📖 Biblical Definition
Crispus was the chief ruler (Greek archisynagōgos) of the synagogue at Corinth who believed on the Lord with all his house when Paul preached there: "And Crispus, the chief ruler of the synagogue, believed on the Lord with all his house; and many of the Corinthians hearing believed, and were baptized" (Acts 18:8). Paul personally baptized him: "I thank God that I baptized none of you, but Crispus and Gaius" (1 Corinthians 1:14). He is one of the few converts Paul mentions baptizing himself. His conversion was a public turning point in Corinth — the synagogue’s leader publicly crossing the line — and strengthened the apostle’s confidence to remain: "I have much people in this city" (Acts 18:10).
📜 Webster 1828 Definition
CRISPUS, n.
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A scriptural proper name; in the New Testament, the chief ruler of the synagogue at Corinth.
📖 Key Scripture
Acts 18:8 — "And Crispus, the chief ruler of the synagogue, believed on the Lord with all his house; and many of the Corinthians hearing believed, and were baptized."
1 Corinthians 1:14 — "I thank God that I baptized none of you, but Crispus and Gaius."
Acts 18:9 — "Then spake the Lord to Paul in the night by a vision, Be not afraid, but speak, and hold not thy peace."
Acts 18:10 — "For I am with thee... I have much people in this city."
⚠️ Modern Corruption
Crispus the synagogue ruler converted in Corinth; modern leaders also need conversion.
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Acts 18:8 records one of Paul's most encouraging Corinthian conversions. Crispus, the archisunagogos — the chief ruler of the synagogue — believed on Jesus with his entire household. Religious-establishment leaders sometimes do convert. The Lord then encouraged Paul in a night vision: I have much people in this city.
Modern Christians sometimes assume religious leaders of other faiths or hostile traditions are unreachable. Crispus's example refuses the assumption. The synagogue ruler can be saved. The imam, the rabbi, the secular professor, the apostate pastor — none are beyond grace. Pray for the leaders of every false system. The Lord still has much people in unlikely cities.
🔗 Greek & Hebrew Roots
Hebrew/Greek roots below.
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G2921 — Krispos — Crispus; curly
Usage
"Crispus the synagogue ruler converted in Corinth; religious leaders sometimes do convert."
"The imam, rabbi, professor, apostate pastor — none are beyond grace."
"Pray for the leaders of every false system; the Lord still has much people in unlikely cities."