[Greek] ἀλλοτριεπίσκοπος (allotriepiskopos), [Latin] alienus appetitor: one who meddles into other things (others’ affairs), meddler, one who oversees other’s affairs, busybody, one who infringes on others, one who strives or longs for something; 1Pet.4:15
Background information:
A public “Lion’s Mouth” postbox for informers at the Doge’s Place in Venice. The description states “Secret denunciations against anyone who will conceal favors and services or will collude to hide the true revenue from them.” Roman secular law allowed for the public right of a delator (common informer) to place a deffere (referral) concerning corruption in a postbox. Rewards were given as an incentive to root out corruption. However, this process itself became corrupted, resulting in the practice of professional informants providing incriminating evidence against political enemies.
Greek Hellenism: Plato’s Phaedrus 229 states “It seems to me ridiculous, when I do not yet know that, to investigate irrelevant things. And so I dismiss these matters and accepting the customary belief about them, as I was saying just now, I investigate not these things, by myself.” Xenophon’s Memorabilia 3.7.9 states “For so many are in such a hurry to pry into others’ business that they never turn aside to examine themselves. Don’t refuse to face this duty then: strive more earnestly to pay heed to yourself; and don’t neglect public affairs; if you have the power to improve them.
Delator: During Roman times, this person was essentially an informer who provided incriminating evidence against someone. In Latin, delatus is the past participle of deferre (meaning to bring down, to accuse, and to defer that person to court). When this system became openly corrupt, false accusations were often made by the delator in order to remove political opponents. These professional delators were often handsomely rewarded for their efforts. Interestingly, the term delator was also used by the Synod of Elvira (306 AD) to stigmatize those Christians who appeared as accusers against their brethren. The more modern sense of deferring (or putting of) provides the basis for the modern word ‘delay’.
Traditores: The Traditores refer to those bishops and Christians who willingly turned over their scriptures and betrayed their fellow Christians to the Roman authorities under the threat of persecution. The Latin transditio provides the basis for the words traitor, treason, tradition, and trade.
Lapsi: the Lapsi were apostates who renounced their faith under persecution by the Roman authorities. This term refers to those who have lapsed or fallen away from their faith, only to return to it later. The Decian Persecution (250 AD) required all Roman citizens to publicly sacrifice to traditional gods. Upon completion of this sacrifice, individuals (Christians) received a certificate of sacrifice (libellus). The Lapsi included traditiores, Sacrificati (who offered sacrifice), thurificati (those who burn incense), Libellatici, and Acta facientes (who made false statements against others).
New Testament: This term means busybody, meddler, informer, intriguer, and infringer on the rights of others. The author of 1 Pet. instructs his readers to bear cheerfully the sufferings that come as a Christian. There is no shame in this. In fact 1 Pet.3:14 states that it is a blessing if one should suffer because of righteousness. The author cautions that the one should not let their other actions create trouble, injury, injustice, or nuisance toward others. This term can reference eagerness for others’ possessions, unfaithful stewardship, meddling in others’ affairs, and denouncing others. This term describes the prying and self-important persons who give Christianity a bad name.
Scripture:
“But let no one among you be made to suffer as a murderer, a thief, an evildoer, or as an intriguer.” 1Pet.4:15
Christians are called to see suffering for righteousness as a blessing rather than as a shame. The writer of 1Pet. warns Christians not to let their other actions cause harm, shame, or incrimination.
Etymology: This term is a composite of two Greek words allo- (other) and episkopos (overseer). The Greek allo refers to something other or foreign. The Greek episkopos means bishop (overseer). The bishop would ordinarily oversee a region of dioceses, administered by priests. This term essentially means being a ‘bishop’ of others’ affairs. Interestingly, appetitor by itself means matter (affairs). However, alienus appetitor means trouble-maker.
Conclusion:
Appetite, tradition, treason, trade, lapse, libel
At first glance, I wasn’t too sure if I was able to use this term in my blog. It was good that I had the appetite to further investigate this term. Plato and Xenophon both offer timeless wisdom in not focusing on trivial matters concerning others. Xenophon also brings forth the notion of making a positive difference for others.
During the corrupt Roman Empire, it was very lucrative in being a professional delator offering incriminating against political foes. Traditores essentially handed over their scriptures to the authorities. The Lapsi also handed over their faith.
The writer of 1Pet. was essentially admonishing the Christian to bear their sufferings with a cheerful heart. There is no shame in this. Rather, this can be a blessing. The writer was warning the Christians about their other actions which could lead to shame or incrimination. This is not in keeping with being a good Christian. The writer is also warning one not be a meddler or be a ‘bishop’ in others’ affairs.
I am thankful that I was able to acquire an ‘appetite’ for etymology (word origins). I wouldn’t trade (hand over) this knowledge and insight for anything in my posts.