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<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "http://www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><head><meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8" /><meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width; initial-scale=1.0;"/><title>Topical Bible: Ringleader</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/topical/r/ringleader.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/newtopical.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/print.css" type="text/css" media="Print" /><script type="application/javascript" src="https://scripts.webcontentassessor.com/scripts/8a2459b64f9cac8122fc7f2eac4409c8555fac9383016db59c4c26e3d5b8b157"></script><script src='https://qd.admetricspro.com/js/biblehub/biblehub-layout-loader-revcatch.js'></script><script id='HyDgbd_1s' src='https://prebidads.revcatch.com/ads.js' type='text/javascript' async></script><script>(function(w,d,b,s,i){var cts=d.createElement(s);cts.async=true;cts.id='catchscript'; cts.dataset.appid=i;cts.src='https://app.protectsubrev.com/catch_rp.js?cb='+Math.random(); document.head.appendChild(cts); }) (window,document,'head','script','rc-anksrH');</script></head><body><div id="fx"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx2"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="30" scrolling="no" src="/topical/vmenus/acts/24-5.htm" align="left" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div><div id="blnk"></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable"><tr><td><div id="fx5"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx6"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="245" scrolling="no" src="//biblehu.com/bmcde/r/ringleader.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable3"><tr><td><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center" id="announce"><tr><td><div id="l1"><div id="breadcrumbs"><a href="/">Bible</a> > <a href="/topical/">Topical</a> > Ringleader</div><div id="anc"><iframe src="/anc.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></div><div id="anc2"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/anc2.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></div></td></tr></table><div id="movebox2"><table border="0" align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tr><td><div id="topheading"><a href="/topical/r/ringed.htm" title="Ringed">◄</a> Ringleader <a href="/topical/r/ring-leader.htm" title="Ring-leader">►</a></div></td></tr></table></div><div align="center" class="maintable2"><table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><div id="topverse">Jump to: <a href="#isb" title="International Standard Bible Encyclopedia">ISBE</a> • <a href="#web" title="Webster's Dictionary">Webster's</a> • <a href="#cnc" title="Multiversion Concordance">Concordance</a> • <a href="#thes" title="Bible Thesaurus">Thesaurus</a> • <a href="#grk" title="Strong's Greek Concordance">Greek</a> • <a href="#lib" title="Library">Library</a> • <a href="#sub" title="Subtopics">Subtopics</a> • <a href="#rel" title="Related Terms">Terms</a></div><div id="leftbox"><div class="padleft"><a name="te" id="te"></a><div class="vheading2">Topical Encyclopedia</div>In the context of the Bible, the term "ringleader" is used to describe a person who is a prominent leader or instigator, particularly in a negative sense, often associated with rebellion or causing unrest. The term appears in the New Testament, specifically in the Book of Acts, where it is used to describe the Apostle Paul during his trial.<br><br><b>Biblical Reference:</b><br><br>· <b><a href="/acts/24-5.htm">Acts 24:5</a> :</b> "We have found this man to be a troublemaker, stirring up riots among the Jews all over the world. He is a ringleader of the Nazarene sect."<br><br>In this passage, the term "ringleader" is used by Tertullus, a lawyer representing the Jewish authorities, to accuse Paul before the Roman governor Felix. Tertullus charges Paul with being a significant leader of the "Nazarene sect," a term used to describe the early Christian movement. The accusation implies that Paul is not only a leader but also an instigator of dissension and disorder, which was a serious charge in the Roman Empire, known for its emphasis on maintaining public order.<br><br><b>Contextual Analysis:</b><br><br>The use of "ringleader" in this context is intended to portray Paul as a dangerous figure, one who is at the forefront of a movement perceived as subversive to both Jewish religious traditions and Roman political stability. The early Christians, often referred to as "Nazarenes" due to their association with Jesus of Nazareth, were viewed with suspicion by both Jewish and Roman authorities. The term "ringleader" thus carries connotations of rebellion and insurrection, suggesting that Paul was orchestrating activities that could lead to civil unrest.