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Crispus

Biblical
Pronunciation

Understanding ARPABET Pronunciation

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The pronunciation guide uses the ARPABET phonetic system—the same system used in speech recognition and text-to-speech applications.

Vowel Examples:
AE1 = cat, bat
EH1 = bed, head
IY1 = see, me
OW1 = go, boat
UW1 = boot, do
Stress Numbers:
0 = no stress (unstressed)
1 = primary stress (loud)
2 = secondary stress (medium)
Example:
AH0 TH IY1 N AH0
= a-THEE-na (Athena)

The stressed syllable (marked with 1) is pronounced louder and clearer than others.

Quick Definition

Synagogue ruler in Corinth who converted to Christianity under Paul’s ministry

Detailed Definition
Crispus believed in Christ after hearing Paul preach, and his household was baptized (Acts 18:8; 1 Corinthians 1:14). His conversion marked a turning point in Corinthian evangelism. In poetry, Crispus symbolizes the transformative power of the gospel to upend social and religious hierarchies, turning leaders of old institutions into pillars of the new faith.
Example
Example in poetry:
In John Milton’s "Paradise Lost," Crispus’s conversion (Acts 18) illustrates the spread of the gospel; In George Herbert’s "The Church-porch," Crispus’s synagogue leadership turned to Christ models transformation; In Elizabeth Barrett Browning’s "The Seraphim," Crispus symbolizes the Jew who embraces Messiah; In John Keble’s "Lyra Apostolica," Crispus represents the dignity of early converts; In Christina Rossetti’s devotional verse, Crispus’s name evokes the communion of saints; In T.S. Eliot’s "Four Quartets," Crispus’s journey illustrates the pattern of grace.
Additional Notes
Crispus: Synagogue ruler in Corinth who believed in Christ (Acts 18:8); later mentioned by Paul (1 Cor 1:14). In poetry, Crispus represents leadership transformed by grace, the cost of public conversion, and the bridge between Jewish and Gentile worlds. His baptism by Paul adds personal connection—useful in poems on vocation, communal identity, or the courage to change sides.
Also Known As
Crispus ruler of the synagogue Crispus of Corinth
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