### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek verb κατεφίστημι (katephístēmi, `{{G2721}}`) is a compound word derived from the preposition κατά (katá), often denoting "down," "against," or "in opposition," and the verb ἐφίστημι (ephístēmi, `{{G2186}}`). The verb ἐφίστημι itself is a compound of ἐπί (epí, "upon," "over") and ἵστημι (hístēmi, "to stand"). Thus, the etymological build-up of κατεφίστημι suggests a forceful "standing down upon" or "standing over against" with hostile intent.
The core meaning therefore conveys an aggressive, confrontational stance. Its semantic range extends to "to rush upon," "to assault," or "to make insurrection against." It implies a sudden, often unified, and violent hostile action, moving beyond mere opposition to active aggression or a public uprising. The intensifying force of κατά here emphasizes the directness and severity of the hostile action.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The word κατεφίστημι (katephístēmi, `{{G2721}}`) appears only once in the New Testament, in the book of Acts:
* **[[Acts 18:12]]**: "But when Gallio was proconsul of Achaia, the Jews with one accord made insurrection against Paul and brought him before the judgment seat."
In this sole occurrence, the term vividly describes the concerted action of the Jewish community in Corinth against the Apostle Paul. The phrase "made insurrection against Paul" (κατεπέστησαν τῷ Παύλῳ) indicates more than a simple accusation or legal dispute. It signifies a unified, aggressive, and hostile uprising, an organized assault intended to bring Paul to trial and condemnation before the Roman proconsul, Gallio. The context reveals the intense opposition Paul faced in his missionary endeavors, where theological disagreement often escalated into public disturbance and even physical threats. The choice of κατεφίστημι highlights the severity and the collective nature of this hostile action, underscoring the peril Paul experienced.
### Related Words & Concepts
To fully appreciate κατεφίστημι (katephístēmi, `{{G2721}}`), it is helpful to consider its relation to other Greek terms:
* **ἐφίστημι (ephístēmi, `{{G2186}}`)**: The base verb, meaning "to stand upon," "to stand by," or "to appear." While it can denote a sudden appearance, it lacks the inherent hostility or aggressive intent conveyed by the prefixed κατά.
* **ἀνθίστημι (anthístēmi, `{{G436}}`)**: Meaning "to stand against" or "to resist." This term also implies opposition, but κατεφίστημι suggests a more active, aggressive, and often collective assault, rather than merely passive or defensive resistance.
* **ἐπίθεσις (epíthesis, `{{G2000}}`)**: A noun meaning "a laying on" or "an attack." While related in concept, κατεφίστημι specifically describes the act of "rising up against" or "rushing upon" someone.
* **συνίστημι (synístēmi, `{{G4921}}`)**: Meaning "to stand together" or "to commend." While it can imply a gathering, it does not inherently carry the hostile connotation of κατεφίστημι.
* **ταραχή (tarachē, `{{G5016}}`)**: "Trouble," "disturbance," "commotion." The "insurrection" described by κατεφίστημι often leads to such public disturbances.
* **διωγμός (diōgmos, `{{G1375}}`)**: "Persecution." The act of making insurrection is a form of persecution.
The term κατεφίστημι thus signifies a specific, intense form of opposition: a concerted, aggressive, and often public act of hostility or rebellion against an individual.
### Theological Significance
Despite its singular occurrence, the use of κατεφίστημι (katephístēmi, `{{G2721}}`) in [[Acts 18:12]] holds significant theological weight. It vividly illustrates the nature of the opposition faced by the early Christian missionaries. The "insurrection" against Paul was not merely intellectual disagreement or theological debate; it was a physical, organized, and hostile attempt to silence the proclamation of the Gospel.
This incident underscores several key theological themes:
1. **The Reality of Persecution**: The word highlights the concrete and often violent reality of persecution that early believers, especially apostles like Paul, endured for their faith. It was a tangible threat, not just a theoretical possibility.
2. **The Clash of Kingdoms**: The "insurrection" represents the clash between the message of Christ and the established religious and social order that felt threatened by it. It reveals the spiritual battle being waged, where the forces of opposition actively seek to thwart God's redemptive plan.
3. **Divine Providence amidst Hostility**: Even in the face of such aggressive "insurrection," God's sovereign hand is evident. Gallio, the Roman proconsul, refused to entertain the charges, thereby protecting Paul and allowing the Gospel to continue its advance. This demonstrates that even when hostile forces "rise up" against God's servants, His purposes cannot be ultimately thwarted.
4. **The Cost of Discipleship**: The term implicitly reminds believers of the potential cost of following Christ and proclaiming His truth, which can provoke strong, even violent, reactions from those who resist it.
### Summary
The Greek verb κατεφίστημι (katephístēmi, `{{G2721}}`) denotes a forceful, hostile "standing against" or "rushing upon," signifying an aggressive assault or an act of insurrection. Its single occurrence in [[Acts 18:12]] is highly impactful, describing the unified and intense opposition faced by the Apostle Paul from the Jewish community in Corinth. This "insurrection" was a concerted effort to bring Paul before a Roman tribunal, illustrating the severe persecution encountered by early Christians. Theologically, κατεφίστημι underscores the tangible reality of hostility against the Gospel, the clash between divine truth and worldly resistance, and ultimately, God's providential care for His servants even amidst such aggressive challenges.
TRV