Lexical Summary epikouria: Assistance, help, aid Original Word: ἐπικουρία Strong's Exhaustive Concordance help. From a compound of epi and a (prolonged) form of the base of korasion (in the sense of servant); assistance -- help. see GREEK epi see GREEK korasion NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom epikouros (helper, ally) Definition aid, assistance NASB Translation help (1). Thayer's Greek Lexicon STRONGS NT 1947: ἐπικουρίαἐπικουρία, ἐπικουρίας, ἡ (ἐπικουρέω to aid), aid, succor: Acts 26:22. (Wis. 13:18; from Thucydides and Euripides down.) Topical Lexicon OverviewStrong’s Greek 1947 identifies the single New Testament noun Paul uses in Acts 26:22 to describe the sustaining assistance he has received from God. The term conveys not a casual favor but decisive aid supplied at the very moment it is needed, enabling the recipient to persevere in God-given mission. Biblical Usage Acts 26:22 is the only occurrence: “But I have had God’s help to this day, and I stand here and testify to small and great alike”. Paul, under arrest and facing a royal hearing, attributes his continued life, liberty to speak, and prophetic witness entirely to this divine assistance. The word choice implies ongoing, active reinforcement rather than a single past rescue. Context in Acts 26 1. Setting: Paul defends himself before King Agrippa and Governor Festus in Caesarea Maritima. Historical Background: Imperial Custody and Divine Aid Paul has endured plots in Jerusalem, two years’ imprisonment under Felix, and political maneuvering by Festus. From a human standpoint his survival is improbable. Yet he stands alive and eloquent before Agrippa. Luke’s record highlights the paradox: Roman chains cannot silence an apostle upheld by heavenly reinforcement. Old Testament Echoes Paul’s testimony resonates with a rich scriptural chorus: • Psalms 54:4 – “Surely God is my helper; the Lord is the sustainer of my soul”. Thus Acts 26:22 unites apostolic experience with longstanding covenant promises of divine succor. Theological Themes 1. Providence and Mission: God’s timely assistance preserves His servants until their appointed work is finished (Philippians 1:6; 2 Timothy 4:17-18). Practical Implications for Ministry • Confidence in Adversity: Modern believers facing opposition may appeal to God for the same reinforcing aid (Hebrews 4:16). Doctrinal Reflections The single use of the term prevents doctrinal over-systematization yet underscores a consistent biblical truth: God intervenes personally and effectively for His witnesses. This help is neither mechanical nor impersonal but covenantal, rooted in His character and promises, and mediated through Christ, “our helper and our shield” (Psalms 33:20). Summary ἐπικουρία in Acts 26:22 captures the decisive, sustaining aid God grants His servants to fulfill their calling. Paul’s life illustrates that such help is timely, sufficient, and directed toward the advance of the gospel, anchoring believers’ confidence across every generation. Forms and Transliterations επεκράτει επεκράτησα επεκράτησε επεκράτησεν επεκρέμασεν επικουριας επικουρίας ἐπικουρίας επικραταιωθή επικρατούντες επικρεμάμενοι επικρεμάμενος epikourias epikouríasLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel Texts |
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