Lexical Summary entopios: Native, local, belonging to a place Original Word: ἐντόπιος Strong's Exhaustive Concordance localFrom en and topos; a resident -- of that place. see GREEK en see GREEK topos NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom en and topos Definition of a place, a resident NASB Translation local residents (1). Thayer's Greek Lexicon STRONGS NT 1786: ἐντόπιοςἐντόπιος, ἐντοπιον (τόπος), a dweller in a place; a resident or native of a place: Acts 21:12. (Sophocles (?), Plato, others.) Topical Lexicon Meaning and Nuance ἐντόπιος expresses the idea of belonging to a specific locale—“native” or “local” in contrast to travelers or outsiders. In Acts it describes believers who are rooted in the community where the event occurs, highlighting the interplay between settled congregations and itinerant mission teams. New Testament Occurrence Acts 21:12: “When we heard this, we and the local believers pleaded with Paul not to go up to Jerusalem”. Luke distinguishes two groups: (1) “we”―Paul’s travelling party that included the author himself, and (2) “the local believers” (οἱ ἐντόπιοι), disciples resident in Caesarea. Narrative Contribution in Acts Luke’s single use of ἐντόπιος serves several purposes: Historical Setting Caesarea Maritima housed a mixed Jewish-Gentile population under Roman administration. By the mid-50s AD the city possessed an organized body of believers capable of lodging large parties (Philip’s house) and hosting prophetic ministry. Their plea reflects pastoral concern shaped by recent memories of persecution (Acts 12; Acts 18:2-3). Theological Themes 1. Corporate Solidarity: The gospel forges family ties that transcend geographical roots; nevertheless, rooted believers carry unique responsibility for the welfare of visiting ministers (Romans 15:24; 3 John 5-8). Ministerial Significance • Local congregations are frontline partners in global mission. Their hospitality, finances, counsel, and intercession sustain itinerant workers (Philippians 4:15-16). Intertextual Echoes Old Testament usage of “people of the land” (e.g., 2 Kings 11:18-20) parallels Luke’s differentiation between local believers and incoming leaders, reinforcing the biblical pattern that God works through both settled communities and sent ones. Patristic Reflection Early writers saw in Acts 21 a template for mutual submission. Irenaeus commended Paul’s willingness to hear local concerns even while following divine commission (Against Heresies 3.14.1), underlining ecclesial harmony. Contemporary Application Pastors and mission boards should: Summary Though ἐντόπιος appears only once, it crystallizes Luke’s portrait of the early church: a Spirit-led fellowship where local saints and travelling apostles stand shoulder-to-shoulder, discern God’s will together, and advance the kingdom regardless of cost. Forms and Transliterations εντοπιοι εντόπιοι ἐντόπιοι entopioi entópioiLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel Texts |
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