Lexical Summary prosélutos: Proselyte, convert Original Word: προσήλυτος Strong's Exhaustive Concordance proselyte. From the alternate of proserchomai; an arriver from a foreign region, i.e. (specially), an acceder (convert) to Judaism ("proselyte") -- proselyte. see GREEK proserchomai NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom proserchomai Definition one who has arrived (at Judaism), a proselyte NASB Translation proselyte (2), proselytes (2). Thayer's Greek Lexicon STRONGS NT 4339: προσήλυτοςπροσήλυτος, προσηλύτου, ὁ (from προσέρχομαι, perfect προσελήλυθα, cf. Buttmann, 74 (64); (Winer's Grammar, 24, 26, 97 (92))); 1. a newcomer (Latinadvena; cf. πρός, IV. 1); a stranger, alien (Schol. ad Apoll. Rhod. 1, 834; the Sept. often for גֵּר (cf. Philo de monarch. 1, 7 at the beginning)). 2. a proselyte, i. e. one who has come over from a Gentile religion to Judaism (Luther, Judengenosse): Matthew 23:15; Acts 2:11 ( Gentiles who embraced the God of Israel through circumcision, submission to the Mosaic Law, and participation in temple and synagogue life were known as proselytes. Their numbers grew throughout the Diaspora, placing them side by side with native Jews in devotion, prayer, and anticipation of Messiah. Distinction from “God-Fearers” Jewish sources spoke of “God-fearers” who admired Israel’s faith yet stopped short of full conversion. By contrast, the New Testament’s use of 4339 concerns full proselytes—men and women wholly identified with Israel’s covenant community. New Testament Occurrences Matthew 23:15 – “Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! You traverse land and sea to win a single proselyte, and when he becomes one, you make him twice as much a son of hell as you are.” Jesus exposes zeal void of inward change. Acts 2:11 – At Pentecost “both Jews and proselytes” hear the apostles declaring “the wonders of God” in their own tongues, prefiguring the gospel’s worldwide scope. Acts 6:5 – Among the Seven is “Nicolas, a proselyte from Antioch,” whose appointment testifies to early Christian inclusion of former Gentiles in recognized leadership. Acts 13:43 – After synagogue teaching in Pisidian Antioch, Paul and Barnabas persuade “many of the Jews and devout converts to Judaism to continue in the grace of God,” revealing a key bridge population for Gentile mission. Theological Significance 1. Fulfillment of Promise Proselytes validate Isaiah’s vision of nations flowing to Zion (Isaiah 2:2-3). Their presence before and after Pentecost shows God already drawing the Gentiles. 2. Transition from Law to Grace A proselyte like Nicolas, once welcomed through circumcision, now serves Christ apart from the law’s ceremonial boundary, illustrating the shift confirmed at the Jerusalem Council (Acts 15). 3. Warning against Hollow Evangelism Matthew 23:15 stands as a perpetual caution: external zeal without heart transformation breeds deeper bondage. Impact on Apostolic Mission • Synagogues containing Jews and proselytes provided ready audiences acquainted with Scripture and monotheism. Practical Lessons for Today • Evangelize with authenticity, aiming for heart renewal rather than mere conformity. Continuing Relevance The narrative of the proselyte underscores God’s enduring intention to gather peoples from every nation. Modern outreach engages hearts already stirred—today’s seekers resemble yesterday’s proselytes—inviting them to find full covenant inclusion through faith in Jesus Christ, “for there is no distinction between Jew and Greek” (Romans 10:12). Englishman's Concordance Matthew 23:15 N-AMSGRK: ποιῆσαι ἕνα προσήλυτον καὶ ὅταν NAS: one proselyte; and when KJV: to make one proselyte, and when INT: to make one convert and when Acts 2:11 N-NMP Acts 6:5 N-AMS Acts 13:43 N-GMP Strong's Greek 4339 |
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