High Visibility - Crispus

Crispus, the leader of the synagogue, and everyone in his household believed in the Lord. Many others in Corinth also heard Paul, became believers, and were baptized.

Acts 18:8

Several studies over the past few years have suggested that the color of a vehicle plays an important part in determining whether or not the vehicle will be involved in an accident. The studies show that brighter cars—silver or yellow, for example—have fewer mishaps because they stand out and are more easily seen.

High visibility can have its rewards.

The Bible cites dozens of examples of men who stood out in a crowd. One such man was Crispus, a Corinthian who heard and accepted Paul’s message of salvation through Jesus Christ. Of all those who believed, only Crispus is mentioned by name in the book of Acts.

Why does the Bible mention Crispus and no one else? It is probable that when Luke sat down to write the book of Acts, it seemed noteworthy to him that Crispus led the Corinthian synagogue.

Luke doesn’t tell us a lot about Crispus or his background. We know only that he was the synagogue leader in the city of Corinth, that Paul baptized him into the Christian faith (see 1 Corinthians 1:14), and that his family members also became believers in Jesus.

What makes this man noteworthy is his willingness to take a stand in a place where doing so could cause him big problems. Crispus lived in a time and place where professing faith in Jesus Christ was very dangerous. Ordinary Jews who accepted Jesus as Lord could be in for a rough time, and Jewish Christian leaders could expect big trouble. Crispus is an excellent example of a man willing to stand out for his faith regardless of the cost.

Do you have the courage to stand out in your world as a man committed to following Jesus Christ? That kind of courage will make a big difference in your life—and in the lives of those God has placed close to you.