Synagogue Ruler Turned Believer
Crispus
The leader of the Corinthian synagogue who believed in Jesus along with his whole household, and one of the very few people Paul says he personally baptized.
Life and work
As "ruler of the synagogue," Crispus held a position of real standing in Corinth's Jewish community. When Paul preached there and met resistance from other Jewish leaders, Luke records that Crispus and his entire household believed and were baptized — a notable defection that Luke singles out by name (Acts 18:8). Paul later recalls, while downplaying his own baptizing ministry in favor of preaching, that Crispus was one of the handful of Corinthians he baptized himself (1 Corinthians 1:14).
- Occupation
- Ruler of the synagogue in Corinth
- Places
- Corinth
Extra-biblical evidence
No extra-biblical record of Crispus survives outside the book of Acts and Paul's letters.
Scripture references
- Acts 18:8 — Believes with his household and is baptized
- 1 Corinthians 1:14 — Paul recalls personally baptizing him
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