### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek noun G2604 (καταγγελεύς, *katangeleús*) is derived from the verb καταγγέλλω (katangellō, `{{G2605}}`), which means "to proclaim, announce, declare, preach." The suffix -εύς typically denotes an agent or one who performs an action. Thus, καταγγελεύς signifies "a proclaimer," "an announcer," or "one who sets forth" a message. The prefix κατά- (kata-) in καταγγέλλω can intensify the meaning of the root verb, suggesting a thorough, public, or authoritative declaration, often implying a declaration *down* to an audience or *against* a prevailing view. Therefore, καταγγελεύς is not merely one who tells, but one who formally and publicly makes known a message.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term G2604 (καταγγελεύς) appears only once in the New Testament, in [[Acts 17:18]]. This sole occurrence is found within the narrative of Paul's ministry in Athens, specifically during his encounter with Epicurean and Stoic philosophers in the Areopagus. The passage reads: "Some said, 'What does this babbler wish to say?' Others said, 'He seems to be a proclaimer of foreign gods'—because he was preaching Jesus and the resurrection."
In this context, the philosophers label Paul a καταγγελεύς (proclaimer) of "foreign gods" (ξένων δαιμονίων). This designation, though used by his adversaries and reflecting their misunderstanding, accurately describes Paul's active role. He was indeed proclaiming, or setting forth, a message about Jesus and the resurrection, which was entirely new and alien to their existing pantheon and philosophical systems. The use of καταγγελεύς here highlights the public, declarative, and somewhat disruptive nature of Paul's evangelistic efforts as perceived by those steeped in traditional Greek thought. It underscores that Paul was not merely engaging in philosophical discourse but was making definitive announcements concerning divine realities.
### Related Words & Concepts
The most significant related word is the verb from which G2604 is derived: καταγγέλλω (katangellō, `{{G2605}}`). This verb is used frequently throughout the New Testament to describe the proclamation of the Gospel, Christ, the resurrection, and other aspects of Christian truth (e.g., [[Acts 4:2]], [[Acts 13:38]], [[Romans 1:8]], [[1 Corinthians 9:14]], [[Philippians 1:16]]). The noun καταγγελεύς thus represents the *agent* of this specific kind of proclamation.
Other key terms for proclamation in the New Testament include:
* κηρύσσω (kērussō, `{{G2784}}`): "to preach, proclaim as a herald." The associated noun is κῆρυξ (kērux, `{{G2783}}`), "herald, preacher." This term emphasizes the official, authoritative declaration, often like a king's messenger.
* εὐαγγελίζω (euangelizō, `{{G144}}`): "to preach good news, evangelize." The noun is εὐαγγελιστής (euangelistēs, `{{G2099}}`), "evangelist." This term specifically highlights the content as "good news."
While κηρύσσω and εὐαγγελίζω are more common for describing Gospel proclamation, καταγγέλλω (and by extension καταγγελεύς) often carries a nuance of making something fully known, declaring it publicly, or even declaring it *against* prevailing ignorance or opposition. In [[Acts 17:18]], the term καταγγελεύς aptly captures the sense of Paul introducing radically new concepts that challenged the Athenian worldview.
### Theological Significance
Although G2604 (καταγγελεύς) appears only once and is used by Paul's opponents, its connection to the foundational verb καταγγέλλω (`{{G2605}}`) imbues it with significant theological weight. The act of "proclaiming" is central to the New Testament's understanding of the spread of the Gospel and the nature of apostolic and evangelistic ministry. The Christian message is not merely a philosophy to be debated or a set of moral principles to be adopted; it is a divine declaration of truth, a historical revelation, and a call to faith and repentance.
Paul, in [[Acts 17:18]], is accurately, if pejoratively, identified as one who declares. His ministry was characterized by the bold, public, and uncompromising proclamation of Jesus Christ and His resurrection, often in culturally hostile environments. This highlights the active, confrontational, and declarative nature of bearing witness to Christ. The term underscores that the Gospel must be "set forth" clearly and publicly, making known what was previously unknown or misunderstood. It points to the divine imperative for believers to be active proclaimers of God's redemptive work, echoing the very commission given by Christ to His disciples.
### Summary
G2604 (καταγγελεύς, *katangeleús*) signifies "a proclaimer" or "one who sets forth" a message. Derived from the verb καταγγέλλω (`{{G2605}}`), it implies a public, thorough, and often challenging declaration. Its singular New Testament occurrence in [[Acts 17:18]] describes Paul as a "proclaimer of foreign gods" by the Athenian philosophers, a label that inadvertently captures the essence of his ministry: the bold and public declaration of Jesus and the resurrection. Though used by opponents, the term underscores the active, declarative, and often counter-cultural nature of Christian witness, emphasizing the divine call to make known the truths of the Gospel.
TRV