Crispus Κρίσπος
Synagogue leader in Corinth who believed in Jesus
Who is Crispus in the Bible?
Crispus was the ruler of the synagogue in Corinth who became a believer in Jesus during Paul's ministry there. According to Acts 18:8, Crispus believed in the Lord along with his entire household after hearing Paul preach. Paul personally baptized Crispus, as noted in 1 Corinthians 1:14, where Paul emphasizes that he baptized Crispus and Gaius among only a few others in Corinth. His conversion was particularly significant because as a prominent Jewish leader, his acceptance of Christ likely influenced other members of the Jewish community and lent credibility to Paul's message in Corinth.
Biography
Crispus was the ruler of the synagogue in Corinth during Paul's ministry there. According to Act.18.8, Crispus believed in the Lord, along with his entire household, after hearing Paul's preaching. This conversion was significant, as Crispus held a prominent position in the Jewish community.
Following his conversion, Crispus was baptized by Paul, as mentioned in 1Co.1.14. Paul specifically notes that he personally baptized Crispus, along with Gaius, emphasizing the importance of their conversions. The fact that Paul baptized Crispus himself underscores the significance of this synagogue leader coming to faith in Christ.
Crispus' conversion likely had a considerable impact on the Jewish community in Corinth and may have encouraged other Jews and Gentiles to consider Paul's message more closely. His story demonstrates the power of the gospel to transform lives, even among those in positions of religious authority.
In Scripture
2 biblical books ; 2 with study contentActs 1 verse
- Acts 18:8
"Crispus, the synagogue leader, and his whole household believed in the Lord. And many of the Corinthians who heard the message believed and were baptized."
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1 Corinthians 1 verse
- 1 Corinthians 1:14
"I thank God that I did not baptize any of you except Crispus and Gaius,"
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Names & Aliases
| Form | Language | Script |
|---|---|---|
| Named | Greek | Κρίσπος |
Encyclopedia Article
ISBE 1915 (Public Domain) Crispus
he Lord with all his house"; and, following Paul, withdrew from the synagogue (Ac 18:7,8). He seems to have been succeeded by Sosthenes (Ac 18:17). According to tradition he became bishop of Aegina.
(The Graf-Wellhausen Hypothesis)