-7, we find a narrative that describes a dispute arising among the early believers in Jerusalem. The Hellenistic Jews, who had been influenced by Greek culture and spoke Greek, were part of the larger Jewish community. The Hebraic Jews, on the other hand, were more closely aligned with traditional Jewish practices and spoke Aramaic or Hebrew. The conflict centered around the distribution of food to widows, and it serves as a case study for examining how the two groups approached and resolved the issue.
To understand the character and worldviews of Hellenistic and Hebraic Jews in conflict resolution, we will examine their responses to the dispute, their leadership qualities, and the role of faith in their decision-making processes. By doing so, we can acquire valuable insights into how these early Christians navigated conflicts and how their actions align with the biblical worldview on resolving disputes.
Read
Fact
Verses
1.
The disciples were increasing in number during this time
Acts 6:1
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2. A complaint arose among the Hellenistic Jews because their widows were being overlooked in the daily food distribution
Acts 6:1
3. The twelve Apostles summoned the congregation of disciples to address the issue
Acts 6:2
4. The Apostles expressed their desire not to neglect the preaching of God's word to serve tables
Acts 6:2
5. The congregation was tasked with selecting
seven men of good reputation, filled with the Spirit and wisdom, to oversee food distribution
Acts 6:3
6.
The chosen men included Stephen, Philip, Prochorus, Nicanor, Timon, Parmenas, and Nicolas
Acts 6:5
7. After being selected, these men were brought before the Apostles, who prayed for them and laid their hands on them
Acts 6:6
8. The word of God continued to spread
Acts 6:7
9. The number of disciples in Jerusalem increased significantly
Acts 6:7
10. Notably, a great many of the priests were among those who became obedient to the Acts 6:7
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BIBLICAL CRITIQUE: [CHARACTER]
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faith
Reflect
What do you see in the passage that relates
to God’s character, man’s character, or
Jesus?
Verses
God’s character
The passage reflects God's character of provision as the early church community recognized the need to take care of widows
who were being neglected
Acts 6:1
Man’s character
Human character is displayed as complaints arise among the widows due to perceived neglect
Acts 6:1
Jesus
1.Servant Leadership: The passage points to Jesus through the concept of servant leadership as the apostles recognize the importance of serving the widows' needs
2. Delegation of Responsibility: The apostles' decision to delegate the task of food distribution reflects a practical approach to leadership, similar to how Jesus appointed and trained His disciples to
carry on His mission
3.
Unity and Harmony: The resolution of Acts 6:2-4
&
Acts 6:3
&
Acts 6:7
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the conflict brings unity and harmony back to the early Christian community
Respond
As I personally analyze and critique Acts 6:1-7, I believe that the characters in this passage, particularly the apostles, honored God during the conflict. This biblical account demonstrates several principles that guide us on how to honor God during conflicts within the Christian community. Firstly, the apostles recognized the importance of seeking divine wisdom through prayer and remaining committed to their primary calling of preaching the Word of God. This aligns with the biblical principle of seeking God's guidance in decision-making, as emphasized in Proverbs 3:5-6 (NIV): "Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight."
Secondly, the apostles displayed servant leadership by delegating responsibilities to others. This act resolved the immediate issue and fostered a sense of shared responsibility and equity among the community. Servant leadership is a concept that resonates with modern leadership theory as well. In a recent scholarly article by Northouse (2021) titled "Leadership: Theory and Practice," the author highlights the significance of servant leadership in contemporary leadership models. The apostles' delegation reflects how effective leadership involves empowering others and distributing tasks, contributing to a harmonious resolution of conflicts and the honoring of God's teachings.
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Furthermore, Acts 6:1-7 shows us the importance of unity and collaboration in resolving conflicts. By addressing the needs of the Hellenistic widows and implementing a fair distribution
system, the early church community preserved its unity and growth. This aligns with the biblical emphasis on unity among believers. In his letter to the Corinthians, the Apostle Paul stressed the importance of unity within the body of Christ (1 Corinthians 1:10, NIV): "I appeal to you, brothers and sisters, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that all of you agree with one another in what you say and that there be no divisions among you, but that you be perfectly united in mind and thought."
That being said, Acts 6:1-7 offers valuable insights into honoring God during conflicts within Christian communities. The apostles' approach of seeking divine wisdom, practicing servant leadership, and promoting unity through delegation is a timeless example of conflict resolution that aligns with biblical principles and contemporary leadership theories. This passage
encourages us to prioritize prayer, humility, and collaboration as we navigate conflicts within our
faith communities, ultimately leading to the honoring of God's teachings and the growth of His church.
Conclusion
In Acts 6:1-7, we witness a crucial moment in the early Christian community's development, characterized by a conflict concerning the fair distribution of food to widows. The response of the apostles to this challenge not only resolved the immediate issue but also offered enduring lessons on honoring God during conflicts within the faith community.
The apostles, in their pursuit of honoring God, demonstrated a commitment to their primary calling, which was preaching the Word of God. By acknowledging their limitations and
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the need for divine wisdom, they exemplified the biblical principle of seeking God's guidance in decision-making. Their decision to delegate the responsibility of food distribution to individuals full of the Holy Spirit and wisdom is reminiscent of servant leadership, a concept that resonates with both biblical teachings and modern leadership theory. Moreover, Acts 6:1-7 highlights the importance of unity and collaboration in resolving conflicts. The unity of the early Christian community was preserved through the equitable resolution of the issue, resulting in the continued
growth of the faith. This reflects the biblical emphasis on unity among believers, as unity is a testament to God's love and grace.
Ultimately, this passage serves as a timeless example of conflict resolution within Christian communities. It encourages believers to prioritize prayer, humility, and collaboration when navigating conflicts, with the ultimate goal of honoring God's teachings and fostering unity. As a result, the word of God continues to spread, and the faith community thrives, with many being drawn to obedience in faith.
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References
Barsky, A. (2017). Conflict resolution for the helping professions (3rd ed.). Oxford University
Press.
New American Standard Bible. (1995). New American Standard Bible Online. https://www.bible.com/versions/100-nasb-new-american-standard-bible/ (Original work published 1960)
Northouse, P. G. (2021). Leadership: Theory and Practice (9th ed.). Sage Publications.