<br><br><b>Theological Implications:</b><br><br>From a theological perspective, the accusation against Paul highlights the tension between the early Christian church and the established religious and political systems of the time. Paul's role as a "ringleader" underscores his significant influence in spreading the Gospel and establishing Christian communities across the Roman Empire. Despite the negative connotations of the term, Paul's leadership is seen as divinely appointed, fulfilling the Great Commission to spread the teachings of Jesus Christ.<br><br>The charge of being a "ringleader" also reflects the broader theme of persecution faced by early Christians. Throughout the New Testament, followers of Christ are often depicted as being at odds with worldly powers, facing trials and accusations as they seek to live out their faith. Paul's defense against such accusations, as recorded in Acts, serves as a testament to his unwavering commitment to his mission and his reliance on God's guidance and protection.<br><br><b>Historical Context:</b><br><br>Historically, the accusation of being a "ringleader" would have been a serious one, as the Roman authorities were vigilant against any form of insurrection or disturbance. The Roman Empire prided itself on the Pax Romana, a period of relative peace and stability, and any group or individual perceived as a threat to this peace was dealt with severely. By labeling Paul as a "ringleader," his accusers sought to align him with those who would disrupt the social order, thereby justifying their call for his punishment.<br><br>In summary, the term "ringleader" in the biblical context is a loaded one, used to depict Paul as a central figure in a movement that challenged the status quo. While intended as a derogatory label by his accusers, it inadvertently highlights Paul's pivotal role in the spread of Christianity and the fulfillment of his apostolic mission.<a name="web" id="web"></a><div class="vheading2">Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary</div>1. (<I>n.</I>) The leader of a circle of dancers; hence, the leader of a number of persons acting together; the leader of a herd of animals.<p>2. (<I>n.</I>) Opprobriously, a leader of a body of men engaged in the violation of law or in an illegal enterprise, as rioters, mutineers, or the like.<a name="isb" id="isb"></a><div class="vheading2">International Standard Bible Encyclopedia</div><span class="encheading">RINGLEADER</span><p>ring'-led-er: In <a href="/acts/24-5.htm">Acts 24:5</a> the translation of protostates, "one who stands first." Not an opprobrious word in the Greek.<p><a name="grk" id="grk"></a><div class="vheading2">Greek</div><a href="/greek/4414.htm"><span class="l">4414. protostates -- one who stands first (of soldiers), hence a <b>...</b></span></a> <br><b>...</b> Phonetic Spelling: (pro-tos-tat'-ace) Short Definition: a leader, chief Definition:<br> one who stands in the front rank, hence: a leader, <b>ringleader</b>, chief. <b>...</b> <br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/4414.htm</font><font color="#ff6600" size="-1"> - 6k</font><a name="lib" id="lib"></a><div class="vheading2">Library</div><p><a href="/library/mcgarvey/a_commentary_on_acts_of_the_apostles/acts_xxiv.htm"><span class="l">Acts XXIV</span></a> <br><b>...</b> (5) For we have found this man a pest, exciting sedition among all the Jews throughout<br> the world, and a <b>ringleader</b> of the sect of the Nazarenes. <b>...</b> <br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/.../mcgarvey/a commentary on acts of the apostles/acts xxiv.htm</font><p><a href="/library/bunyan/the_works_of_john_bunyan_volumes_1-3/memoir_of_john_bunyan.htm"><span class="l">Memoir of John Bunyan</span></a> <br><b>...</b> A <b>ringleader</b> in all wickedness would not long continue without reproof, either<br> personally, or as seen in the holy conduct of others. <b>...</b> <br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/memoir of john bunyan.htm</font><p><a href="/library/hamilton/life_of_bunyan/life_of_bunyan.htm"><span class="l">Life of Bunyan</span></a> <br><b>...</b> him with a lank and idle freedom which scorns indentures; his energetic movements<br> and authoritative vociferations at once bespeaking the ragamuffin <b>ringleader</b>. <b>...</b> <br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">//christianbookshelf.org/hamilton/life of bunyan/life of bunyan.htm</font><p><a href="/library/dick/lectures_on_the_acts_of_the_apostles/lecture_xxi_paul_in_corinth.htm"><span class="l">Paul in Corinth.</span></a> <br><b>...</b> most probable account of it is, that having no knowledge of him but from the calumnious<br> reports of the Jews, he concluded, that he was the <b>ringleader</b> of one of <b>...</b> <br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/.../dick/lectures on the acts of the apostles/lecture xxi paul in corinth.htm</font><p><a href="/library/mcgarvey/a_commentary_on_acts_of_the_apostles/acts_xxv.htm"><span class="l">Acts XXV</span></a> <br><b>...</b> Being a "<b>ringleader</b> of the sect of Nazarenes" was his sin against the law; the false<br> imputation of taking Greeks into the temple, his sin against that holy <b>...</b> <br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/.../mcgarvey/a commentary on acts of the apostles/acts xxv.htm</font><p><a href="/library/white/the_acts_of_the_apostles/lesson_39_the_trial_at.htm"><span class="l">The Trial at Caesarea</span></a> <br><b>...