GUARDIAN (ἐπίτροπος, G2208, guardian, which means basically a person to whom some task or property has been entrusted). Matthew 20:8 mentions one entrusted with paying laborers. The ἐπίτροπος, G2208, “steward,” of Herod was named Chuza (Luke 8:3, RSV). The cognate word ἐπιτροπή, G2207, is used in Acts 26:12 of Paul’s authorization by the high priests to persecute Christians. A governor with authority from the emperor was also called ἐπίτροπος, G2208. Lysias’s important office was as ἐπίτροπος, G2208, of Antiochus (2 Macc 11:1; 13:2; 14:2). Paul illustrated the position of Jews under the law by means of a minor in a household (Gal 4:2). Under Greek, Roman, or Jewish law, a boy was under authority until a certain age. Under Rom. law the ἐπίτροπος, G2208, was the legal guardian of a child, potentially if his father was alive, actually if he had died. Trustees (οἰκονόμοι) were responsible for his financial affairs until he was twenty-five. When he came of age, he was free, and entered into his inheritance. See Steward.