Acts 18:8
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 18:8
Crispus, the chief ruler of the synagogue, believed in the Lord with his whole household, and many Corinthians—hearing the message—believed and were baptized. This verse marks a dramatic turn: a leader of the Jewish religious establishment becomes a believer, signaling God’s apostolic mission crossing from Jewish to Christian faith. Crispus’s conversion demonstrates the gospel’s power to transform influential figures, which in turn validates the message in the eyes of the broader community. Baptism signifies genuine repentance and new life in Christ. Theologically, this moment embodies the reconciliation of faith traditions under the lordship of Jesus, foreshadowing the inclusion of Gentiles into the same faith community.
Crispus’s conversion reveals that the Holy Spirit can soften even the most resistant leaders and that belief in Jesus transcends social status. It also reflects the early church’s pattern of household faith as a source of growth. Baptism here confirms the public identification with Christ and the start of a new life for both Crispus and his household. This incident contributes to the broader narrative of Acts: the gospel penetrates beyond cultural boundaries to create a unified church.
For today, Crispus offers a model of influential conversion—people of standing coming to faith can have a ripple effect. Consider praying for and engaging leaders in your community with humility and clarity about the gospel. If you’re a leader, you can encourage your own household to follow Christ and to model faith for others. If you’re a believer, invite someone skeptical into your circle; let your life and hospitality testify to the truth you’ve embraced. Remember baptism as a public proclamation of faith.
Cross-References: 1 Corinthians 1:26-29; Galatians 3:28; Acts 2:41; Acts 16:31-34; Romans 12:1-2