Dispersion
Summary
The collective term for Jews scattered throughout the world outside Palestine, also called the Diaspora, which providentially prepared the way for the spread of the gospel.
☩Origin and Development
The Dispersion resulted partly from deportations by conquering powers—the Assyrians scattering the ten tribes, Babylon exiling Judah—and partly from voluntary emigration. Alexander's conquests opened new opportunities, and Jews established communities throughout his empire. By New Testament times, Jews numbered perhaps four million outside Palestine, forming about seven percent of the Roman Empire's population. Major centers included Babylonia, Egypt (especially Alexandria), Syria, Asia Minor, Greece, and Rome.
☩Maintaining Jewish Identity
Despite their dispersion, Jews maintained connections with Jerusalem through pilgrimage to the great feasts and payment of the annual temple tax. Synagogues arose wherever Jews settled, providing centers for worship, study, and community life. The Sabbath observance particularly distinguished them from their neighbors. Though unable to offer sacrifices outside Jerusalem, they discovered that faithful adherence to the Law could unite them regardless of location.
☩Providential Purpose
The Dispersion proved providential for the gospel's spread. Synagogues in every city gave apostles ready audiences familiar with Scripture and expecting the Messiah. Gentile 'God-fearers' attached to synagogues formed bridges to the pagan world. The Greek Septuagint had already translated biblical concepts into the common language of the Empire. As Peter said, 'To Him give all the prophets witness'—and the Dispersion had spread that prophetic witness throughout the known world.
References
- 1.John McClintock and James Strong, "Dispersion Of Mankind," in Cyclopedia of Biblical, Theological and Ecclesiastical Literature, vol. II (Harper & Brothers, 1867–1887).
- 2.James Hastings (ed.), "Dispersion," in Dictionary of the Apostolic Church, vol. I (T. & T. Clark, 1915–1918).
- 3.Andrew Robert Fausset, "Dispersion," in The Englishman's Critical and Expository Bible Cyclopædia (Hodder & Stoughton, 1878).