The Greek word anaíresis, represented by G336, denotes the act of killing or death. It is derived from the word ἀναιρέω G337. It appears only 2 times in 2 unique verses, making its usage highly specific and significant.
The term G336 is used exclusively in the book of Acts to describe the death of Stephen. In both instances, Saul (who would become the apostle Paul) is described as "consenting" to this event. The first occurrence connects Stephen's death to the start of "a great persecution against the church" in Jerusalem Acts 8:1. The second occurrence is part of Paul's testimony, where he recounts his presence and consent at the moment Stephen, described as a "martyr," was killed Acts 22:20.
Several related words provide deeper context for the act of killing described by G336:
- G337 anairéō (to take away (violently), i.e. abolish, murder): This is the verb from which G336 is derived. It means to slay or put to death. In his testimony, Paul states he consented to Stephen's death G336 and stood by while others slew G337 him Acts 22:20.
- G4909 syneudokéō (to think well of in common, i.e. assent to, feel gratified with): This word appears in both verses alongside G336, emphasizing that Saul was consenting to Stephen's death (Acts 8:1, Acts 22:20).
- G3144 mártys (a witness... a "martyr"): The specific death G336 described is that of Stephen, who is explicitly called a martyr Acts 22:20, linking the act of killing to the concept of martyrdom.
- G1375 diōgmós (persecution): The immediate consequence of Stephen's death G336 was a great persecution against the church in Jerusalem Acts 8:1, showing the broader impact of this specific act.
The theological importance of G336 is concentrated in its specific context surrounding Stephen's execution:
- The First Martyrdom: The use of G336 in Acts documents the killing of the first Christian martyr G3144, Stephen Acts 22:20. It marks a pivotal moment where bearing witness to Christ results in death.
- Catalyst for Persecution and Expansion: Stephen's death G336 is the direct trigger for a "great persecution" against the church, leading to the scattering of believers from Jerusalem Acts 8:1. This event, while tragic, became an impetus for the spread of the church's message.
- Significance in Paul's Testimony: Saul's consent to Stephen's death G336 is a key element of his personal history. He later references this act as part of his testimony, underscoring the profound change from a persecutor to an apostle Acts 22:20.
In summary, G336 is a specific and rare term for death as an act of killing. Its two appearances are confined to the narrative of Stephen's execution in the book of Acts. The word serves as a crucial link between the concepts of martyrdom, persecution, and the personal testimony of Saul of Tarsus, marking a significant turning point in the early history of the church.
TRV