Lexical Summary metapempó: To send for, to summon Original Word: μεταπέμπω Strong's Exhaustive Concordance to send after, summonFrom meta and pempo; to send from elsewhere, i.e. (middle voice) to summon or invite -- call (send) foreign see GREEK meta see GREEK pempo NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom meta and pempó Definition to send after or for NASB Translation brought (1), brought here (1), send (3), sent (4). Thayer's Greek Lexicon STRONGS NT 3343: μεταπέμπωμεταπέμπω: 1 aorist passive participle μεταπεμφθείς; middle, present participle μεταπεμπόμενος; 1 aorist μετεπεμψαμην; 1. to send one after another (see μετά, III. 3; cf. Herm. ad Vig., p. 639). 2. like our to send after equivalent to to send for: μεταπεμφθείς, sent for, Acts 10:29a. Middle to send after for oneself, cause to be sent for: Acts 10:5, 29b; Acts 11:13; (Acts 20:1 T Tr WH); Acts 24:24, 26; followed by εἰς, with an accusative of place, Acts 10:22; Acts 25:3. (Genesis 27:45; Numbers 23:7; 2 Macc. 15:31; 4 Macc. 12:3, 6; in secular authors from Herodotus down.) The verb denotes the deliberate act of sending after someone, usually by dispatching messengers. Every New Testament occurrence is in Acts, underscoring Luke’s interest in formal summonses that advance the gospel or illustrate political maneuvering. • Cornelius three times initiates a summons to Peter (Acts 10:5; 10:22; 11:13), while Peter later reminds his audience that he came “without objection when sent for” (Acts 10:29). Narrative Function 1. Opening the Door to the Gentiles. Cornelius’ summons creates the strategic meeting in Caesarea that validates Gentile inclusion. “So I came without objection when sent for. I ask then why you sent for me” (Acts 10:29). The verb underscores divine orchestration: an uncircumcised centurion orders a Jewish apostle to appear, yet behind the military command stands the Spirit’s directive. Historical Background Roman officials commonly issued written or verbal orders calling individuals to appear before them. Travel on the imperial road network allowed rapid compliance, and refusal could mean legal penalties. In military contexts, a centurion’s dispatch carried the weight of command; in civil courts, a governor’s summons marked the start of judicial inquiry. Luke mirrors this administrative vocabulary to anchor his narrative in real first-century procedure. Theological Themes • Divine Initiative. Whether instigated by a God-fearing soldier or by hostile authorities, every summons culminates in gospel proclamation. The Lord uses ordinary channels of authority to position His witnesses. Ministerial Applications 1. Be approachable; spiritual opportunities often begin when someone “sends for” us. Canonical Resonance While unique to Acts, the concept aligns with God’s pattern of summoning His servants—Moses from Midian, Samuel in the night, Isaiah to the throne room. The New Testament verb gives concrete expression to that enduring dynamic: the Lord calls, and His messengers move. Summary Strong’s Greek 3343 in Acts depicts formal summonses that advance God’s redemptive program, reveal character, and furnish the church with enduring lessons in obedience, leadership, and trust in providential order. Englishman's Concordance Acts 10:5 V-AMM-2SGRK: Ἰόππην καὶ μετάπεμψαι Σίμωνά τινα NAS: to Joppa and send for a man KJV: Joppa, and call for [one] Simon, whose INT: Joppa and send for Simon a man Acts 10:22 V-ANM Acts 10:29 V-APP-NMS Acts 10:29 V-AIM-2P Acts 11:13 V-AMM-2S Acts 20:1 V-APM-NMS Acts 24:24 V-AIM-3S Acts 24:26 V-PPM/P-NMS Acts 25:3 V-ASM-3S Strong's Greek 3343 |
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