### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek verb G4911 συνεφίστημι (synephístēmi) is a compound word derived from the preposition σύν (syn), meaning "with" or "together," and the verb ἐφίστημι (ephístēmi), meaning "to stand upon," "to stand over," "to come upon," or "to present oneself." The combination yields the core meaning of "to stand up together" or "to rise up jointly." The nuance of "resistance" or "assault" often implied in its usage stems from the inherent potential for opposition or challenge within the root ἐφίστημι when it signifies a sudden appearance or confrontation, amplified by the collective action indicated by σύν. Thus, the semantic range encompasses a unified, concerted movement, typically with an adversarial or hostile intent, signifying a joint uprising or organized opposition.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term G4911 συνεφίστημι appears only once in the New Testament, found in the book of Acts:
* **[[Acts 18:12]]**: "But when Gallio was proconsul of Achaia, the Jews with one accord *rose up together* against Paul and brought him before the judgment seat."
In this singular occurrence, the word vividly describes the unified and deliberate action of the Jewish community in Corinth. They did not merely express individual grievances but acted in a concerted, organized manner to accuse Paul before the Roman proconsul. The phrase "with one accord" (ὁμοθυμαδόν - `{{G3661}}`) further emphasizes the collective and unanimous nature of their opposition. This was not a spontaneous outburst but a deliberate, joint effort to suppress Paul's ministry and bring legal charges against him. The context highlights the intensity of the resistance faced by early Christian missionaries, demonstrating that opposition often came not just from individuals but from established groups acting in concert.
### Related Words & Concepts
Understanding G4911 συνεφίστημι is aided by examining its constituent parts and related terms:
* **σύν (`{{G4862}}`)**: The prefix itself, denoting togetherness, association, or joint action. It is crucial for understanding the "united" aspect of the word.
* **ἐφίστημι (`{{G2186}}`)**: The base verb, which can mean to stand over, to come upon suddenly, or to present oneself. In various contexts, it can carry connotations of hostile intent, a challenge, or a sudden appearance that may be threatening.
* **ἀνθίστημι (`{{G436}}`)**: "To stand against," "to resist." While συνεφίστημι implies a *joint* act of rising up, ἀνθίστημι more directly conveys the act of resistance itself.
* **συνίστημι (`{{G4921}}`)**: "To stand together," "to commend," "to prove." While sharing the "together" element, its semantic range is broader and does not inherently carry the adversarial nuance of συνεφίστημι.
* **Concepts**: The word illuminates concepts such as unified opposition, concerted action, collective resistance, and joint accusation. It speaks to the reality of organized hostility, which contrasts sharply with the positive unity encouraged among believers.
### Theological Significance
The singular use of G4911 συνεφίστημι in [[Acts 18:12]] carries significant theological weight. It underscores the nature of the opposition faced by the early Church and its evangelists. The "rising up together" of the Jews against Paul is not merely a historical detail but a manifestation of the world's inherent resistance to the proclamation of the Gospel.
This collective action highlights several points:
1. **Organized Opposition**: The spread of the Christian message often met with organized and unified resistance, particularly from those whose religious or social status was challenged by its tenets.
2. **Hostility to Truth**: The word reveals the depth of hostility that can arise when the truth of Christ confronts established traditions or self-interests. The "rising up" signifies an active, forceful rejection.
3. **Divine Providence**: Despite such concerted efforts to silence Paul, the narrative of Acts consistently shows God's sovereign hand protecting His messengers and ensuring the Gospel's advance, often through unexpected means (e.g., Gallio's refusal to intervene).
4. **A Pattern of Persecution**: This incident serves as an early example of a pattern of persecution that would continue throughout the history of the Church, where believers face unified opposition for their faith. It reminds us that following Christ may involve encountering collective resistance.
### Summary
G4911 συνεφίστημι signifies "to stand up together" or "to rise up jointly," specifically denoting a concerted and often hostile action of resistance or assault. Its sole New Testament appearance in [[Acts 18:12]] powerfully depicts the unified opposition of the Jews against the Apostle Paul in Corinth, who collectively brought charges against him before the proconsul. This word thus illuminates the reality of organized resistance against the spread of the Gospel, highlighting the challenges faced by early Christian missionaries. Theologically, it serves as a stark reminder of the collective hostility that the message of Christ can provoke when it challenges existing norms or beliefs, yet it also implicitly points to God's overarching providence in sustaining His mission despite such opposition.
TRV