ῥήτωρ (rhētōr)
rhētōr
spokesman
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 1 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The noun rhētōr refers to a professional public speaker or orator, specifically one skilled in forensic debate and legal advocacy. In the New Testament, it appears only once, in Acts 24:1, where it identifies Tertullus as the lawyer appointed to present charges against the Apostle Paul before the Roman governor Felix.
The term carries a distinct professional weight, pointing to someone trained in rhetoric rather than just any person who speaks. By using this specific title for Tertullus, the text highlights the formal, legal nature of the proceedings. It underscores that Paul was facing a calculated, eloquent prosecution from a seasoned advocate, emphasizing the seriousness of the political and religious accusations brought against him.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word rhētōr describes a professional speaker trained in the art of persuasion. In Acts 24:1, it identifies Tertullus as the lawyer appointed to argue against Paul before Governor Felix. This term highlights the formal and skilled nature of the prosecution, showing that Paul faced a calculated legal challenge rather than a casual complaint.
When you encounter opposition or complex conflicts in your own life, this word reminds you that truth can withstand even the most polished arguments. Tertullus spoke with eloquence, yet Paul’s response was grounded in reality and faith. You can trust that honest witness matters more than rhetorical skill.
This passage encourages believers to remain calm under pressure. Even when opponents use their training against you, integrity and clarity prevail. The story of Paul shows that God’s purposes are not stopped by skilled lawyers or political maneuvering.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 1 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- an orator1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- ῥήτορος1×
Key Verses
-
Acts 24:1
After five days, the high priest, Ananias, came down with certain elders and an orator, one Tertullus. They informed the governor against Paul.
This verse uses rhētōr to identify Tertullus as the professional advocate, establishing the legal seriousness of the charges against Paul.