Bible Dictionary
RINGLEADER
A ringleader is one who stands first or takes a leading position. In Acts 24:5 the term describes a prominent leader of the group accusing Paul, without necessarily being an insult in the original language.
Definition
A ringleader is one who stands first or occupies a leading position. The word need not be insulting in itself; it may simply identify a prominent or foremost person within a group.
Biblical Usage
In Acts 24:5, the term describes the person accused of being a leading figure among those associated with the charge against Paul.
Historical Background
The underlying Greek word means “one who stands first,” rather than necessarily carrying the modern sense of a criminal instigator.
Related Figures
Historical Bible Dictionaries
International Standard Bible Encyclopedia (ISBE)
<p>ring'-led-er: In Ac 24:5 the translation of protostates, "one who stands first." Not an opprobrious word in the Greek.</p>