Libertine
Culture & SocietyWhat is the meaning of Libertine in the Bible?
The term Libertine, derived from the Latin libertinus, denotes a freedman or the descendant of a freedman. In the specific context of Acts 6:9, it refers to Jews from the Cyrenian, Alexandrian, and provincial diasporas who were likely descendants of those captured and brought to Rome during the Jewish-Roman wars.
SIGNIFICANCE
Recognizing this social category clarifies the diverse composition of the opposition Paul faced in Jerusalem, revealing that his critics included not only local Pharisees but also educated, Romanized Jews from the diaspora who possessed both Greek rhetorical skills and a complex relationship with Roman authority.
Bible Study Quick-Reference Guide
- Why did the biblical author mention Libertine in this passage?
- What cultural or historical assumption does Libertine clarify?
Source Attribution
Built upon the 1915 International Standard Bible Encyclopedia and Easton's Bible Dictionary (1897). Entries have been modernized, checked for academic truthfulness, and shortened for clarity.