Topical Encyclopedia
Crispus is a notable figure in the New Testament, recognized for his conversion to Christianity and his role in the early church. He is mentioned specifically in the Book of Acts and in Paul's First Epistle to the Corinthians.
Biblical AccountCrispus was the ruler of the synagogue in Corinth, a significant position within the Jewish community. His conversion is recorded in
Acts 18:8: "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 highlights the impact of Paul's ministry in Corinth and the spread of the Gospel among both Jews and Gentiles.
Role in the Early ChurchCrispus's conversion is significant as it represents a turning point in the spread of Christianity within Jewish communities. As a synagogue leader, his acceptance of the Christian faith would have been influential, potentially encouraging others within the Jewish community to consider the teachings of Jesus Christ. His entire household's belief and baptism underscore the communal nature of early Christian conversions.
Mention in Paul's EpistlesCrispus is also 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 indicates that Crispus was among the first converts in Corinth and highlights the personal connection between Paul and the early believers in the city. Paul's mention of Crispus in this context serves to emphasize the unity and shared faith among the early Christians, despite the divisions that later arose in the Corinthian church.
Historical and Theological SignificanceCrispus's conversion is a testament to the power of the Gospel to transcend cultural and religious boundaries. As a leader within the Jewish community, his acceptance of Christ illustrates the fulfillment of the Old Testament prophecies and the opening of the covenant to all who believe, Jew and Gentile alike. His account is a reminder of the transformative impact of faith and the role of influential leaders in the spread of Christianity.
Crispus's example also serves as an encouragement to believers, demonstrating that faith in Christ can lead to significant changes in one's life and community. His willingness to embrace the new covenant and lead his household in faith is a powerful testament to the work of the Holy Spirit in the early church.
Hitchcock's Bible Names Dictionary
Crispuscurled
Smith's Bible Dictionary
Crispus(curled), ruler of the Jewish synagogue at Corinth, (Acts 18:8) baptized with his family by St. Paul. (1 Corinthians 1:14) (A.D. 50.)
ATS Bible Dictionary
CrispusPresident of the synagogue at Corinth, converted under the preaching of Paul,Acts 18:8, and baptized by him,11 Corinthians 1:14.
Easton's Bible Dictionary
Curled, the chief of the synagogue at Corinth (
Acts 18:8). He was converted and, with his family, baptized by Paul (
1 Corinthians 1:14).
International Standard Bible Encyclopedia
CRISPUSkris'-pus (Krispos, "curled"): One of the small number baptized by Paul among the Corinthian Christians (1 Corinthians 1:14). He had been ruler of the Jewish synagogue, but he "believed in the Lord with all his house"; and, following Paul, withdrew from the synagogue (Acts 18:7, 8). He seems to have been succeeded by Sosthenes (Acts 18:17). According to tradition he became bishop of Aegina.
Greek
2921. Krispos --Crispus, a Corinthian Christian...Crispus, a Corinthian Christian. Part of Speech: Noun, Masculine Transliteration:
Krispos Phonetic Spelling: (kris'-pos) Short Definition:
Crispus Definition
...Library
Refutation of the Assertion that Constantine Became a Christian in...
... Book I. Chapter V."Refutation of the Assertion that Constantine became a
Christian in consequence of the Murder of his sonCrispus....
The victory of Constantine, and the Blessings which under Him...
... 4. Wherefore, the protector of the virtuous, mingling hatred for evil with love
for good, went forth with his sonCrispus, a most beneficent prince, [2985] and...
Fifth Five Years.
... Sometime in 326, perhaps while at Rome, he ordered the death of his sonCrispus....
[3034]Crispus was alive and in power March 1, 326, as appears from coins (cf....
Paul at Corinth
... thence, and entered into a certain man's house, named Justus, one that worshipped
God, whose house joined hard to the synagogue.8. AndCrispus, the chief ruler...
Third Five Years.
... About the time of his decennial celebration, [3028] his sonsCrispus and
Constantine, and Licinius, son of Licinius, were made C??sars....
Acts XVIII
... 8. Although he left the synagogue in apparent discomfiture, he was not without fruits
of his labors there. (8) "ButCrispus, the chief ruler of the synagogue...
The First Epistle to the Corinthians
...Crispus, the ruler of the synagogue, became one of his first converts, and many
others believed and were baptized, Acts 18:1-8. Encouraged by a vision, he now...
Acts xvii. 32-34, xviii. 1
... "AndCrispus, the chief ruler of the synagogue, believed on the Lord with all his
house." This also was, of all things, enough to bring them over....
Corinth
... "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."....
Early Years
... Metroph., Theoph. p.10). [3000] Shortly after joining the emperor he contracted
(296 or 297) his alliance with Minervina, [3001] by whom he had a son,Crispus....
Thesaurus
Crispus (2 Occurrences)...CRISPUS. kris'-pus (Krispos, "curled"): One of the small number baptized by Paul
among the Corinthian Christians (1 Corinthians 1:14).
...Crispus (2 Occurrences).
...Corinth (13 Occurrences)
... Hence, the many Latin names in the New Testament: Lucius, Tertius, Gaius, Erastus,
Quartus (Romans 16:21-23),Crispus, Titus Justus (Acts 18:7, 8), Fortunatus...
Baptised (46 Occurrences)
... Acts 18:8 ButCrispus the ruler of the synagogue believed in the Lord with all his
house; and many of the Corinthians hearing, believed, and were baptised....
Critical (2 Occurrences)
Baptized (52 Occurrences)
... (WEB KJV WEY ASV WBS YLT NAS RSV NIV). Acts 18:8Crispus, the ruler of the
synagogue, believed in the Lord with all his house. Many...
Latin (2 Occurrences)
... There are Latin words in the New Testament: In particular Latin proper names like
Aquila, Cornelius, Claudia, Clemens, Crescens,Crispus, Fortunatus, Julia...
Leader (183 Occurrences)
... leader in speaking. (YLT). Acts 18:8Crispus, the ruler of the synagogue, believed
in the Lord with all his house. Many of the Corinthians...
Gaius (5 Occurrences)
... 1 Corinthians 1:14 I thank God that I baptized none of you, exceptCrispus
and Gaius, (WEB KJV WEY ASV BBE DBY WBS YLT NAS NIV)....
Ga'ius (5 Occurrences)
... Quartus, the brother. (See RSV). 1 Corinthians 1:14 I thank God that I baptized
none of you, exceptCrispus and Gaius, (See RSV). 3 John 1...
Warden (8 Occurrences)
... Acts 18:8 AndCrispus, the Warden of the synagogue, believed in the Lord, and so
did all his household; and from time to time many of the Corinthians who heard...
Resources
Who was Crispus in the Bible? | GotQuestions.orgWho was Sosthenes in the Bible? | GotQuestions.orgIs baptism necessary for salvation? | GotQuestions.orgBible Concordance •
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