### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The word `{{G2921}}` *Kríspos* is a proper noun, referring to a specific individual in the New Testament. Its etymological root is Latin, meaning "crisp" or "curled," likely a descriptive name related to hair texture. However, within the biblical context, this etymological meaning does not carry theological or abstract semantic weight; its sole function is to identify the person known as Crispus. As a proper name, its semantic range is fixed and denotes this particular historical figure.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
`{{G2921}}` *Kríspos* appears in two passages within the New Testament, both related to the Apostle Paul's ministry in Corinth:
* **[[Acts 18:8]]**: Here, Crispus is identified as "the ruler of the synagogue." This position indicates a significant level of leadership and influence within the Jewish community in Corinth. The text explicitly states that Crispus "believed in the Lord with all his household" as a direct result of Paul's preaching. This event marks a pivotal moment for the nascent Christian community in Corinth, as the conversion of such a prominent figure, along with his entire household, would have had a profound impact and potentially opened doors for further evangelism among the Jews.
* **[[1 Corinthians 1:14]]**: Paul mentions Crispus again, recalling that he personally baptized him, along with Gaius. This statement is made in the broader context of Paul addressing divisions within the Corinthian church, particularly concerning the issue of allegiance to various human leaders (e.g., "I am of Paul," "I am of Apollos"). By stating that he baptized only a few, including Crispus, Paul underscores that his primary mission was to preach the gospel, not to baptize or to create personal followings. This detail reinforces Crispus's early and direct connection to Paul's foundational ministry in Corinth and his status as a prominent early convert.
The dual mention of Crispus in Acts and 1 Corinthians confirms his historical reality and his importance as an early convert and leader in the Corinthian church. His conversion from a position of Jewish authority highlights the transformative power of the gospel to transcend religious and social barriers.
### Related Words & Concepts
As a proper name, `{{G2921}}` *Kríspos* does not possess direct lexical synonyms or antonyms. However, his identity and experience connect him to several significant biblical concepts and terms:
* **`{{G752}}` *archisynagogos*** (ruler of the synagogue): This term directly describes Crispus's former position, linking him to the structure and leadership of Jewish communal life.
* **`{{G4103}}` *pistos*** (believer/faithful): Crispus's conversion places him among the early believers in Christ, demonstrating faith in response to the gospel message.
* **`{{G908}}` *baptisma*** (baptism): His baptism by Paul connects him to this foundational Christian rite, signifying his initiation into the Christian community and identification with Christ.
* **`{{G2098}}` *euangelion*** (gospel): Crispus's conversion is a direct result of hearing and believing the gospel preached by Paul, illustrating its power to transform lives.
* **Household Salvation**: The conversion of Crispus "with all his household" illustrates a recurring theme in Acts, where entire families embrace faith.
### Theological Significance
The conversion of Crispus, the ruler of the synagogue, carries profound theological significance. It serves as a powerful demonstration of the universal appeal and transformative power of the gospel, capable of reaching and converting individuals regardless of their prior religious standing, social status, or deeply held convictions. His position as a respected Jewish leader would have meant he was steeped in the Law and Prophets; his embrace of Christ therefore underscores the Spirit's work in revealing Jesus as the fulfillment of God's promises.
Furthermore, the conversion of his entire household illustrates the communal dimension of faith and God's grace extending to families. This aligns with other instances of household salvation in Acts (e.g., Lydia, the Philippian jailer), showcasing God's initiative in drawing entire families into His covenant.
Paul's specific mention of baptizing Crispus in [[1 Corinthians 1:14]] is also theologically significant. It is not merely a historical detail but part of Paul's larger argument against factionalism and human-centered allegiances within the Corinthian church. By downplaying his own role in baptism and emphasizing that he was sent to preach the gospel, Paul redirects the Corinthians' focus from human instruments to Christ alone as the foundation and head of the church. Crispus's name, therefore, becomes an example used to underscore the centrality of Christ and the unity of the body, transcending personal loyalties to human leaders.
### Summary
`{{G2921}}` *Kríspos* is a proper name of Latin origin, referring to a key figure in the early Corinthian church. He is identified as the "ruler of the synagogue" in Corinth who, along with his entire household, believed in the Lord after hearing the Apostle Paul's preaching ([[Acts 18:8]]). Paul explicitly states that he personally baptized Crispus ([[1 Corinthians 1:14]]), using this fact to underscore his primary mission to preach the gospel and to mitigate any human-centered divisions within the church. Theologically, Crispus's conversion is highly significant, demonstrating the gospel's power to transform influential religious leaders and illustrating the principle of household salvation. His story reinforces the universal scope of God's saving grace and the critical importance of focusing on Christ as the true head of the church, rather than on human instruments or allegiances.
TRV