### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek word **epegeírō**, represented by `{{G1892}}`, is a compound term defined as to "rouse upon, i.e. (figuratively) to excite against:--raise, stir up." It appears only **2 times** in 2 unique verses, yet it specifically describes the action of deliberately instigating hostility against others.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In its biblical usage, `{{G1892}}` is found exclusively in the book of Acts to describe the organized opposition faced by the early church. In one instance, unbelieving Jews **stirred up** the Gentiles and "made their minds evil affected against the brethren" [[Acts 14:2]]. In a similar event, the Jews **raised** persecution against Paul and Barnabas, which led to the apostles being expelled from the region [[Acts 13:50]]. In both contexts, the word denotes a direct and intentional effort to create conflict and antagonism.
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words clarify the cause-and-effect relationship surrounding the hostility instigated by `{{G1892}}`:
* `{{G3951}}` **parotrýnō** (to urge along, i.e. stimulate (to hostility):--stir up): This word is used in conjunction with `{{G1892}}`, where Jews first "stirred up" influential people, who then "raised" the actual persecution [[Acts 13:50]].
* `{{G2559}}` **kakóō** (to injure; figuratively, to exasperate:--make evil affected, entreat evil, harm, hurt, vex): This describes the internal state that results from being stirred up. The incitement (`epegeírō`) caused the Gentiles' minds to be "made evil affected" (`kakóō`) toward the believers [[Acts 14:2]].
* `{{G1375}}` **diōgmós** (persecution:--persecution.): This is the tangible outcome of the incitement. The act of "raising" (`epegeírō`) hostility directly led to "persecution" (`diōgmós`) against Paul and Barnabas [[Acts 13:50]].
* `{{G1544}}` **ekbállō** (to eject (literally or figuratively):--bring forth, cast (forth, out), drive (out), expel...): This shows the final consequence of the persecution. After the persecution was raised, Paul and Barnabas were "expelled" (`ekbállō`) from the area [[Acts 13:50]].
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of `{{G1892}}` lies in its precise depiction of opposition to the gospel.
* **Instigation of Conflict:** The word reveals that hostility toward the apostles was often not a spontaneous reaction but a deliberately manufactured event. It pinpoints the specific action of turning a group against the messengers of the faith ([[Acts 13:50]], [[Acts 14:2]]).
* **A Catalyst for Persecution:** The usage of `{{G1892}}` demonstrates a clear chain of events: inciting a crowd leads to poisoned attitudes, which in turn erupts into active persecution and expulsion.
* **Targeted Hostility:** The actions described by `{{G1892}}` are aimed squarely at "the brethren" [[Acts 14:2]] and the apostles "Paul and Barnabas" [[Acts 13:50]], highlighting it as a tool used specifically to counter the spread of the church.
### Summary
In summary, while `{{G1892}}` is used infrequently, its meaning is sharp and significant. It is not a general term for conflict, but a specific word for the intentional act of rousing hostility against believers. Its use in Acts provides a clear window into the mechanics of the opposition faced by the early church, linking the initial spark of incitement to the resulting fires of persecution.
TRV