Bible Person

Crispus

Meaning: curled · Male · 2 cross references

Crispus is the synagogue leader at Corinth who believes in the Lord and is personally baptized by Paul. He belongs to the early Corinthian church at the point where Jewish synagogue life and apostolic mission intersect. First appears in Acts 18:8.1

AI summary: Crispus matters because the cross references present his conversion as a significant breakthrough in Corinth, showing the gospel reaching prominent figures as well as ordinary hearers. His later mention in 1 Corinthians also helps anchor Paul's refusal to build factional identity around baptism. Taken together, the material presents Crispus as a converted synagogue leader whose faith strengthens the historical and pastoral texture of the Corinthian mission.1

Central Figure

Crispus

Meaning: curled

Curled, the chief of the synagogue at Corinth (Acts 18:8).