Lexical Summary zétéma: Question, issue, matter of debate Original Word: ζήτημα Strong's Exhaustive Concordance question, issueFrom zeteo; a search (properly concretely), i.e. (in words) a debate -- question. see GREEK zeteo HELPS Word-studies Cognate: 2213 zḗtēma (a neuter noun) – a question arising from a hot dispute (rigorous debate). See 2211 (zēteō). 2213 /zḗtēma ("a controversial question") focuses on probing the principle at stake (the underlying idea). [2214 /zḗtēsis (a feminine noun) however focuses on a particular "brand" (type of) principle working out in practice.] NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom zéteó Definition an inquiry NASB Translation issue (1), points of disagreement (1), questions (3). Thayer's Greek Lexicon STRONGS NT 2213: ζήτημαζήτημα, ζητητός, τό (ζητέω), a question, debate: Acts 15:2; Acts 26:3; νόμου, about the law, Acts 23:29; περί τίνος, Acts 18:15; Acts 25:19. (From Sophocles down.) Topical Lexicon Semantic Nuance and Scope The noun translated “question” or “dispute” denotes an issue under investigation—usually a point of religious or doctrinal contention rather than a civil crime. In Acts it always appears on the lips of Roman officials or in speeches concerning Paul, highlighting a contrast between theological concerns and matters punishable by Roman law. Occurrences in Acts • Acts 15:2 – The debate at Antioch about circumcision is called “this question,” prompting the Jerusalem Council. Historical Setting The five occurrences cluster around the apostolic defense of the gospel before Roman authorities. Luke shows that: 1. The gospel stirred genuine theological controversy within Judaism. Apologetic Significance Each usage frames Christianity as the fulfillment of Israel’s hope rather than a political rebellion. By calling the charge a “question,” Luke underscores that the heart of the dispute is Christ’s resurrection and messianic identity (Acts 25:19). The Roman acknowledgment that the quarrel concerns doctrine, not sedition, becomes an unintended validation of the gospel’s moral integrity. Doctrinal Threads 1. Continuity with the Law and Prophets—Paul insists his message does not violate Jewish Scripture but completes it (Acts 24:14; Acts 26:22). Pastoral and Ministry Applications • Discern vital doctrine from peripheral debate: Acts 15 treats salvation by grace through faith as non-negotiable, while Acts 21:25 allows cultural flexibility. Related Concepts Though a different Greek term, Paul later warns against “foolish controversies” (Titus 3:9); the parallel shows that not every inquiry edifies. The “question” in Acts centers on the gospel’s core, whereas speculative wrangling endangers faith and fellowship. Conclusion Strong’s 2213 captures the contested terrain where gospel proclamation meets religious tradition and civil authority. In Acts these “questions” become God-appointed platforms, moving the message from synagogues to courts to kings, fulfilling Christ’s promise: “You will stand before governors and kings on account of Me, as witnesses to them” (Mark 13:9). Faithful handling of doctrinal disputes, anchored in Scripture and attested by a clear conscience, continues to open doors for the word today. Forms and Transliterations ζήτημά ζητηματα ζητήματα ζητήματά ζητηματος ζητήματος ζητηματων ζητημάτων zetemata zetḗmata zetḗmatá zētēmata zētḗmata zētḗmatá zetematon zetemáton zētēmatōn zētēmátōn zetematos zetḗmatos zētēmatos zētḗmatosLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance Acts 15:2 N-GNSGRK: περὶ τοῦ ζητήματος τούτου NAS: concerning this issue. KJV: about this question. INT: about the question this Acts 18:15 N-NNP Acts 23:29 N-GNP Acts 25:19 N-ANP Acts 26:3 N-GNP Strong's Greek 2213 |
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