</b> "We have found this man a pestilent fellow," declared the orator, "and a mover of<br> sedition among all the Jews throughout the world, and a <b>ringleader</b> of the <b>...</b> <br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/.../white/the acts of the apostles/lesson 39 the trial at.htm</font><p><a href="/library/schaff/history_of_the_christian_church_volume_i/section_93_the_epistles_of.htm"><span class="l">The Epistles of the Captivity.</span></a> <br><b>...</b> to 63, while waiting the issue of his trial on the charge of being "a mover of<br> insurrections among all the Jews throughout the world, and a <b>ringleader</b> of the <b>...</b> <br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/.../schaff/history of the christian church volume i/section 93 the epistles of.htm</font><p><a href="/library/irenaeus/against_heresies/chapter_xl_one_and_the_same.htm"><span class="l">One and the Same God the Father Inflicts Punishment on the <b>...</b></span></a> <br><b>...</b> good things with Himself for those who desire His fellowship, and who remain in<br> subjection to Him; and who has the eternal fire for the <b>ringleader</b> of the <b>...</b> <br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/.../irenaeus/against heresies/chapter xl one and the same.htm</font><p><a href="/library/irenaeus/against_heresies/chapter_xli_those_persons_who_do.htm"><span class="l">Those Persons who do not Believe in God, but who are Disobedient <b>...</b></span></a> <br><b>...</b> The tares are the children of the wicked one," [4436] it must be affirmed that He<br> has ascribed all who are of the apostasy to him who is the <b>ringleader</b> of this <b>...</b> <br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/.../irenaeus/against heresies/chapter xli those persons who do.htm</font><p><a href="/library/scholasticus/the_ecclesiastical_history_of_scholasticus/chapter_xv_of_hypatia_the_female.htm"><span class="l">Of Hypatia the Female Philosopher.</span></a> <br><b>...</b> Some of them therefore, hurried away by a fierce and bigoted zeal, whose <b>ringleader</b><br> was a reader named Peter, waylaid her returning home, and dragging her from <b>...</b> <br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/.../the ecclesiastical history of scholasticus/chapter xv of hypatia the female.htm</font><a name="thes" id="thes"></a><div class="vheading2">Thesaurus</div><a href="/topical/r/ringleader.htm"><span class="l"><b>Ringleader</b> (1 Occurrence)</span></a><br><b>...</b><b>RINGLEADER</b>. ring'-led-er: In Acts 24:5 the translation of protostates, "one who<br> stands first." Not an opprobrious word in the Greek. <b>...</b><b>Ringleader</b> (1 Occurrence). <b>...</b><br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/r/ringleader.htm - 7k</font><p><a href="/topical/n/nazarenes.htm"><span class="l">Nazarenes (1 Occurrence)</span></a><br><b>...</b> Acts 24:5 For we have found this man to be a plague, an instigator of insurrections<br> among all the Jews throughout the world, and a <b>ringleader</b> of the sect of <b>...</b><br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/n/nazarenes.htm - 6k</font><p><a href="/topical/l/leader.htm"><span class="l">Leader (183 Occurrences)</span></a><br><b>...</b> Acts 24:5 For we have found this man to be a plague, an instigator of insurrections<br> among all the Jews throughout the world, and a <b>ringleader</b> of the sect of <b>...</b><br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/l/leader.htm - 35k</font><p><a href="/topical/i/insurrections.htm"><span class="l">Insurrections (2 Occurrences)</span></a><br><b>...</b> Acts 24:5 For we have found this man to be a plague, an instigator of insurrections<br> among all the Jews throughout the world, and a <b>ringleader</b> of the sect of <b>...</b><br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/i/insurrections.htm - 7k</font><p><a href="/topical/i/instigator.htm"><span class="l">Instigator (1 Occurrence)</span></a><br><b>...</b> Acts 24:5 For we have found this man to be a plague, an instigator of insurrections<br> among all the Jews throughout the world, and a <b>ringleader</b> of the sect of <b>...</b><br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/i/instigator.htm - 6k</font><p><a href="/topical/t/tertullus.htm"><span class="l">Tertullus (2 Occurrences)</span></a><br><b>...</b> Secondly, that he was a <b>ringleader</b> of the sect of the Nazarenes; disturbed the Jews<br> in the exercise of their religion, guaranteed by the state; introduced new <b>...</b><br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/t/tertullus.htm - 9k</font><p><a href="/topical/r/real.htm"><span class="l">Real (26 Occurrences)</span></a><br><b>...</b> Acts 24:5 For we have found this man to be a plague, an instigator of insurrections<br> among all the Jews throughout the world, and a <b>ringleader</b> of the sect of <b>...</b><br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/r/real.htm - 14k</font><p><a href="/topical/r/ring-leader.htm"><span class="l">Ring-leader (1 Occurrence)</span></a><br>Ring-leader. <b>Ringleader</b>, Ring-leader. Ringlets . Multi-Version Concordance<br> Ring-leader (1 Occurrence). <b>...