What was Alexandrians?

The term Alexandrians refers to Jewish individuals who came from the city of Alexandria in Egypt. The name Alexandrians derives from Alexandros (Greek: Ἀλεξανδρεύς), meaning “of Alexandria,” named after Alexander the Great, who founded the city in 331 B.C. Alexandria became one of the most prominent centers of Hellenistic Judaism and housed a large and influential Jewish community. By the first century A.D., many Jews in Alexandria were Greek-speaking and had adopted aspects of Greco-Roman culture while maintaining their religious identity. These Alexandrians are mentioned in Acts 6:9, where they are part of the group disputing with Stephen, the first Christian martyr.

“Opposition arose, however, from members of the Synagogue of the Freedmen (as it was called)—Jews of Cyrene and Alexandria as well as the provinces of Cilicia and Asia—who began to argue with Stephen.”
— Acts 6:9, NIV

Biblical References and Cross-References

• Acts 6:9 – Alexandrians are mentioned as part of a group opposing Stephen.

• Acts 18:24 – Apollos, a learned man, was an Alexandrian Jew who became a powerful Christian preacher.

• Acts 27:6; 28:11 – Alexandrian ships are mentioned as part of Paul’s journey to Rome, indicating Alexandria’s commercial importance.

• Isaiah 19:11-13 – While not directly about Alexandria, this passage prophetically speaks about Egypt’s wisdom being confounded, which provides a broader biblical connection to Egypt’s intellectual traditions.

• Daniel 8:8-9 – References to the spread of Greek influence, which later shaped Alexandria‘s culture.

What Happened in Acts 6?

In Acts 6, as the early Christian church rapidly expanded in Jerusalem, tensions arose between different groups of Jews. Verse 9 identifies a group from the Synagogue of the Freedmen, which included Jews from Cyrene, Alexandria, Cilicia, and Asia. These Greek-speaking Jews began to argue with Stephen, a deacon full of the Holy Spirit and wisdom. Unable to refute Stephen’s inspired reasoning, they stirred up false accusations, which led to his arrest and ultimately to his martyrdom in Acts 7.

The Alexandrians were likely part of a Hellenistic synagogue—a place of worship for Jews from the Diaspora. These Jews, though devout, were often influenced by the philosophical traditions and rhetorical styles of their Greco-Roman context. This background may explain their attempt to engage Stephen in debate. Yet, despite their education and skill in argumentation, they could not withstand the Spirit’s power working through Stephen.

Meaning for Today’s Christians

The mention of Alexandrians reminds believers today that opposition to the truth can come not only from ignorance but also from intellect and eloquence that lacks the Spirit. These men were likely educated and cultured, but their hearts were hardened to the gospel message. The incident challenges Christians to rely not on human wisdom but on the power of the Holy Spirit when defending the faith (see 1 Corinthians 2:4-5).

It also shows that persecution often begins with dialogue but escalates when truth is rejected. The courage and faithfulness of Stephen in the face of opposition serve as a model for every believer called to be a witness in a hostile world.

Connection to Jesus and the Gospel

Stephen’s confrontation with the Alexandrians and other Jews parallels Jesus’ own ministry. Jesus, too, was often opposed by religious leaders who could not refute His teaching (Luke 20:40). Both Jesus and Stephen were falsely accused and brought before religious councils. Their bold proclamations of truth ultimately led to their deaths. In this sense, Stephen follows the pattern of Christ’s suffering and testimony, pointing forward to the cost of discipleship and the advancement of the gospel through persecution.

Furthermore, the Alexandrians’ resistance underscores a key gospel truth: salvation does not come through cultural sophistication or religious heritage, but through faith in Jesus Christ alone (John 14:6; Philippians 3:4-9).

Broader Biblical Themes

1. Jewish Diaspora and Synagogues

The Alexandrians were part of the Jewish Diaspora—those living outside of Israel. This dispersion fulfilled Old Testament prophecies (e.g., Deuteronomy 28:64) but also set the stage for the gospel’s spread. The synagogues of the Diaspora became key entry points for the message of Jesus as Paul and others evangelized city after city across the Roman world.

2. The Clash Between Human Wisdom and God’s Wisdom

As seen with the Alexandrians’ failed attempt to refute Stephen, the Bible consistently teaches that human wisdom cannot match God‘s wisdom (1 Corinthians 1:20-25). This theme reemerges throughout Acts and the Epistles.

3. Martyrdom and Witness

Stephen’s encounter with the Alexandrians directly leads to his martyrdom, the first in Christian history. This event introduces a new chapter in redemptive history: the gospel spreading through suffering. Jesus’ words in Matthew 10:17-20 are fulfilled as His followers face persecution with the Spirit’s help.

4. Hellenistic Influence in Early Christianity

The fact that many early Christians, like Stephen and Apollos, were Greek-speaking Jews highlights the diverse background of the early church. God used people from varied cultures—including Alexandrians—to spread the gospel beyond Jerusalem.

Reflection Questions

1. Why do you think the Alexandrians and others could not refute Stephen’s words, even though they were likely well-educated?

2. In what ways can Christians today be tempted to rely on human wisdom rather than the Spirit’s power when sharing the gospel?

3. How does Stephen’s faithfulness in debate and martyrdom inspire your own witness for Christ?

4. What role does suffering and opposition play in advancing God’s kingdom, as seen through this account?

5. Are there cultural influences in your own context that make it hard for people to receive the gospel? How can you wisely engage those with such backgrounds?

The Alexandrians of Acts 6 remind us that the gospel confronts all human pride—religious, cultural, and intellectual. Though they stood in opposition to Stephen, their resistance ultimately showcased the power of the Spirit in one man fully devoted to Christ. Through his example, we are called to speak boldly, love deeply, and stand firm in the face of all opposition for the glory of Jesus.