Lexical Summary propempó: To send forth, to accompany, to escort Original Word: προπέμπω Strong's Exhaustive Concordance accompany, send forthFrom pro and pempo; to send forward, i.e. Escort or aid in travel -- accompany, bring (forward) on journey (way), conduct forth. see GREEK pro see GREEK pempo NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom pro and pempó Definition to send before, send forth NASB Translation accompanying (1), escorted (1), help (1), helped on my journey (1), helped on my way (1), journey (1), send...on his way (1), send...on my way (1), send...on their way (2), way (1). Thayer's Greek Lexicon STRONGS NT 4311: προπέμπωπροπέμπω; imperfect προέπεμπον; 1 aorist active προεπεμψα; 1 aorist passive προεπεμφθην; from Homer down; 1. to send before. 2. to send forward, bring on the way, accompany or escort: τινα, 1 Corinthians 16:6, 11 (others associate these examples with the group at the close); with ἐκεῖ (for ἐκεῖσε) added, Romans 15:24; εἰς with an accusative of place, Acts 20:38; 2 Corinthians 1:16 (here R. V. set forward (see below)); ἕως ἔξω τῆς πόλεως, Acts 21:5. to set one forward, fit him out with the requisites for his journey: Acts 15:3 (others associate this example with the preceding); Titus 3:13; 3 John 1:6; 1 Macc. 12:4, cf. 1 Esdr. 4:47. Strong’s 4311 describes the intentional act of accompanying or providing what is necessary for another’s journey. In the New Testament it consistently pictures believers cooperating with God’s mission by physically escorting, materially supplying, and prayerfully commending fellow servants to their next field of labor. The verb therefore embodies partnership in the gospel—an outward expression of the inward unity of Christ’s body. Occurrences in Acts: The Church’s Escort of Missionaries Acts portrays entire congregations personally involved in “sending on” messengers of the word. Pauline Requests: Strategic Partnership Paul frequently asks assemblies to “send” him or others forward, highlighting three facets of gospel cooperation. 1. Financial provision—Romans 15:24; 2 Corinthians 1:16; 1 Corinthians 16:6. Support is not charity but investment in the advance of Christ’s kingdom. Johannine Emphasis: Hospitality Worthy of God 3 John 6 commends Gaius for hosting traveling brothers, then exhorts, “You will do well to send them on their way in a manner worthy of God.” Here the standard of hospitality is divine generosity itself. Such sending transforms an ordinary household into a launchpad for truth. Theological Significance 1. Stewardship of grace: Churches that cannot cross oceans can still propel the gospel through prayer, provision, and encouragement. Historical and Ministry Implications Early Christian writings echo the practice. The Didache instructs believers to support true itinerant teachers “as YHWH enables.” By the second century, organized funds existed for dispatching evangelists and aiding the poor en route. Throughout church history, revivals have flourished where congregations revived the art of propelling workers into harvest fields—whether the Moravians financing global missions or contemporary assemblies partnering with church-planters. Practical Application for Today • Escort: Physically accompany missionaries to airports, bus stations, courtrooms, or hospital rooms, embodying the care of Christ at transitional moments. Conclusion The nine New Testament occurrences of 4311 portray a Spirit-energized network of believers who refuse to let distance hinder fellowship or mission. Whenever Christians today escort, equip, and entrust fellow servants to the Lord’s care, they reenact the vibrant biblical pattern of προπέμπω and participate in the unbroken advance of the gospel “to the ends of the earth” (Acts 1:8). Englishman's Concordance Acts 15:3 V-APP-NMPGRK: μὲν οὖν προπεμφθέντες ὑπὸ τῆς NAS: Therefore, being sent on their way by the church, KJV: And being brought on their way by INT: indeed therefore having been sent forward by the Acts 20:38 V-IIA-3P Acts 21:5 V-PPA-GMP Romans 15:24 V-ANP 1 Corinthians 16:6 V-ASA-2P 1 Corinthians 16:11 V-AMA-2P 2 Corinthians 1:16 V-ANP Titus 3:13 V-AMA-2S 3 John 1:6 V-APA-NMS Strong's Greek 4311 |
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