high priestἀρχιερεύς
archiereus · Hebrew/Greek (Contextualized title) Noun
The official religious leader of the Jewish people in the Jerusalem temple, responsible for presiding over the Sanhedrin and overseeing the sacrificial system.
governorἡγεμών
hēgemōn · Greek Noun
Refers to the Roman official governing a province, responsible for judicial, financial, and administrative affairs, representing the power of the Roman Empire.
accuseκατηγορέω
katēgoreō · Greek Verb
To bring a formal legal charge or allegation against someone in a court of law or before an authority.
plagueλοιμός
loimos · Greek Noun
Often translated as 'pest' or 'contagion,' it signifies someone viewed as a corrupting, destructive, or socially dangerous influence.
JewsἸουδαῖος
Ioudaios · Hebrew (implied context) / Greek Noun/Adjective
Refers to the people of Israel, the covenant people chosen by God, central to the history of redemption and the setting of the early church's witness.
sectαἵρεσις
hairesis · Greek Noun
A distinct group or school of thought, often carrying a negative connotation of division or deviation from the established religious orthodoxy.
NazarenesΝαζωραῖος
Nazōraios · Greek Noun
A title used for followers of Jesus, derived from his upbringing in Nazareth; it was often used by opponents as a derogatory label for early Christians.
profaneβεβηλόω
bebēloō · Greek Verb
To treat something sacred with contempt, violate its holiness, or make it common/unclean. In a Jewish context, this involved violating the sanctity of the temple courts.
templeἱερόν
hieron · Greek Noun
The physical structure of God’s dwelling place among His people. It served as the center of religious life, sacrifice, and the manifestation of God’s presence on earth.
chargeἐπίκλησις / κατηγορία
katēgoria · Greek Noun
A formal, legal accusation or claim brought against an individual. It implies a state of being held accountable for specific alleged wrongdoings.
judgeκριτής
kritēs · Greek Noun
One who has authority to dispense justice, settle disputes, and rule according to the law. In this context, it refers to the Roman official governing the province.
defenseἀπολογία
apologia · Greek Noun
A formal verbal or written vindication of one's conduct, beliefs, or actions. It is a legal defense intended to clear oneself of accusations before a magistrate.
worshipπροσκυνέω
proskuneō · Greek Verb
The act of showing reverence, honor, and adoration to God. It encompasses the internal heart attitude and external rituals performed in obedience to God's commands.
synagoguesσυναγωγή
synagōgē · Greek Noun
A religious gathering place for Jews, serving as a center for prayer, reading of the Scriptures, and community teaching, distinct from the Temple sacrifice system.
the Wayὁδός
hodos · Greek Noun
An early Christian designation for the new faith, reflecting the belief that Jesus is the unique 'way' or path to salvation and that followers live in accordance with His teachings.
sectαἵρεσις
hairesis · Greek Noun
A term used here by opponents to describe the Christian community, implying a deviation from established orthodoxy, often used pejoratively to suggest a breakaway group or faction.
worshipλατρεύω
latreuō · Greek Verb
To perform acts of religious devotion or reverence toward God, acknowledging His worthiness and sovereignty.
the Lawתּוֹרָה
Torah · Hebrew Noun
The entire body of instruction given by God to Israel through Moses, foundational to the covenant relationship and reflecting God's righteous standards.
hopeἐλπίς
elpis · Greek Noun
A prophetic expectation or confident trust in God's future promises and faithfulness, anchored in His character rather than human certainty.
resurrectionἀνάστασις
anastasis · Greek Noun
The climactic future event in which the dead are brought back to life, body and soul, to face divine judgment or enter into eternal life; a fundamental tenet of the Christian faith.
conscienceσυνείδησις
syneidēsis · Greek Noun
The inner moral faculty that bears witness to one's actions, which, when 'clear' or 'good,' reflects a heart at peace with God through faith and obedient living.
