Lexical Summary sunapostelló: To send together, to dispatch together Original Word: συναποστέλλω Strong's Exhaustive Concordance send with. From sun and apostello; to despatch (on an errand) in company with -- send with. see GREEK sun see GREEK apostello NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom sun and apostelló Definition to send along with NASB Translation sent (1). Thayer's Greek Lexicon STRONGS NT 4882: συναποστέλλωσυναποστέλλω: 1 aorist συναπέστειλα; to send with: τινα, 2 Corinthians 12:18. (The Sept.; Thucydides, Xenophon, Demosthenes, Plutarch, others.) Topical Lexicon OverviewThe verb rendered “I sent with” (Strong’s Greek 4882) highlights the apostolic practice of dispatching trusted coworkers together for a shared mission. Its single New Testament occurrence centers on Paul’s relationship with the Corinthian church and illustrates the importance of collaborative ministry, accountability, and continuity of spirit among gospel workers. Context in 2 Corinthians 12:18 “I urged Titus to visit you and I sent our brother with him. Did Titus exploit you? Did we not walk in the same spirit and in the same footsteps?” (2 Corinthians 12:18). The statement forms part of Paul’s defense against accusations that he or his associates had profited from the Corinthians. By reminding them that Titus and the unnamed brother were sent together, Paul underscores transparency, mutual support, and consistent conduct. Pauline Delegated Ministry Paul seldom works alone. He sends Timothy (1 Corinthians 4:17), Tychicus (Ephesians 6:21), Epaphroditus (Philippians 2:25), and others, often pairing or grouping them. This pattern: • Maintains doctrinal consistency—coworkers reinforce apostolic teaching. Accountability and Integrity in Fund Collection The immediate backdrop is the collection for the Jerusalem saints (2 Corinthians 8–9). Paul insists on verifiable honesty: “We are taking pains to do what is right, not only before the Lord but also before men” (2 Corinthians 8:21). Sending Titus with another brother guards against suspicion of financial impropriety and models stewardship principles later echoed in Acts 20:34–35 and 1 Corinthians 16:3–4. Teamwork in Apostolic Mission Paul’s practice reflects the Lord’s own strategy of sending disciples “two by two” (Mark 6:7; Luke 10:1). Benefits include: • Mutual encouragement under hardship (Acts 13:2–3). Connections to Old Testament Patterns Moses and Aaron (Exodus 4:14–16), Joshua and Eleazar (Numbers 34:17), and Zerubbabel with Jeshua (Ezra 5:2) embody the motif of paired leadership. These precedents lend historical depth to Paul’s decision to send colleagues together, portraying continuity in God’s redemptive administration. Christological Dimensions Jesus is “the Apostle” sent from the Father (Hebrews 3:1) and simultaneously sends His followers (John 20:21). Paul’s habit of co-sending mirrors the unity between Father and Son—distinct persons acting with one purpose—thereby reflecting Trinitarian harmony in earthly mission. Implications for Modern Church Ministry 1. Shared leadership: Elders, deacons, and missionaries thrive when partnered. The solitary New Testament use of Strong’s 4882 thus serves as a concise yet powerful testament to cooperative ministry that is accountable, Spirit-empowered, and anchored in the unchanging pattern of God’s Word. Forms and Transliterations συναπεστειλα συναπέστειλα συναποστελείς συναποστελώ συνάπτε συνάπτοντες συναπτούσης συνάπτουσι συνάπτουσιν συναριθμθήσεται συνάψει συνάψεις συνάψητε συνάψουσιν συνήφθη συνήψαν συνήψε συνήψεν sunapesteila synapesteila synapésteilaLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel Texts |
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