Lexical Summary exoché: Preeminence, prominence, excellence Original Word: ἐξοχή Strong's Exhaustive Concordance principal. From a compound of ek and echo (meaning to stand out); prominence (figuratively) -- principal. see GREEK ek see GREEK echo NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom exechó (to project from, be prominent); from ek and echó Definition a projection, eminence NASB Translation prominent (1). Thayer's Greek Lexicon STRONGS NT 1851: ἐξοχήἐξοχή, ἐξοχης, ἡ (from ἐξέχω to stand out, be prominent; cf. ὑπεροχή); 1. properly, in Greek writings any prominence or projection, as the peak or summit of a mountain (ἐπ' ἐξοχή πέτρας, Job 39:28 the Sept.); in medical writings a protuberance, swelling, wart, etc. 2. metaphorically, eminence, excellence, superiority (Cicero, ad Att. 4, 15, 7 ἐξοχή in nullo est, pecunia omnium dignitatem exaequat); ἄνδρες οἱ κατ' ἐξοχήν ὄντες τῆς πόλεως, the prominent men of the city, Acts 25:23. The lone New Testament occurrence of ἐξοχή (Acts 25:23) frames the scene in which Paul is ushered before Porcius Festus, King Agrippa II, and Bernice. Luke writes, “The next day Agrippa and Bernice came with great pomp, and they entered the auditorium with the commanders and prominent men of the city. Then at the order of Festus, Paul was brought in” (Acts 25:23). The term underscores the dazzling pageantry surrounding Rome’s provincial elite, forming a deliberate contrast with the chains of the apostle who bears the gospel of the risen Christ. Historical Background Caesarea Maritima, the administrative seat of Judea, frequently hosted imperial ceremonies. King Agrippa II, the last of the Herodian dynasty, enjoyed limited sovereignty under Rome, while Bernice—his sister—was famed both for political influence and scandalous rumor. The military tribunes (“commanders”) and civic aristocracy flank them, creating a tableau of worldly splendor. In this environment Luke’s use of ἐξοχή evokes the opulence of Roman power: military regalia, purple and scarlet garments, and possibly the sounding of trumpets as dignitaries processed into Herod’s auditorium. Theological Implications 1. Earthly prominence versus gospel authority. The pageantry magnifies temporal glory; Paul’s chains magnify Christ’s eternal lordship (Acts 26:22–23). The scene anticipates Paul’s later reminder that “the foolishness of God is wiser than men” (1 Corinthians 1:25). Related Biblical Themes • The fading glory of human pride: Isaiah 14:11; Isaiah 5:14; Ezekiel 28:17. Practical Ministry Insights • Courage in intimidating settings. Paul speaks freely amid imposing ceremony (Acts 26:1–29), modeling bold witness for believers facing governmental, academic, or cultural elites today. Application for Today Modern culture still prizes spectacle—celebrity platforms, political rallies, media productions. The solitary use of ἐξοχή reminds the church that such pageantry, though impressive, is peripheral to the advance of the gospel. Followers of Christ are encouraged to: 1. Anchor identity in the Savior’s finished work rather than public acclaim (Philippians 3:7–8). Summary ἐξοχή, though appearing only once, crystallizes the contrast between fleeting earthly grandeur and the enduring supremacy of the gospel. Acts 25:23 unveils a throne room of human dignity that ultimately serves as a stage for the Word of God, demonstrating that even the highest pomp cannot overshadow the power of Christ’s witness through a faithful servant. Englishman's Concordance Acts 25:23 N-AFSGRK: τοῖς κατ' ἐξοχὴν τῆς πόλεως NAS: by the commanders and the prominent men INT: in prominence in the city |
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