Lexical Summary sunepomai: To accompany, to follow closely, to go along with. Original Word: συνεπόμαι Strong's Exhaustive Concordance accompany. Middle voice from sun and a primary hepo (to follow); to attend (travel) in company with -- accompany. see GREEK sun Thayer's Greek Lexicon STRONGS NT 4902: συνέπομαισυνέπομαι: imperfect συνειπομην; from Homer down; to follow with, to accompany: τίνι, one, Acts 20:4. Topical Lexicon Overview Strong’s Greek 4902 conveys the idea of accompanying someone, traveling together, or going along with another. The single New Testament occurrence, Acts 20:4, places the term in the record of Paul’s third missionary journey, highlighting fellowship in gospel service. Biblical Occurrence Acts 20:4 presents a representative team that “accompanied him” as Paul moved from Macedonia toward Asia Minor. The verb underscores intentional partnership rather than casual association. Historical Context in Acts After the tumult in Ephesus (Acts 19:23-41) Paul planned to carry the benevolence offering from Gentile churches to Jerusalem (Romans 15:25-26; 1 Corinthians 16:1-4). The named men—Sopater, Aristarchus, Secundus, Gaius, Timothy, Tychicus, and Trophimus—likely served as delegates for their home congregations, guarding the collection’s integrity and demonstrating inter-church unity (2 Corinthians 8:19-21). By recording that they “accompanied” Paul, Luke presents the apostle neither as a lone hero nor an isolated authority figure, but as a leader surrounded by trusted coworkers. The Role of Ministry Companions 1. Accountability: Traveling with recognized representatives provided transparency for financial stewardship (2 Corinthians 8:20-21). Themes of Unity and Diversity The list in Acts 20:4 spans regions—Macedonia, Galatia, Asia. Evangelism had already broken ethnic and social barriers (Ephesians 2:14-16). By journeying together these men embodied the “one body” reality (1 Corinthians 12:12-13), a living testimony before both the churches and unbelieving onlookers. Accountability and Safety in Travel First-century roads exposed travelers to robbers, shipwreck, and false accusation. Group travel offered protection (Luke 10:1). It also shielded the reputation of the missionary enterprise: “Take pains to do what is right, not only before the Lord but also before men” (2 Corinthians 8:21). Discipleship and Leadership Development Paul consistently included others: Barnabas (Acts 13:2), Silas (Acts 15:40), Luke (Acts 16:10). The pattern reflects the Master who sent the Twelve two by two (Mark 6:7). The single occurrence of Strong’s 4902 thus participates in a broader biblical theology of partnership. Related Biblical Examples • Moses and Joshua—Exodus 24:13 Each illustrates God’s preference for shared ministry. Implications for the Church • Mission ventures benefit from plural leadership and transparent handling of resources. Encouragement for Modern Believers Believers today, whether sending or going, imitate the Acts 20 model when they travel, serve, and suffer together for Christ’s name. The word translated “accompanied” reminds the Church that gospel progress is a community endeavor sustained by faithful fellowship. Forms and Transliterations συνειπετο συνείπετο συνεπέθεντο συνεπεσκέπησαν συνεπιθή συνεπιθώνται συνεπισκέψη συνεπίσταμαι συνεπίσχυσαν συνεπιτιθέμενα συνεπιτιθεμένων suneipeto syneipeto syneípetoLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel Texts |
    |