Lexical Summary kataggeleus: Proclaimer, announcer, herald Original Word: καταγγελεύς Strong's Exhaustive Concordance a proclaimer, preacherFrom kataggello; a proclaimer -- setter forth. see GREEK kataggello NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom kataggelló Definition a proclaimer NASB Translation proclaimer (1). Thayer's Greek Lexicon STRONGS NT 2604: καταγγελεύςκαταγγελεύς, καταγγελεως, ὁ (καταγγέλλω, which see), "announcer (Vulg.annuntiator), proclaimer: with the genitive of the object, Acts 17:18. (Ecclesiastical writings.) Topical Lexicon Definition and Essence Strong’s Greek 2604 designates an official announcer or herald—one who publicly sets forth a message entrusted to him. In Scripture it is applied to Paul by Athenian philosophers who, baffled by the Gospel, label him “a proclaimer of foreign gods” (Acts 17:18). The title highlights the visible, vocal, and public character of Gospel witness. Biblical Setting: Athens and the Areopagus Luke situates the lone occurrence of the noun in the intellectual capital of the Greco-Roman world. Epicureans and Stoics dominated the Agora, prizing human reason, yet remaining uncertain about ultimate truth. Paul’s daily reasoning (Acts 17:17) drew their attention; his announcement of “Jesus and the resurrection” sounded, to them, like two new deities. The accusation of being a kataggeleus forced Paul onto the Areopagus, providing a divine appointment for the most complete sermon to Gentile thinkers in Acts (Acts 17:22-31). Paul as a ‘Proclaimer’ Rather than refute the title, Paul embodies it. He stands before the council not as a speculative philosopher but as an ambassador under orders (2 Corinthians 5:20). His message is declarative: Thus the charge of being a kataggeleus becomes the very platform for Gospel proclamation. Resurrection: The Content that Shocks The resurrection of Jesus lies at the center of Christian heralding. To Athenian ears it was scandalous or comical; to Paul it was indispensable evidence. Every authentic proclaimer must keep the resurrection central (Romans 10:9; 1 Corinthians 15:14). Contrast with Pagan Heralds Classical heralds announced decrees of emperors or edicts of city-states, carrying authority derived from earthly powers. By contrast, the Christian proclaimer bears a heavenly mandate (Matthew 28:18-20) and speaks with an authority grounded in the risen Christ (Acts 4:20). The Gospel’s universal scope (“to every creature”) mirrors the universal Creator Paul describes on Mars Hill. Continuity of the Proclamation Theme Although 2604 occurs only once, its verbal counterpart (to proclaim) threads through the New Testament. Believers “proclaim the Lord’s death until He comes” in the Lord’s Supper (1 Corinthians 11:26). Peter urges the church to “proclaim the virtues of Him who called you out of darkness” (1 Peter 2:9). These passages reinforce the enduring identity of the church as a community of heralds. Missiological Insights 1. Contextual Awareness: Paul connects with local culture (“I see that in every way you are very religious,” Acts 17:22) yet submits culture to revelation. Pastoral and Ministry Application • Every believer participates in proclamation, whether from a pulpit or in daily conversation (Colossians 4:5-6). Historical Impact The kataggeleus on the Areopagus sowed seed that later blossomed into a vibrant Athenian church. Early Christian apologists such as Justin Martyr and Athenagoras built on Paul’s precedent, addressing Greek philosophy while upholding scriptural revelation. The title therefore foreshadows centuries of Christian engagement with the academy. Theological Thread Proclamation is a divine initiative (Isaiah 52:7), fulfilled supremely in Christ (“He has sent Me to proclaim freedom,” Luke 4:18), and continued by the Spirit-empowered church (Acts 1:8). Strong’s 2604 captures this trajectory: a single term that crystallizes the calling of every age to declare the incomparable Christ to a questioning world. Summary The solitary occurrence of kataggeleus serves as a theological beacon. It portrays the church’s identity as heralds, underscores the unchanging core of the message—Jesus and the resurrection—and models culturally engaged yet uncompromised evangelism. In every generation the mantle of the proclaimer passes to those who, like Paul, will stand in the public square and speak the living Word. Forms and Transliterations καταγγελευς καταγγελεύς καταγγελεὺς katangeleus katangeleùsLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel Texts |
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