Lexical Summary sumpareimi: To be present with, to be together with Original Word: συμπάρειμι Strong's Exhaustive Concordance be present with. From sun and pareimi; to be at hand together, i.e. Now present -- be here present with. see GREEK sun see GREEK pareimi NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom sun and pareimi Definition to be present together NASB Translation here present (1). Thayer's Greek Lexicon STRONGS NT 4840: συμπάρειμισυμπάρειμι (T WH συνπαρειμι (cf. σύν, II. at the end)); to be present together: τίνι, with one, Acts 25:24. ((Hippocrates ( Topical Lexicon Biblical SettingIn the lone New Testament occurrence (Acts 25:24), the participle σύμπαροντες identifies the assembled men “present with us” during Paul’s hearing before Festus and King Agrippa. The word highlights a gathered audience whose presence confers gravity on the judicial scene, underscoring Luke’s emphasis on eyewitness verification (compare Luke 1:2; Acts 1:21-22). Theme of Corporate Presence 1. Witness and Accountability Throughout Scripture, significant decisions are made in the sight of many (Deuteronomy 19:15; Matthew 18:16). The men “present with” Festus and Agrippa become de facto witnesses, later able to attest to Paul’s testimony and the governor’s verdict. Their presence fulfills the biblical principle that truth is strengthened by multiple observers. 2. Communal Discernment of God’s Work Paul’s defense before this public gathering provides a platform for the gospel to reach political and military leaders (compare Philippians 1:12-13). The term therefore signals more than mere attendance; it evokes the opportunity for the gathered to recognize God’s hand in Paul’s mission. Historical Insights Roman provincial hearings typically included local dignitaries and representatives. Luke’s use of σύμπαροντες aligns with secular protocols, yet he frames the scene to show that the true Judge presides invisibly (Acts 23:11). The mixed audience—Roman, Jewish, royal—mirrors the gospel’s reach “to the ends of the earth” (Acts 1:8). Theological Significance 1. Sovereign Orchestration What appears as a Roman legal formality becomes a divinely arranged forum for proclaiming Christ. The participle draws attention to those unknowingly placed by God to hear and later disseminate Paul’s message. 2. Public Vindication of the Gospel Luke consistently portrays Paul’s trials as stages where accusations fall away in full view of witnesses (Acts 18:14-17; Acts 26:30-32). σύμπαροντες thus serves as a literary signal that the gospel withstands scrutiny before any assembly. Ministry Applications • Value Transparent Ministry Believers should welcome accountable, public settings where the gospel is explained “in the open” (John 18:20). Ministry done before others, like Paul’s, invites verification and glorifies God. • Recognize Divine Appointments Congregations and bystanders “present with” us may be sovereign appointments for gospel influence. Pray for alertness to those moments and boldness to testify, as Paul did. • Equip Lay Witnesses The men in Acts 25 became secondary witnesses of Paul’s integrity. Churches can cultivate members who, simply by being present and informed, can testify to the truth when called upon. Canonical Consistency Scripture frequently couples decisive moments with assembled witnesses: Sinai (Exodus 19), Samuel’s renewal of the kingdom (1 Samuel 12), Peter at Pentecost (Acts 2). Luke’s singular use of σύμπαροντες situates Paul’s defense within this wider biblical pattern, affirming that God’s redemptive acts are carried out before watching eyes for the sake of proclamation and accountability. Forms and Transliterations σύμπαν σύμπαντα σύμπαντας συμπαραστήσεταί συμπαρήμην συμπαρόντες σύμπασα σύμπασαν συμπάσας σύμπασι σύμπασιν συνπαροντες συνπαρόντες sumparontes symparontes symparóntesLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel Texts |
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