ἐπίστασις (epistasis)
epistasis
stoppage
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 2 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The noun epistasis describes a physical stopping or halting, often used in military contexts to describe troops coming to a standstill. In Acts 24:12, Paul uses it to clarify that he was not causing a riot when arrested; rather, the Greek text (in some variants) suggests he was merely standing still or being detained, emphasizing his calm demeanor against accusations of inciting unrest.
Interestingly, in 2 Corinthians 11:28, the same word takes on an abstract sense. Here it refers to the "anxiety" or "care" Paul feels for all the churches. This shift from a physical halt to a mental burden suggests that epistasis captures the weight of attention or superintendence that keeps one’s mind fixed on a responsibility, much like a guard who must stop and hold his ground.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
When we face accusations or misunderstandings, our instinct is often to rush into explanation. Paul offers a different posture in Acts 24:12. He did not stir up crowds; he stood firm. This word describes that physical stillness—a refusal to be moved by pressure. In moments of conflict, there is strength in simply holding your ground and letting the truth speak for itself.
Yet this same word also captures a heavy mental burden. In 2 Corinthians 11:28, Paul speaks of the anxiety pressing on him daily for the churches. Here, the 'stoppage' is not physical but spiritual. It is the weight of care that keeps us fixed on others. We are called to stand guard over our communities, letting that responsibility slow us down from selfish pursuits.
This dual meaning reminds us that faithfulness often requires both stillness and burden-bearing. Whether we are standing calm against false charges or carrying the worries of others, God sees our steadfastness. May we find peace in knowing that our careful attention to others is never unnoticed by Him.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 2 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- stoppage1×
- obstruction1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- ἐπίστασίς1×
- ἐπίστασιν1×
Key Verses
-
Acts 24:12
In the temple they didn’t find me disputing with anyone or stirring up a crowd, either in the synagogues or in the city.
This verse uses the term to describe Paul's physical stillness, proving he did not incite a riot but remained calm and composed during his arrest.
-
II Corinthians 11:28
Besides those things that are outside, there is that which presses on me daily: anxiety for all the assemblies.
Here the word shifts to describe the intense mental pressure and anxiety Paul feels as he oversees the spiritual well-being of multiple congregations.