Lexical Summary paradechomai: To receive, accept, acknowledge Original Word: παραδέχομαι Strong's Exhaustive Concordance receive. From para and dechomai; to accept near, i.e. Admit or (by implication) delight in -- receive. see GREEK para see GREEK dechomai HELPS Word-studies 3858 paradé NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom para and dechomai Definition to receive, admit NASB Translation accept (3), receive (1), received (1), receives (1). Thayer's Greek Lexicon STRONGS NT 3858: παραδέχομαιπαραδέχομαι; future 3 person plural παραδέξονταί; deponent middle, but in Biblical and ecclesiastical Greek with 1 aorist passive παρεδεχθην (Acts 15:4 L T Tr WH; 2 Macc. 4:22; (cf. Buttmann, 51 (44)); 1. in classical Greek from Homer down, properly, to receive, take up, take upon oneself. Hence, 2. to admit i. e. not to reject, to accept, receive: τόν λόγον, Mark 4:20; ἔθη, Acts 16:21; τήν μαρτυρίαν, Acts 22:18; κατηγορίαν, 1 Timothy 5:19 (τάς δοκιμους δραχμάς, Epictetus diss. 1, 7, 6); τινα, of a son, to acknowledge as one's own (A. V. receiveth), Hebrews 12:6 (after Proverbs 3:12, where for רָצָה); of a delegate or messenger, to give due reception to, Acts 15:4 L T Tr WH. (Cf. δέχομαι, at the end.) Paradechomai expresses wholehearted welcome or acceptance—of persons, testimony, or discipline—with an overtone of endorsement and readiness to act. It contrasts passive permission with active embrace. Reception and Welcome in Apostolic Mission Acts 15:4 portrays the church in Jerusalem: “When they arrived in Jerusalem, they were welcomed by the church and the apostles and elders, and they reported all that God had done through them.” This reception models unity, accountability, and openness to God’s work among the Gentiles, shaping the deliberations of the Jerusalem Council and encouraging today’s churches to receive missionary reports with discerning joy. Warning against Cultural Compliance without Discernment Acts 16:21 records the accusation against Paul and Silas: “They are advocating customs that are not lawful for us as Romans to accept or practice.” Here the verb is used negatively, underscoring hostility when the gospel challenges prevailing norms. Believers must be prepared to accept God’s truth even when society pressures them to reject it. Paul’s Vision and Jerusalem’s Refusal In Acts 22:18 Paul recounts the Lord’s warning: “They will not accept your testimony about Me.” The same city that once welcomed the missionaries (Acts 15:4) now refuses the gospel witness, illustrating how acceptance hinges on spiritual responsiveness rather than mere familiarity. Receiving the Word and Bearing Fruit Mark 4:20 highlights fertile soil: “Those sown on good soil are those who hear the word, accept it, and produce a crop—thirtyfold, sixtyfold, or a hundredfold.” Acceptance here is inward appropriation leading to visible fruitfulness, distinguishing genuine discipleship from superficial hearing. Divine Discipline as a Sign of Sonship Hebrews 12:6 cites Proverbs: “For the Lord disciplines the one He loves, and He chastises every son He receives.” God’s acceptance brings nurturing correction; discipline is evidence of belonging, not rejection. Guarding Truth and Upholding Justice in Leadership 1 Timothy 5:19 counsels: “Do not entertain an accusation against an elder, except on the testimony of two or three witnesses.” Acceptance of charges must meet scriptural standards, balancing accountability with protection against slander and ensuring church integrity. Theological Implications 1. God’s covenant welcome shapes Christian hospitality and fellowship. Practical Ministry Applications • Foster a culture that warmly receives faithful servants and their reports. Englishman's Concordance Mark 4:20 V-PIM/P-3PGRK: λόγον καὶ παραδέχονται καὶ καρποφοροῦσιν NAS: the word and accept it and bear fruit, KJV: and receive [it], and INT: word and receive [it] and bring forth fruit Acts 15:4 V-AIP-3P Acts 16:21 V-PNM/P Acts 22:18 V-FIP-3P 1 Timothy 5:19 V-PMM/P-2S Hebrews 12:6 V-PIM/P-3S Strong's Greek 3858 |
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