Lexical Summary sustasiastés: Rebel, Instigator, Conspirator Original Word: συστασιαστής Strong's Exhaustive Concordance rebelFrom a compound of sun and a derivative of stasis; a fellow-insurgent -- make insurrection with. see GREEK sun see GREEK stasis NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originvariant reading for stasiastés, q.v. Thayer's Greek Lexicon STRONGS NT 4955: συστασιαστήςσυστασιαστής, συστασιαστου, ὁ (see στασιαστής), a companion in insurrection, fellow-rioter: Mark 15:7 R G (Josephus, Antiquities 14, 2, 1). Topical Lexicon Definition and Scope Strong’s Greek 4955 denotes a person actively involved in political revolt or civil unrest—a rebel or insurrectionist. The term is rooted in the wider concept of στάσις, “uprising,” and characterizes someone whose actions move beyond dissent to organized, violent resistance. Biblical Occurrence Mark 15:7 is the sole New Testament use: “And a man called Barabbas was imprisoned with the rebels who had committed murder during the insurrection.” (Berean Standard Bible) The plural form “rebels” (στασιαστῶν) sets Barabbas in the company of men condemned for lethal violence against Roman authority. Historical Context 1. Roman Rule in Judea: Heavy taxation, the presence of Gentile troops in Jerusalem, and interference in Temple affairs fueled nationalist zeal. Christological Contrast • Barabbas: A guilty rebel released. The crowd’s choice (Mark 15:11) exposes human preference for political deliverance over spiritual redemption. In divine sovereignty, the substitution foreshadows the gospel exchange: “God made Him who knew no sin to be sin on our behalf” (2 Corinthians 5:21). Theology of Rebellion in Scripture • Old Testament echoes: Korah (Numbers 16), Absalom (2 Samuel 15) show that revolt against God-ordained authority invites judgment. Ministry Implications 1. Preaching: Mark 15:7 provides a vivid illustration of substitutionary atonement—useful in evangelism and Holy Week messages. Related Biblical Concepts • “Murder”: The rebels “had committed murder” (Mark 15:7), linking political violence with violation of the sixth commandment. Contemporary Relevance Modern believers navigate political unrest worldwide. The solitary use of 4955 reminds the church that Christ’s mission was not to foment earthly revolt but to “seek and to save the lost” (Luke 19:10). Faithfulness may involve civic engagement, yet ultimate allegiance belongs to a kingdom “not of this world” (John 18:36). Forms and Transliterations στασιαστων στασιαστῶν συστάσει συστασιαστών stasiaston stasiastôn stasiastōn stasiastō̂nLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel Texts |
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