Strong’s Greek 1109 designates a person “well-acquainted” or “expert” in a subject. The single New Testament occurrence, Acts 26:3, presents the apostle Paul addressing King Agrippa II as one thoroughly familiar with “all Jewish customs and controversies.” The word therefore highlights more than casual awareness; it denotes tested, proven familiarity that equips one to render sound judgment.

Biblical Context and Usage

Acts 26 records Paul’s final defense before Roman and Herodian authorities. By calling Agrippa a γνώστην of Jewish matters, Paul establishes common ground and appeals to an informed conscience. The term frames Agrippa as someone accountable for what he hears:

“especially because you are acquainted with all the Jewish customs and controversies. Therefore I beg you to listen to me patiently.” (Acts 26:3)

Historical Setting in Acts

Herod Agrippa II, raised in the Herodian dynasty and educated in Rome, exercised oversight of the Jerusalem temple treasury and high-priestly appointments. Paul’s address exploits that background. Agrippa’s expertise rendered him uniquely qualified to evaluate whether the Way was a sectarian novelty or the fulfillment of Israel’s hope (Acts 26:6–7). The word γνώστης therefore functions rhetorically, encouraging Agrippa to weigh Paul’s testimony against his own comprehensive knowledge of Scripture, tradition, and recent events.

Theological Significance

1. Accountability of the informed. Scripture teaches that greater knowledge entails greater responsibility (Luke 12:48; James 3:1). By recognizing Agrippa’s expertise, Paul underscores that revelation demands response; neutrality is impossible.
2. God’s providential placement. Paul’s entire journey (Acts 9:15–16; 23:11) was orchestrated so that testimony might reach rulers. The presence of an “expert” in Jewish matters demonstrates divine intent to remove any excuse of ignorance at the highest levels of authority.
3. True knowledge versus mere familiarity. Agrippa’s acquaintance with Judaism never matured into saving faith. His response, “Do you think that in such a short time you can persuade me to become a Christian?” (Acts 26:28), contrasts intellectual mastery with spiritual submission.

Relationship to Other New Testament Terms for Knowledge

• γνῶσις (Strong’s 1108) – abstract “knowledge,” sometimes contrasted with love (1 Corinthians 8:1).
• ἐπίγνωσις (Strong’s 1922) – “full knowledge,” often describing believers’ deep grasp of Christ (Colossians 1:9).
• γνώστης (Strong’s 1109) – the person who possesses that knowledge in a demonstrated, authoritative way. Its solitary use underscores how Scripture distinguishes between possessing data and embodying expertise.

Implications for Christian Ministry and Discipleship

1. Appeal to common knowledge. When sharing the gospel with those versed in Scripture or church tradition, one may respectfully acknowledge their expertise while calling them to act upon it, following Paul’s model.
2. Preparing informed witnesses. Churches should nurture believers who can serve as “experts” in biblical truth, ready to defend the faith before secular and religious authorities (1 Peter 3:15).
3. Warning against complacency. Agrippa exemplifies how expertise without repentance fails to save. Discipleship must move beyond information to transformation (Romans 12:2).

Practical Application for the Contemporary Church

• Christian academics and apologists may mirror Paul’s strategic recognition of expertise in dialogue with scholars, judges, or legislators.
• Congregations can cultivate an environment where thorough knowledge of Scripture is valued, while consistently linking learning to obedience and witness.
• Pastoral counseling should remind long-time believers that familiarity with doctrine must translate into holiness and mission.

Summary

Strong’s Greek 1109 identifies a person whose deep, practical knowledge positions them as an authority. Paul’s invocation of the term in Acts 26:3 demonstrates respect for legitimate expertise while confronting the expert with the claims of Christ. The passage challenges every generation: informed minds must bow to revealed truth, lest knowledge serve only to heighten judgment.