Lexical Summary epiboulé: Plot, scheme, conspiracy Original Word: ἐπιβουλή Strong's Exhaustive Concordance lying in wait. From a presumed compound of epi and boulomai; a plan against someone, i.e. A plot -- laying (lying) in wait. see GREEK epi see GREEK boulomai NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom epi and boulé Definition a plan against NASB Translation plot (2), plot...against (1), plots (1). Thayer's Greek Lexicon STRONGS NT 1917: ἐπιβουλήἐπιβουλή, ἦς, ἡ, a plan formed against one (cf. ἐπί, D. 7), a plot: Acts 9:24; γίνεται τινα ἐπιβουλή ὑπό τίνος, Acts 20:3; εἰς τινα, Acts 23:30; plural Acts 20:19. (From (Herodotus), Thucydides down.) Topical Lexicon Overview Strong’s Greek 1917 describes deliberate, often clandestine, designs to harm God’s servants or hinder the advance of the gospel. Every New Testament occurrence lies in the narrative of Acts, underscoring that opposition to the apostolic mission was neither random nor merely circumstantial but usually organized and purposeful. Occurrences in Acts • Acts 9:24 – “but their plot became known to Saul.” Saul, newly converted, immediately encounters the focused hostility that had characterized his own former life, demonstrating how swiftly allegiance to Christ can attract calculated resistance. Opposition to Gospel Missions The term consistently marks opposition targeted at a specific individual because he is a bearer of the gospel. It is never used of generalized hardship or impersonal persecution. Luke’s repetition reveals a pattern: wherever gospel proclamation threatens entrenched religious or civic interests, conspiratorial action is birthed. This pattern accords with Jesus’ warning in John 15:20 that “A servant is not greater than his master. If they persecuted Me, they will persecute you as well.” Divine Providence and Protection Though schemes are laid in secret, the Lord repeatedly exposes them. Acts 9 highlights local disciples who assist Paul’s escape; Acts 23 features a Roman tribune; Acts 20 speaks of Paul’s own discernment. Different human agents, one divine Author. Proverbs 21:30 resonates: “There is no wisdom, nor understanding, nor counsel against the LORD.” The plots paradoxically advance God’s purposes: Paul’s arrest leads to testimony before governors, kings, and ultimately Caesar. Historical Background In the first-century Mediterranean world, political unrest and sectarian zeal rendered assassination plots familiar. Jewish nationalists (“Zealots”) and hired Sicarii often targeted perceived threats. That such tactics were turned on messengers of Christ demonstrates how the gospel disrupted not only spiritual assumptions but socio-political structures. Pauline Perspective on Suffering Paul references these experiences to validate his apostleship (2 Corinthians 11:26) and to encourage believers that hardship does not negate, but rather authenticates, ministry. His shepherd-hearted concern—“serving the Lord with all humility and with tears” (Acts 20:19)—links pastoral compassion with courageous endurance. Intertextual Resonances Old Testament saints likewise faced conspiracies: These foreshadow the focused hostility now directed at the Church, reinforcing scriptural continuity in redemptive history. Pastoral Applications 1. Expectation: Faithful ministry attracts intelligent opposition; forewarned pastors are neither shocked nor discouraged. Summary Strong’s Greek 1917 illuminates the reality of calculated hostility toward gospel witnesses in Acts. Recognizing such plots equips believers for sober-minded service, joyful endurance, and unwavering confidence that “the word of God continued to spread and flourish” (Acts 12:24). Forms and Transliterations επιβουλαις επιβουλαίς ἐπιβουλαῖς επιβουλη επιβουλή ἐπιβουλὴ επιβουλήν επιβουλης επιβουλής ἐπιβουλῆς επίβουλοί επίβουλον επίβουλος επιβούλων επιβρέξει epiboulais epiboulaîs epiboule epiboulē epiboulḕ epiboules epiboulês epiboulēs epiboulē̂sLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance Acts 9:24 N-NFSGRK: Σαύλῳ ἡ ἐπιβουλὴ αὐτῶν παρετηροῦντο NAS: but their plot became known to Saul. KJV: their laying await was known INT: to Saul the plot of them they were closely watching Acts 20:3 N-GFS Acts 20:19 N-DFP Acts 23:30 N-GFS Strong's Greek 1917 |
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