Rebellion (στάσις)

The word στάσις (stásis) possesses a broad range of meaning depending on its context. Fundamentally, it refers to "a standing," "position," or "state." This basic sense gives rise to an expanded usage, encompassing ideas such as "rebellion," "dissension," "sedition," or "riot."

Barabbas, who had committed murder during the rebellion (στάσις), was released at the request of the Jews by Pilate in place of Jesus (Mark 15:7). This man had been involved with a group that stood against the Romans. He was imprisoned for the rebellion he incited in the city and for murder (Luke 23:18).

Paul and Barnabas stood against (rebelled against) men from Judea who claimed that circumcision was necessary for the salvation of the Gentiles (Acts 15:2). This message was entirely different from the gospel that Paul and Barnabas had been proclaiming among the Gentiles, and from the experience the Jews had with the Gentiles being saved (Galatians 1:6).

Due to the impact of the gospel in Ephesus, Demetrius and his fellow craftsmen incited a riot in the city (Acts 19:24–29). When the city leaders finally calmed the crowd, they rebuked Demetrius and his associates for the uproar, stating that if they had a case against anyone, it should be brought before the proconsuls. However, they warned that such disorder was unacceptable, as it risked the city being called to account before the Romans for the disturbance (Acts 19:39–41).

In Jerusalem, while Paul was being accused before the commander of the Roman garrison, the Jews explained why they had attacked him (Acts 22:30). As Paul addressed the high priest and the council, he perceived that some among them were Pharisees, as he himself had been, and declared that he was being judged concerning the hope and resurrection out from the dead (Acts 23:6). This statement caused dissension (στάσις) between the Pharisees and Sadducees, dividing the assembly (Acts 23:7). The rebellion (στάσις) became so intense that the commander ordered his soldiers to intervene and protect Paul (Acts 23:10). Later, before Felix, the Jews again accused Paul of being a creator of dissension (στάσις) among the Jews throughout the world, and a ringleader of the sect of the Nazarenes (Acts 24:5).

The first tabernacle was a shadow of the real, heavenly temple. Once a year, the high priest was permitted to enter the Holy of Holies within the tabernacle to make an offering for the people (Hebrews 9:5). This signified that while the first tabernacle remained standing (στάσις), the way into the Holy of Holies had not yet been manifested (Hebrews 9:6). When Christ physically died on the cross, the veil of the Holy of Holies was torn from top to bottom, for the way was now open (Mark 15:37–38).

The Greek word στάσις (stasis) fundamentally means "a standing," "position," or "state," but depending on context, it can extend to "rebellion," "dissension," "sedition," or "riot." Barabbas was imprisoned for murder committed during a rebellion (στάσις) against Roman authority, but was released instead of Jesus (Mark 15:7; Luke 23:18). Paul and Barnabas opposed (στάσις) men from Judea who insisted on circumcision for Gentile salvation, leading to conflict (Acts 15:2; Galatians 1:6). In Ephesus, Demetrius incited a rebellion (στάσις) against the gospel, causing a riot that city officials later rebuked (Acts 19:24–41). In Jerusalem, Paul's declaration of the resurrection sparked a dissention (στάσις) between Pharisees and Sadducees, requiring intervention (Acts 22:30; 23:6–10), and he was later accused of causing dissension (στάσις) throughout the world (Acts 24:5). In a different sense, στάσις (stásis) describes the standing of the first tabernacle, symbolizing that access to the true Holy of Holies had not yet been revealed until Christ's death tore the veil and opened the way (Hebrews 9:5–6; Mark 15:37–38).