The Hebrews were a group within the Jewish people in the New Testament era who were distinguished by their strict adherence to Hebrew traditions, language, and customs. While the terms “Hebrew” and “Jew” are often used interchangeably, in some contexts, Hebrews referred specifically to those who maintained a more traditional Jewish identity, as opposed to the Hellenized (Greek-influenced) Jews, who had adapted to Greco-Roman culture.
The New Testament highlights tensions between Hebrews and Hellenists, particularly in Acts 6:1, showing that even among early Jewish believers, cultural differences existed. Understanding the history, geography, and cultural identity of the Hebrews helps illuminate their role in biblical history and their impact on the early Church.
Words: 1145 / Time to read: 6 minutes
Historical Background and Origins
The term “Hebrew” (Ivri in Hebrew) has ancient roots, dating back to:
- Abraham (c. 2000 BC) – The first person called a Hebrew (Genesis 14:13), marking his distinct identity as a follower of Yahweh.
- The Exodus (c. 1400 BC) – The Israelites were known as Hebrews in Egypt, distinguishing them from Egyptians and Canaanites (Exodus 1:15-16).
- The Kingdoms of Israel and Judah (1050–586 BC) – Though “Hebrew” remained in use, the Israelites became more commonly known as “Israelites” or “Jews” (after Judah).
- Post-Exilic Period (6th century BC–New Testament Era) – After the Babylonian exile, “Jew” became the dominant term, but Hebrew remained a cultural-linguistic identity for those who retained their heritage more strictly.
By the New Testament period, Hebrews were primarily Jews who adhered strictly to Hebrew traditions, language, and religious customs, whereas Hellenized Jews had assimilated into Greek culture.
Geography and Political Influence
Hebrews primarily lived in Judea and Galilee, but also in diaspora Jewish communities throughout:
- Jerusalem and Judea – The stronghold of traditional, Torah-observant Hebrews.
- Galilee – Many rural, Aramaic-speaking Hebrews, including Jesus’ disciples, came from here.
- The Jewish Diaspora – Even outside Israel, some Hebrews resisted Hellenization, maintaining their distinct traditions.
The political and social climate often put Hebrews at odds with both Roman authorities and Hellenized Jews, leading to conflicts seen in the New Testament.
Religious Beliefs and Practices
Hebrews were characterized by their strict adherence to Jewish law and customs, including:
- Torah Observance – Devotion to Mosaic Law, dietary laws, and Sabbath observance.
- Temple Worship – Many Hebrews were deeply connected to the Jerusalem Temple, seeing it as the heart of their faith.
- Aramaic and Hebrew Language – While many Jews spoke Greek, Hebrews prioritized speaking and reading in Hebrew and Aramaic.
- Separation from Hellenistic Influence – Unlike Hellenized Jews, Hebrews resisted Greek customs, philosophy, and lifestyle.
These distinctions led to tensions between Hebrews and Hellenized Jews, even within the early Church.
The Hebrews in the Bible
The Hebrews are specifically mentioned in Acts 6:1, where cultural divisions in the early Church are highlighted:
- The Conflict Between Hebrews and Hellenists (Acts 6:1-7)
- “In those days when the number of disciples was increasing, the Hellenistic Jews among them complained against the Hebraic Jews because their widows were being overlooked in the daily distribution of food.” (Acts 6:1)
- This passage shows an internal division in the early Christian community, requiring the appointment of deacons like Stephen and Philip to resolve the issue.
- Paul’s Identity as a Hebrew (Philippians 3:5, 2 Corinthians 11:22)
- Paul emphasized his Hebrew heritage, stating:“Circumcised on the eighth day, of the people of Israel, of the tribe of Benjamin, a Hebrew of Hebrews; in regard to the law, a Pharisee.” (Philippians 3:5)
- This suggests that being a “Hebrew of Hebrews” was a distinct identity, different from Hellenized Jews.
- The Epistle to the Hebrews
- This letter was written specifically to Jewish believers, encouraging them to hold fast to Christ while remaining faithful to their Hebrew heritage.
These passages confirm that Hebrews in the New Testament era had a unique identity, one that sometimes led to tensions with other Jewish groups and with Gentile believers.
Interactions with Jesus and His Disciples
Many of Jesus’ earliest followers were Hebrews who adhered to Jewish traditions:
1. Jesus and His Hebrew Followers (John 1:47-49, Matthew 15:24)
- Jesus commended Nathanael as a true Israelite (John 1:47), showing His recognition of faithful Hebrews.
- He also said:“I was sent only to the lost sheep of Israel.” (Matthew 15:24)
- This highlights that Jesus ministered first to Hebrew-speaking Jews before the Gospel expanded to the Gentiles.
2. The Apostles as Primarily Hebrews (Acts 2:5-11)
- Most of Jesus’ twelve apostles were Hebrews, likely Aramaic-speaking Jews from Galilee and Judea.
- At Pentecost, Jewish pilgrims from different regions heard the disciples speaking in their own languages, including Hebrew and Aramaic.
These events confirm that Jesus and His disciples initially ministered within a primarily Hebrew-speaking Jewish context before the Gospel reached Hellenized Jews and Gentiles.
Significance in Church History and Prophecy
The Hebrews played a critical role in preserving Jewish heritage within the early Church, influencing:
- The Jerusalem Church – Led by James, the brother of Jesus, which remained largely Hebrew in character.
- Tensions with Hellenized and Gentile Believers – Some Hebrews struggled to accept the inclusion of non-Jews without requiring adherence to the Law (Acts 15:1-29).
- The Persecution of Early Christians – Many Hebrews who followed Christ faced opposition from more traditional Jews, leading to their marginalization within Jewish society.
Some scholars see Hebrews as a foreshadowing of the faithful Jewish remnant in prophecy, returning to faith in Christ in the last days (Romans 11:25-26).
Spiritual Lessons and Application
- Faithfulness to God’s Word is crucial – The Hebrews valued Scripture and tradition, reminding believers today to remain faithful to biblical truth.
- Culture should not divide the Church – The conflict between Hebrews and Hellenists (Acts 6:1) teaches that cultural differences should not hinder Christian unity.
- Jesus fulfills the promises made to the Hebrews – The Epistle to the Hebrews shows that Christ is the fulfillment of the Law and the prophets, pointing to a better covenant (Hebrews 8:6-13).
- True faith goes beyond tradition – While traditions are valuable, faith in Christ must take priority over cultural identity and legalism (Philippians 3:8-9).
Conclusion: God’s Sovereignty Over Nations
The Hebrews, though sometimes distinct from Hellenized Jews, played a critical role in preserving Jewish traditions and welcoming the Messiah. Their faithfulness to the Torah led many to recognize that Jesus was the fulfillment of God’s promises.
As Paul wrote:
“For in the Gospel, the righteousness of God is revealed—a righteousness that is by faith from first to last, just as it is written: ‘The righteous will live by faith.'” (Romans 1:17)
The Hebrews’ devotion to God’s Word serves as a reminder that faith must always be rooted in truth, not just cultural heritage.
All Scripture quoted from:
New International Version (NIV)
Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV® Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.® Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.
