Lexical Summary prótostatés: Leader, Chief, Principal Original Word: πρωτοστάτης Strong's Exhaustive Concordance ringleader. From protos and histemi; one standing first in the ranks, i.e. A captain (champion) -- ringleader. see GREEK protos see GREEK histemi NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom prótos and histémi Definition one who stands first (of soldiers), hence a leader NASB Translation ringleader (1). Thayer's Greek Lexicon STRONGS NT 4414: πρωτοστάτηςπρωτοστάτης, πρωτοστατου, ὁ (πρῶτος and ἵστημι), properly, one who stands in the front rank, a front-rank man, (Thucydides, Xenophon, Polybius, Diodorus, Dionysius Halicarnassus, others; ὥσπερ στρατηγός πρωτοστάτης, Job 15:24); hence, a leader, chief, champion: tropically, (A. V. a ringleader) τῆς αἱρέσεως, Acts 24 Topical Lexicon Occurrence and Context The term translated “ringleader” appears once in the New Testament, in Acts 24:5, where the lawyer Tertullus levels charges against Paul before the governor Felix. The single use signals a unique moment in apostolic history, capturing the political and religious hostility that confronted the early church. Historical Setting of Acts 24 Paul is in Caesarea Maritima, under Roman custody after the riot in Jerusalem. Five days after his transfer, the high priest Ananias, some elders, and the professional orator Tertullus arrive to prosecute him (Acts 24:1). They hope to secure a guilty verdict by portraying Paul as a public menace. Roman governors were wary of anything that threatened civil order, so the accusers emphasize sedition: “For we have found this man a plague, one who stirs up riots among all the Jews throughout the world, and a ringleader of the sect of the Nazarenes” (Acts 24:5). Legal Nuances 1. Political Alarm: By labeling Paul a “ringleader,” Tertullus links him to political insurrection, a capital offense under Roman law (cf. Luke 23:2). Theological Significance • Christ-Centered Leadership: Paul’s influence is so significant that adversaries identify him as the chief representative of the movement. Opposition unintentionally highlights the gospel’s rapid spread (Philippians 1:12–13). Ministerial Lessons • Integrity Under Fire: Paul answers the charge with a clear conscience (Acts 24:16), modeling transparency for Christian leaders. Broader Biblical Parallels • Misrepresentation of God’s Servants: Joseph is accused before Pharaoh’s officials (Genesis 39:17–18); Elijah is called the “troubler of Israel” (1 Kings 18:17). Implications for the Church Today • Expect Opposition: Faithful proclamation can be misconstrued as social agitation. Believers should anticipate slander yet persevere (1 Peter 2:12). Summary Though the word translated “ringleader” appears only once, its placement at a pivotal trial frames Paul as the visible head of an expanding Christian movement. The charge, intended to silence the gospel, instead spotlights its unstoppable advance and offers enduring guidance for all who lead, suffer, and testify in the name of Jesus Christ. Forms and Transliterations πρωτοστατην πρωτοστάτην πρωτοστάτης πρωτοτοκεύσαι πρωτοτοκούσας πρωτοτοκούσης protostaten protostáten prōtostatēn prōtostátēnLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel Texts |
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