In the New Testament, this verb appears in contexts of inciting people to opposition or hostility. The multilingual evidence (Spanish 'levantaron', French 'exciter') confirms its sense of rousing or stirring up. Both occurrences in Acts describe religious and civic leaders being provoked to take action against Paul and his companions. The classical range extends from literal awakening to metaphorical excitement of emotions or conflict, but the biblical usage focuses on the latter.