### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek word **zḗtēma**, represented by `{{G2213}}`, refers to a **question** or debate that arises from a search or investigation. It appears **5 times** across **5 unique verses** in the Bible. The term consistently denotes a matter of dispute or controversy, rather than a simple inquiry, often relating to law, custom, or religious doctrine.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In the book of Acts, `{{G2213}}` is used to frame significant conflicts within the early church and its interactions with authorities. A foundational **question** arose from "dissension and disputation" over whether Gentiles needed to follow Mosaic customs, which prompted the apostles and elders to convene in Jerusalem [[Acts 15:2]]. The term is also used in legal contexts, such as when the Roman proconsul Gallio dismissed a complaint against Paul as a **question** of "words and names, and of your law" [[Acts 18:15]]. Similarly, another official noted that the accusations against Paul concerned **questions** of Jewish law, not Roman crimes [[Acts 23:29]]. The disputes also centered on core beliefs, including **questions** about Paul's testimony that Jesus was alive [[Acts 25:19]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words help clarify the nature of the debates described by `{{G2213}}`:
* `{{G3551}}` **nómos** (law): This word is frequently associated with `{{G2213}}`, indicating that many of the disputes were over the interpretation and application of religious **law** ([[Acts 18:15]], [[Acts 23:29]]).
* `{{G1485}}` **éthos** (custom): Paul acknowledges that King Agrippa is an expert in all the **customs** and questions among the Jews, linking these debates to established traditions and practices [[Acts 26:3]].
* `{{G4803}}` **syzḗtēsis** (disputation): This term describes the "mutual questioning" that often gave rise to a `{{G2213}}`. In Antioch, a "dissension and disputation" led to the formal **question** being sent to Jerusalem [[Acts 15:2]].
* `{{G1175}}` **deisidaimonía** (superstition): Festus describes the Jewish complaints against Paul as **questions** about their own **superstition**, highlighting how the disputes were viewed as matters of specific religious belief [[Acts 25:19]].
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of `{{G2213}}` lies in its role in documenting the defining controversies of the early church.
* **Doctrinal Clarification:** The first recorded use of the word marks a pivotal moment where the church formally addressed the **question** of salvation for the Gentiles, setting a precedent for resolving doctrinal disputes [[Acts 15:2]].
* **Church and State:** The term is used by Roman officials to distinguish between religious **questions** and secular crimes, establishing a clear line between the jurisdiction of the state and the internal theological debates of the Jews and early Christians ([[Acts 18:15]], [[Acts 23:29]]).
* **Centrality of Christ:** The disputes ultimately centered on the person and work of Jesus. The **questions** involved not only religious law but also Paul's affirmation that Jesus, who was dead, is alive [[Acts 25:19]].
### Summary
In summary, `{{G2213}}` is a specific term used exclusively in Acts to signify a serious matter of controversy requiring resolution. It moves beyond a simple inquiry to represent a formal debate over foundational issues of law, custom, and doctrine. These "questions" were instrumental in shaping the identity of the early church as it defined its core beliefs and navigated its relationship with both Jewish tradition and Roman authority.
TRV