“The Word of God Grew and Multiplied”

All Posts Archived Lessons New Testament Old Testament Book of Mormon Doctrine & Covenants Search “The Word of God Grew and Multiplied” CFMCorner Jul 15, 2023 47 min read Updated: Jun 24, 2025 CFM: July 17–23 Acts 10–15 Videos and Podcasts Video/ Podcast ​Lesson Extension ​Additional Materials Scripture Central Acts 10-15 ​ Follow Him Acts 10-15 Part 1 , Part 2 Transcripts Line Upon Line Acts 10-15 ​FHE Lesson Teaching with Power Acts 10-15 ​ Don't Miss This Acts 10-15 ​ ​CFM New Testament Acts 10-15 ​Unshaken Acts 10-15 ( Part 1 , Part 2 ) ​ ​The Interpreter Foundation Acts 10-15 ​Study helps by Jonn Claybaugh ​Teaching Helps with John Hilton Acts 10-15 ( not yet posted ) ​ ​Talk of Him Acts 10-15 ​ ​Ponderfun Acts 10-15 ( not yet posted ) ​Talking Scripture Acts 10-15 Show Notes Resources and Insights about this Week's Lesson The materials this week cover Peter's revelation to take the Gospel to the Gentile nations. An understanding of the culture can help one to better appreciate the significance and challenges associated with this revelation. Political & Social Structure: At the very beginning of the year, we discussed the political and social hierarchy within Jerusalem around the time of Christ. The chart below helps to summarize the basic hierarchical structure in Jerusalem, among the Jews, at the time of Christ. During this time, the Jewish community was diverse and comprised various sects and groups with differing beliefs and practices within and outside of Jerusalem. In fact, more Jews lived outside of Jerusalem than inside. Four notable groups that emerged during this period were the Hebraists, Hellenists, Proselytes, and God Fearers, these communities are specifically mentioned in the Book of Acts, and an understanding of these communities can help one to better understand many of the issues and controversies that developed during the early church. Here's an overview of each group: Hebraists : The Hebraists, also known as Hebrew-speaking Jews or Hebrews, were Jews who primarily adhered to traditional Jewish customs and practices. They emphasized strict observance of the Mosaic Law and the importance of Hebrew language and culture. They tended to be conservative and resistant to Hellenistic influences. Hellenists : The Hellenists, also called Greek-speaking Jews or Hellenized Jews, were Jews who had adopted Greek language, culture, and customs to varying degrees. They were influenced by the broader Hellenistic culture, which emerged after Alexander the Great's conquests. Hellenists often sought to integrate Greek philosophy and ideas into their understanding of Judaism. This group tended to be more open to interacting with non-Jews and embracing cultural diversity. Converts: Proselytes : Proselytes were Gentiles (non-Jews) who fully converted to Judaism. They underwent a formal conversion process that involved circumcision (for males), a ritual sacrifice at the temple, and immersion in a ritual bath (called mikveh). After conversion, they were considered full members of the Jewish community and were expected to observe the Mosaic Law. Proselytes were typically attracted to Judaism due to its ethical teachings and monotheistic beliefs. God Fearers : (Acts 10:2,22,35; 13:16,26) God Fearers were Gentiles who were sympathetic to Judaism and its teachings but did not undergo the formal conversion process. They were sometimes referred to as eusebēs or nāḏîḇ " devout" or “noble.” There was a wide range of God Fearers. Many lived as if they were Proselytes, but they did not get circumcised because of the significant complication and mortality rates associated with the procedure. While they could not convert without circumcision, many of their wives and children were able to make the transitions. Other God Fearers simply respected the faith and culture. They admired Jewish monotheism and the associated ethical and intellectual principles. Many would frequently attend synagogue services and support Jewish communities; others only attended on occasion. While not fully integrated into Jewish religious life, they were respected by the Jewish community and were often provided with some level of religious instruction. It's worth noting that these groups were not mutually exclusive, and there were individuals who belonged to multiple categories or transitioned between them. Moreover, the dynamics and interactions between these groups varied across different regions and communities, with unique local influences shaping their beliefs and practices. Gentiles : During the time of Christ, the way Jews regarded Gentiles (non-Jews) varied depending on the specific Jewish community and individual perspectives. Here are some general aspects that provide insight into the Jewish attitudes toward Gentiles: Exclusivity of Covenant: Jews believed they were the chosen people of God and that the covenant between God and Israel set them apart from the Gentiles. This belief emphasized