Lexical Summary katephistemi: To set against, to oppose, to stand against Original Word: κατεφίστημι Strong's Exhaustive Concordance make insurrection against. From kata and ephistemi; to stand over against, i.e. Rush upon (assault) -- make insurrection against. see GREEK kata see GREEK ephistemi Thayer's Greek Lexicon STRONGS NT 2721: κατεφιστημικατεφιστημι: to set up against; (2 aorist active 3 person plural) κατεπέστησαν τῷ Παύλῳ, they rose up against Paul, i. e. with hostile intent, Acts 18:12. Found nowhere else. Topical Lexicon Summary of UsageStrong’s Greek 2721 occurs once in the Greek New Testament, appearing in Acts 18:12 to describe a concerted hostility (“made a united attack,”) launched by the unbelieving Jews of Corinth against the Apostle Paul. The verb portrays an aggressive rising-up that is organized, deliberate, and forceful. Though sparse in frequency, its single canonical instance vividly portrays the clash between gospel proclamation and entrenched religious opposition. Historical Context in Acts 18 Paul had been ministering in Corinth for well over a year and a half (Acts 18:11). With the arrival of Gallio as proconsul of Achaia, the local Jewish community seized what they viewed as a political opportunity. “While Gallio was proconsul of Achaia, the Jews rose up together against Paul and brought him before the judgment seat” (Acts 18:12). The verb behind “rose up together” communicates more than spontaneous anger; it suggests a formally marshaled effort, a kind of legal insurrection aimed at silencing apostolic preaching by leveraging Roman authority. Theological Themes 1. Opposition to the Gospel Scripture repeatedly affirms that the message of Christ evokes opposition (John 15:18-20; 2 Timothy 3:12). Acts 18:12 gives concrete narrative expression to this principle. The aggressive move against Paul illustrates how spiritual resistance often coalesces into overt social pressure. 2. God’s Sovereign Protection Immediately after the violent initiative is reported, Luke records Gallio’s dismissive ruling that protects Paul (Acts 18:14-16). The attack is real, but the Lord’s prior promise—“Do not be afraid…for I am with you” (Acts 18:9-10)—governs the outcome. The verb’s lone occurrence thus underscores divine faithfulness amid concentrated hostility. 3. Use of Civil Authority While the mob hoped Roman power would eliminate the apostle, God redirected that same authority to uphold freedom for gospel proclamation. The scene foreshadows Paul’s later appeals to Roman law (Acts 22:25; Acts 25:11), teaching believers that governmental structures, though imperfect, can serve God’s redemptive purposes. Ministry Implications • Expect Organized Resistance Modern evangelists and church planters may experience not only informal ridicule but coordinated campaigns aimed at restricting the gospel. The single New Testament use of 2721 reminds the church that persecution can be systematically planned. • Maintain Courage under Pressure Paul did not alter his message or abandon Corinth. His resilience models pastoral steadfastness when ministries face lawsuits, public smear efforts, or regulatory hurdles. • Trust in Providence The attack in Acts 18:12 ultimately advanced the mission: Paul remained in Corinth “many more days” (Acts 18:18). Believers can therefore face hostile mobilizations with prayerful confidence rather than fear. Intertextual Echoes Although the verb itself is unique in the New Testament, its thematic resonance appears throughout Scripture wherever hostile assemblies gather against God’s servants—Psalms 2:1-2; Luke 23:13-23; Acts 4:1-3. These parallels situate the Corinthian incident within a larger biblical pattern: human councils conspire, yet the Lord’s plan prevails. Practical Application 1. Congregational Preparation Churches should educate members about potential organized opposition, equipping them with biblical perspectives on suffering and legal wisdom. 2. Prayer for Authorities Just as Paul benefited from Gallio’s neutrality, believers are exhorted to pray “for kings and all in authority” (1 Timothy 2:2) so that peaceful gospel work may continue. 3. Perseverance in Urban Missions Corinth was a major commercial hub; intensive resistance arose precisely where strategic ministry fruitfulness was greatest. Today’s urban centers may exhibit similar dynamics, calling for resolute, Spirit-empowered labor. Conclusion Strong’s 2721, though appearing only once, captures a decisive historical moment in which organized opposition confronted apostolic ministry—and failed. The word encapsulates the reality of calculated hostility against Christ’s servants while simultaneously showcasing divine oversight that turns attempted suppression into sustained witness. Forms and Transliterations κατεπεστησαν κατεπέστησαν katepestesan katepestēsan katepéstesan katepéstēsanLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel Texts |
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