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 18:8KJV
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Acts 18:8 (KJV)

What does Acts 18:8 mean?

Acts 18:8 describes how Crispus, who was the leader of the synagogue, came to believe in the Lord along with his entire household, and that many people in Corinth also believed after hearing the message and were baptized. This verse highlights a significant moment where both a prominent Jewish leader and many others in the city responded positively to the Christian message.

Paul was in Corinth, sharing the message about Jesus. Crispus’s conversion would have been especially notable because he was a respected figure in the Jewish community. The verse also shows that the message had a broad impact, as many Corinthians—likely both Jews and Gentiles—heard, believed, and were baptized, marking the growth of the early church in this major city.

The Greek behind Acts 18:8

  • "πιστεύω" (pisteuō, G4100) means "to believe" or "to trust." In this context, it shows that Crispus and many Corinthians made a personal commitment to the message about Jesus, not just an intellectual agreement.
  • "κύριος" (kyrios, G2962) is translated as "the Lord." In Acts, this often refers specifically to Jesus, showing that belief was directed toward him as the central figure.
  • "βαπτίζω" (baptizō, G907) means "to baptize" or "to immerse." The use of this word indicates that those who believed publicly identified with the new faith through baptism, which was a significant step in the early Christian community.
  • "ἀκούω" (akouō, G191) means "to hear." The verse emphasizes that belief followed hearing the message, highlighting the importance of listening and responding to the spoken word.

Why Acts 18:8 matters

  • Acts 18:8 shows that the early Christian message reached influential community leaders, not just ordinary people, which would have had a ripple effect in the synagogue and beyond.
  • The verse clarifies that belief was not limited to individuals; entire households could be influenced, showing the communal nature of faith in this context.
  • This moment marks a turning point in Paul’s ministry in Corinth, demonstrating that the gospel was effective among both Jews and Gentiles and setting the stage for the growth of the church in a major urban center.

Where else these words appear

“Crispus” Greek G2921 · used in 2 verses

“Corinthians” Greek G2881 · used in 4 verses

  • 1 Corinthians 16:24 My love be with you all in Christ Jesus. Amen. The first epistle to the Corinthians was written from Philippi by Stephanas and Fortunatus and Achaicus and Timotheus.
  • 2 Corinthians 6:11 O ye Corinthians, our mouth is open unto you, our heart is enlarged.
  • 2 Corinthians 13:14 The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the communion of the Holy Ghost, be with you all. Amen. The second epistle to the Corinthians was written from Philippi, a city of Macedonia, by Titus and Lucas.

“synagogue” Greek G752 · used in 9 verses

  • Mark 5:22 And, behold, there cometh one of the rulers of the synagogue, Jairus by name; and when he saw him, he fell at his feet,
  • Mark 5:36 As soon as Jesus heard the word that was spoken, he saith unto the ruler of the synagogue, Be not afraid, only believe.
  • Luke 13:14 And the ruler of the synagogue answered with indignation, because that Jesus had healed on the sabbath day, and said unto the people, There are six days in which men ought to work: in them therefore come and be healed, and not on the sabbath day.

“baptized” Greek G907 · used in 65 verses

  • Matthew 3:6 And were baptized of him in Jordan, confessing their sins.
  • Luke 7:29 And all the people that heard him, and the publicans, justified God, being baptized with the baptism of John.
  • Acts 8:36 And as they went on their way, they came unto a certain water: and the eunuch said, See, here is water; what doth hinder me to be baptized?