the uniqueness of Jewish identity and religious practices. Some Jews held a strong sense of exclusivity and viewed Gentiles as outsiders who were not part of the divine covenant. Ritual and Cultural Separation: Jews maintained strict adherence to the Mosaic Law, which included dietary laws, circumcision, observance of the Sabbath/ Feast Days, and other rituals. These practices served as markers of Jewish identity and were seen as essential for maintaining the separation between Jews and Gentiles. Engaging in certain activities or sharing meals with Gentiles was often perceived as ritually impure or culturally inappropriate. Ethical Standards: Jewish ethics, particularly the ethical teachings found in the Hebrew Bible, emphasized justice, compassion, and righteousness. Some Jews believed that Gentiles who adhered to these ethical principles, known as “righteous Gentiles,” would be rewarded by God and could potentially enjoy a place in the world to come. This more inclusive view recognized the possibility of righteousness and moral virtue among Gentiles. Roman Occupation: In the context of Roman occupation, some Jews had a general suspicion and resentment towards Gentiles due to oppressive rule and cultural clashes. This resulted in a tendency to distance themselves from Gentile practices and influences. It's important to note that all Jews did not universally hold these attitudes. There were individuals and groups within Judaism, such as the Hellenists and God Fearers, who were more open to engaging with Gentiles and saw the potential for positive interactions and religious understanding. The teachings of Jesus and the development of early Christianity brought about significant shifts in Jewish-Gentile relations, promoting more inclusive and egalitarian perspectives. The historical names for Gentiles, referring to non-Jews, evolved over time and varied across different cultures and civilizations. Here's a brief summary of some of these terms and how they developed from ancient times to modern day: Goyim : The term “goyim” is derived from Hebrew and was used in the Hebrew Bible (Old Testament) to refer to the nations or peoples who were not part of the Israelite community. In the Hebrew Bible, the term was often neutral and simply referred to non-Israelite nations. However, in later Jewish texts, it could sometimes acquire a negative connotation, denoting nations or individuals who were perceived as morally or spiritually inferior. Ethnikos : The term “ethnikos” comes from Greek and is the root of the English word “ethnic.” In ancient Greek culture, it denoted people belonging to different nations or ethnic groups. In the context of early Christianity, “ethnikos” referred to Gentiles or non-Christians. It did not necessarily carry a negative connotation but rather indicated individuals who were not part of the Christian community. Pagan : The term “pagan” originated from Latin and was primarily used by early Christians to describe individuals who adhered to traditional polytheistic religions. In Latin, “paganus” refers to someone who lived in a rural area or countryside. As Christianity spread, the term gradually took on a negative connotation, as it was associated with non-Christian beliefs and practices. It implied a lack of religious sophistication or adherence to what Christians saw as the “true” faith. Webster's Dictionary 1828 Heathen : The term “heathen” is derived from Old English and has its roots in Germanic languages. It referred to people who practiced polytheistic or animistic religions, often associated with rural or non-urban areas. Like “pagan,” “heathen” initially did not carry a strongly negative connotation, but as Christianity became dominant in Europe, it came to be associated with non-Christian and non-civilized beliefs. Webster's Dictionary 1828 . How did the Gentiles view the Jews? Romans : The Romans, who occupied much of the Mediterranean region during the time of Jesus and the early Christian movement, generally viewed the Jews as a distinct religious and ethnic group within their empire. The Romans allowed the Jews a certain degree of religious autonomy, recognizing their long history and traditions. However, tensions occasionally arose due to clashes between Jewish religious practices and Roman customs, such as the refusal to worship the emperor, whom the Romans regarded as a god. Greeks and Hellenistic Influences : In regions influenced by Hellenistic culture, the Greeks and other Gentile populations were often exposed to Jewish beliefs and practices. Some Gentiles were attracted to the ethical monotheism of Judaism as well as the historical, philosophical, and scholastic principles, causing them to become sympathetic toward Jews. However, there were also instances of conflict and prejudice, as Greek cultural norms clashed with Jewish religious observances. Samaritans: The Samaritans, a group with mixed Jewish and Gentile ancestry, were regarded as distinct from both Jews and