Topical Bible: Family: Good: Crispus

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Crispus is a notable figure in the New Testament, recognized for his conversion to Christianity and his role within the early Church. He is mentioned specifically in the Book of Acts and in Paul's First Epistle to the Corinthians, where his faith and leadership are highlighted.

Background and Role:

Crispus served as the ruler of the synagogue in Corinth, a significant position within the Jewish community. His conversion to Christianity is a testament to the powerful impact of the Gospel message as preached by the Apostle Paul. The account of Crispus is primarily found in Acts 18:8, which states, "Crispus, the synagogue leader, and his entire household believed in the Lord; and many of the Corinthians who heard the message believed and were baptized" . This passage underscores the influence of Crispus's conversion, as it led not only to the faith of his household but also inspired many others in Corinth to embrace Christianity.

Significance in the Early Church:

Crispus's conversion is significant for several reasons. Firstly, as a leader of the synagogue, his acceptance of the Christian faith would have been a profound statement to both Jews and Gentiles in Corinth. His decision to follow Christ likely encouraged others within the Jewish community to consider the claims of the Gospel seriously. Secondly, his baptism by Paul is mentioned in 1 Corinthians 1:14, where Paul writes, "I thank God that I did not baptize any of you except Crispus and Gaius" . This reference highlights Crispus as one of the few individuals personally baptized by Paul, indicating his importance in the early Christian community.

Impact on the Corinthian Church:

The conversion of Crispus played a crucial role in the establishment and growth of the Corinthian church. His leadership and example would have provided a strong foundation for the fledgling Christian community in a city known for its diverse and often challenging cultural environment. The fact that Crispus, a respected Jewish leader, embraced Christianity would have lent credibility and strength to the message of the Gospel among both Jews and Gentiles.

Legacy:

Crispus's account is a powerful reminder of the transformative power of the Gospel and the way it transcends cultural and religious boundaries. His faith and leadership continue to serve as an example of the impact one individual's conversion can have on a broader community. As a figure who bridged the gap between Jewish tradition and the burgeoning Christian faith, Crispus remains a significant character in the narrative of the early Church, illustrating the inclusive and far-reaching nature of the Christian message.

Nave's Topical Index

Acts 18:8
And Crispus, the chief ruler of the synagogue, believed on the Lord with all his house; and many of the Corinthians hearing believed, and were baptized.
Nave's Topical Index

Library

What is the Christian Home?
... with all his house,""of Lydia, and Crispus, and the ... perhaps that God is in their
family, that He ... bud of promise, and willingly sacrificing all for its good. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/philips/the christian home/chapter i what is the.htm

Moral Characteristics.
... It is in this relation to his family, however, that the most ... The death of Crispus,
too, was from no mere suspicions ... to say that he had no good grounds, whatever ...
/.../pamphilius/the life of constantine/section 5 moral characteristics.htm

Of the Reign of Julianus; How from a Child He was Brought
... "Think not anything of the sort, good sir;" said ... cousin Hannibalianus." "Of so numerous
a family Gallus and ... a town already infamous for the murder of Crispus. ...
/.../theodoret/the ecclesiastical history of theodoret/chapter i of the reign of.htm

Saint Helena and the Time of Constantine
... to his credit that in that age when family ties were ... It was probably largely owing
to these good offices that ... However this may have been, Crispus, the son of ...
/.../brittain/women of early christianity/iv saint helena and the.htm

Paul's Work at Corinth
... Crispus, the president of the synagogue, and all his family, believed in ... Paul, after
staying some time longer in Corinth, said good-by to the brothers and ...
//christianbookshelf.org/sherman/the childrens bible/pauls work at corinth.htm

Baptism
... families baptised; as the household of Lydia, Crispus, and the ... they should be shut
out of God's family; but infants ... us be stirred up to make good our baptismal ...
//christianbookshelf.org/watson/the ten commandments/4 4 baptism.htm

Philippians iv. 14-Oct
... banquet, and the destruction to all that family by their ... for the NT text of a good
many documents ... say what follows; that the brother of Crispus, ie Constantius ...
/.../homily xv philippians iv 14-oct.htm

Introductory Notice to Lactantius.
... it is uncertain whether Firmianus is a family name or a ... entrusted to him the education
of his son Crispus. ... holds that the love of the good necessarily implies ...
/.../lactantius/the divine institutes/introductory notice to lactantius.htm

The Riot
... rose the bronze and marble statues of the imperial family. ... hands in the blood of
his eldest son, Crispus. ... piety, the purity, nor the unassuming good temper of ...
/.../gathering clouds a tale of the days of st chrysostom/chapter ii the riot.htm

Christian Behavior
... You know that the jailor, Lydia, Crispus, Gaius, Stephanus, and ... and prayer; if thou
hast one in thy family that is ... Evil communications corrupt good manners' (1 ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/christian behavior.htm