The term "Greeks" in the Bible refers to both the people of Greek ethnicity and, more broadly, to Gentiles or non-Jews, particularly those influenced by Hellenistic culture. The influence of Greek culture and language was significant in the ancient world, especially following the conquests of Alexander the Great, which spread Hellenism across the Eastern Mediterranean and Near East.

Old Testament Context

While the Old Testament does not frequently mention Greeks directly, the influence of Greek culture is evident in the later books. The term "Javan" is used in the Hebrew Bible to refer to the Greeks, as seen in the Table of Nations in Genesis 10:2, 4, where Javan is listed as a son of Japheth. This connection is further seen in Ezekiel 27:13, where Javan is mentioned as a trading partner with Tyre, indicating early interactions between the Israelites and the Greek world.

Intertestamental Period

During the intertestamental period, the influence of Greek culture became more pronounced. The conquests of Alexander the Great (circa 334-323 BC) led to the spread of Hellenistic culture throughout the Near East, including Judea. This period saw the translation of the Hebrew Scriptures into Greek, known as the Septuagint, which became widely used among Greek-speaking Jews.

The Maccabean Revolt (circa 167-160 BC) was a direct response to the imposition of Hellenistic practices and the desecration of the Jewish Temple by the Seleucid king Antiochus IV Epiphanes. This revolt is detailed in the books of 1 and 2 Maccabees, which, while not part of the Protestant canon, provide historical context for the Jewish resistance to Greek cultural and religious influence.

New Testament Context

In the New Testament, the term "Greeks" often refers to Gentiles or non-Jews who were influenced by Greek culture. The Apostle Paul, in particular, engaged with Greek-speaking audiences throughout his missionary journeys. The New Testament was written in Koine Greek, the common language of the Eastern Mediterranean, which facilitated the spread of the Gospel message.

In the Gospels, Greeks are mentioned as seekers of Jesus. In John 12:20-21 , it is recorded, "Now there were some Greeks among those who went up to worship at the feast. They came to Philip, who was from Bethsaida in Galilee, and requested of him, 'Sir, we want to see Jesus.'" This indicates the interest of Greek-speaking Gentiles in the teachings of Jesus.

The Apostle Paul, a Roman citizen and a Jew, was well-versed in Greek culture and philosophy, which he used to his advantage in spreading the Gospel. In Acts 17:22-23 , Paul addresses the Athenians at the Areopagus, saying, "Men of Athens, I see that in every way you are very religious. For as I walked around and examined your objects of worship, I even found an altar with this inscription: To an unknown god. Therefore what you worship as something unknown, I now proclaim to you."

Paul's epistles often address Greek-speaking audiences, emphasizing the universality of the Gospel. In Romans 1:16 , he writes, "I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes, first to the Jew, then to the Greek." This highlights the inclusive nature of the Christian message, transcending ethnic and cultural boundaries.

Cultural and Religious Influence

The Greek language and culture significantly influenced early Christianity. The use of Koine Greek as the lingua franca of the Eastern Mediterranean allowed for the rapid dissemination of Christian texts and ideas. Greek philosophical concepts also played a role in the development of early Christian theology, as seen in the writings of the Church Fathers, who often engaged with Greek philosophical traditions.

The Greeks, both as a people and as a cultural influence, played a crucial role in the context of the New Testament and the early Christian church. Their presence in the biblical narrative underscores the transition of the Gospel from a predominantly Jewish context to a universal message for all humanity.