[Greek] ἀγοραῖος (agoraios), [Latin] cessator, [Latin] agitator: pertaining to the marketplace, agitator, loafer, idler, rabble-rouser, mob, men of the marketplace; Acts 17:5, Acts 19:38
The Preaching of St. Paul in Ephesus: painting by Eustache Le Sueur (1649). The silversmiths rioted in response to Paul saying that their hand-made gods are actually not gods.
Background information:
Greek Hellenism: This term means belonging to the agora (assembly), guardian of the assembly, frequenting the market, common sort, traders and sellers, of things vulgar, skilled in speaking, notary, and pleader. Aristophanes’ Frogs 1015 states “Consider what kind of men he received from me, not runaway slaves, no loafers, rascals, nor miscreants” Euripides’ Heracledae 70 states “Dwellers in Athens from of old, help us! We, who are suppliants of Zeus Agorias, are being violently treated.” Xenophon’s Ways and Means 3.13 states “If houses and shops were put up both in the Peiraesu and in the city for retail traders, they would be an ornament to the state and a source of revenue.” Plutarch’s Perides 11 states “He, being less a warrior than Cimon, and more of a forensic speaker and statesmen, by keeping watch and word in the city, soon brought the administration into even poise.”
New Testament: This term means loiterer, idler, bum, and law court (place of justice). In the synagogue in Thessalonica, Paul entered into discussion with the Jews about scripture. Paul demonstrated that the Messiah Jesus had to suffer and rise from the dead. As Paul gathered a great following, the Jews became jealous and recruited some worthless men loitering in the public square. The mob set the city in turmoil. In Ephesus, the silversmiths were infuriated by Paul’s statements that these gods made by hands were not gods at all. The town clerk instructed Demetrius and his fellow craftsmen to register a complaint in the courts. The courts are in session and there are proconsuls.
Scripture:
“But the Jews became jealous and recruited some worthless mean loitering in the public square, formed a mob, and set the city in turmoil. They marched on the house of Jason, intending to bring them before the people’s assembly.” Acts 17:5
The Jews, jealous and infuriated by Paul’s persuasive arguments about Jesus in the synagogue, recruited loiters to form a mob.
“If Demetrius and his fellow craftsmen have a complaint against anyone, courts are in session, and there are proconsuls. Let them bring charges against one another.” Acts 19:38
Paul’s comments about the silversmiths’ hand-made gods (not being gods) infuriated Demetrius and the silversmiths. The town clerk instructed them to take this matter to the courts.
Conclusion:
Agora, cease (leave work), agitator, agitation
It seems that this term can range from trader (merchant), idler, to law court. It is interesting that this term can refer to a skilled speaker and advocate. In the public assembly (agora), a person who accuses someone is called a kategor. The person accused is essentially place in some category. The accused person becomes categorized as some time of criminal.
In the New Testament, it is also interesting to note that Paul’s effectiveness (actions and statements) lead to the meaning of this term. The Jews, jealous of Paul’s effectiveness in the synagogue, recruited idlers in the public square in order to start a riot. Demetrius and the silversmiths sought recourse for Paul’s statements that these hand-made gods are not gods.
Update: The whole world is now watching the “agitator” Russian troops “loiter” near the Ukraine border. Perhaps soon they will fully make their intentions known. Yet it remains to be seen how the international community will respond in kind with sanctions against Russia.
No more idling, I don’t want to be categorized (accused) as a procrastinator. It is time to cease this post.