Lexical Summary démosios: Public, belonging to the people Original Word: δημόσιος Strong's Exhaustive Concordance common, open, public. From demos; public; (feminine singular dative case as adverb) in public -- common, openly, publickly. see GREEK demos NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom démos Definition public NASB Translation public (3), publicly (1). Thayer's Greek Lexicon STRONGS NT 1219: δημόσιοςδημόσιος, δημοσίᾳ, δημοσιον, especially frequent in Attic; belonging to the people or state, public (opposed to ἴδιος): Acts 5:18; in dative feminine δημοσίᾳ used adverbially (opposed to ἰδίᾳ) (cf. Winers Grammar, 591 (549) note), publicly, in public places, in view of all: Acts 16:37; Acts 18:28; δημόσιος καί κατ' οἴκους, Acts 20:20; (2 Macc. 6:10; 3Macc. 2:27; in Greek writings also by public authority, at the public expense). Topical Lexicon Meaning and Semantic Scope The adverb conveyed by Strong’s Greek 1219 describes action carried out in full public view—openly, before the eyes of the community, and in contrast to what is done “in secret” or behind closed doors. Its sense is qualitative (the character of openness) rather than quantitative (size of audience). The word therefore highlights transparency, accountability, and courageous witness. Occurrences in Acts 1. Acts 5:18 – “They arrested the apostles and put them in the public jail.” The authorities intend a humiliating display, yet the subsequent angelic release turns the public scene into testimony to God’s power. The Public Sphere in Early Christian Mission Old Testament and Rabbinic Background Public reading of Torah (Nehemiah 8:3) and open proclamation by prophets (Jeremiah 7:2) formed a precedent for New Testament practice. The synagogue itself functioned as a community center where teaching was expected to be audible and examinable. Thus, the apostolic strategy resonated with Jewish expectations while confronting prevailing unbelief. Theological Themes 1. Light versus Darkness: Public testimony aligns with Jesus’ declaration, “I have spoken openly to the world” (John 18:20). The motif underscores the moral imperative that truth seeks daylight. Principles for Contemporary Ministry Summary Strong’s 1219 portrays ministry conducted in the open arena of life. Whether exposing injustice, defending the faith, or building the church, the apostles understood that the saving message of Jesus Christ cannot remain private. Their example calls every generation to proclaim, teach, and live the gospel visibly—trusting that the God who works in public history will honor public faithfulness. Forms and Transliterations δημοσια δημοσία δημοσίᾳ demosia dēmosia demosíāi dēmosíāiLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance Acts 5:18 Adj-DFSGRK: ἐν τηρήσει δημοσίᾳ NAS: and put them in a public jail. KJV: them in the common prison. INT: in [the] jail public Acts 16:37 Adv Acts 18:28 Adv Acts 20:20 Adv |