</b> <b>Ringleader</b>, Ring-leader. Ringlets . Reference Bible <br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/r/ring-leader.htm - 6k</font><p><a href="/topical/r/ringed.htm"><span class="l">Ringed (2 Occurrences)</span></a><br><br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/r/ringed.htm - 7k</font><p><a href="/topical/r/riots.htm"><span class="l">Riots (3 Occurrences)</span></a><br><b>...</b> Acts 24:5 For we have found this man to be a plague, an instigator of insurrections<br> among all the Jews throughout the world, and a <b>ringleader</b> of the sect of <b>...</b><br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/r/riots.htm - 7k</font><p><a name="res" id="res"></a><div class="vheading2">Resources</div><a href="https://www.gotquestions.org/Bible-sedition.html">What does the Bible say about sedition? | GotQuestions.org</a><br /><br /><a href="https://www.gotquestions.org/Ananias-in-the-Bible.html">Who was Ananias in the Bible? | GotQuestions.org</a><br /><br /><a href="https://clyx.com/term/ringleader.htm">Ringleader: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com</a><br /><br /><a href="/concordance/">Bible Concordance</a> • <a href="/dictionary/">Bible Dictionary</a> • <a href="/encyclopedia/">Bible Encyclopedia</a> • <a href="/topical/">Topical Bible</a> • <a href="/thesaurus/">Bible Thesuarus</a></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="cnc" id="cnc"></a><div class="vheading2">Concordance</div><span class="encheading">Ringleader (1 Occurrence)</span><p><span class="rtext"><a href="/acts/24-5.htm">Acts 24:5</a></span><br />For we have found this man to be a plague, an instigator of insurrections among all the Jews throughout the world, and a <span class="boldtext">ringleader</span> of the sect of the Nazarenes.<br /><span class="source">(WEB KJV WEY ASV YLT NAS RSV NIV)</span><a name="sub" id="sub"></a><div class="vheading2">Subtopics</div><p class="pspc"><a href="/topical/r/ringleader.htm">Ringleader</a></p><a name="rel" id="rel"></a><div class="vheading2">Related Terms</div><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/r/ring-leader.htm">Ring-leader (1 Occurrence)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/n/nazarenes.htm">Nazarenes (1 Occurrence)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/l/leader.htm">Leader (183 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/i/insurrections.htm">Insurrections (2 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/i/instigator.htm">Instigator (1 Occurrence)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/t/tertullus.htm">Tertullus (2 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/r/real.htm">Real (26 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/r/ringlets.htm">Ringlets (1 Occurrence)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/r/ringed.htm">Ringed (2 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/r/riots.htm">Riots (3 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/d/disturber.htm">Disturber (1 Occurrence)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/d/dissension.htm">Dissension (18 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/m/mischief.htm">Mischief (64 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/m/mover.htm">Mover (1 Occurrence)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/p/pest.htm">Pest (1 Occurrence)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/p/pestilent.htm">Pestilent (1 Occurrence)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/p/pestilence.htm">Pestilence (57 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/a/agitator.htm">Agitator (2 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/s/stirs.htm">Stirs (23 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/s/source.htm">Source (16 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/s/sedition.htm">Sedition (8 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/s/sect.htm">Sect (10 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/s/stirring.htm">Stirring (20 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/h/heresy.htm">Heresy (2 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/t/throughout.htm">Throughout (291 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/p/plague.htm">Plague (142 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/n/nazarene.htm">Nazarene (19 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/d/demetrius.htm">Demetrius (3 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/f/fellow.htm">Fellow (166 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/s/second.htm">Second (2060 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/p/peace.htm">Peace (523 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/c/corinthians.htm">Corinthians (3 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/e/epistle.htm">Epistle (13 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/e/empire.htm">Empire (8 Occurrences)</a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/topical/r/ringed.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Ringed"><img src="/left.png" 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