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.
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.
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.
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.
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