Topical Encyclopedia The term "convene" refers to the act of calling together an assembly or gathering for a specific purpose. In the context of the Bible, convening often involves the gathering of people for religious, judicial, or communal purposes. The concept of convening is integral to the life and practices of the people of Israel and the early Christian church.Old Testament Context In the Old Testament, convening is frequently associated with the assembly of the Israelites for worship, instruction, or decision-making. One of the most significant examples is the gathering of the Israelites at Mount Sinai, where God gave the Ten Commandments. Exodus 19:17 states, "Then Moses brought the people out of the camp to meet with God, and they stood at the foot of the mountain." This convening was a divine appointment, emphasizing the importance of communal worship and obedience to God's law. The concept of convening is also evident in the regular assemblies commanded by God, such as the feasts and festivals. Leviticus 23 outlines various appointed times, including the Sabbath, Passover, and the Feast of Tabernacles, where the Israelites were to gather for worship and celebration. These convocations served to unite the community in remembrance of God's acts and to reinforce their identity as His chosen people. Judicial and Leadership Assemblies Convene also pertains to the judicial and leadership gatherings in Israel. The elders and leaders of the tribes would convene to make decisions and administer justice. In Deuteronomy 31:28 , Moses instructs, "Assemble to me all the elders of your tribes and all your officials, so that I may speak these words in their hearing and call heaven and earth to witness against them." Such assemblies were crucial for maintaining order and ensuring that the community adhered to God's statutes. New Testament Context In the New Testament, the concept of convening takes on new dimensions with the establishment of the early church. The apostles and early Christians frequently convened for prayer, teaching, and fellowship. Acts 2:42 describes the early believers: "They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer." These gatherings were foundational for the growth and unity of the church. The Jerusalem Council, as recorded in Acts 15, is a notable example of convening for decision-making in the early church. The apostles and elders gathered to address the issue of Gentile believers and the requirements of the Mosaic Law. Acts 15:6 states, "So the apostles and elders met to look into this matter." This assembly highlights the importance of convening to seek divine guidance and maintain doctrinal purity. Spiritual Significance The act of convening holds spiritual significance as it reflects the communal nature of God's people. Hebrews 10:25 exhorts believers, "Let us not neglect meeting together, as some have made a habit, but let us encourage one another, and all the more as you see the Day approaching." Convening is not merely a physical gathering but a spiritual exercise that fosters encouragement, accountability, and growth in faith. Throughout Scripture, the act of convening underscores the importance of community, worship, and obedience to God. Whether in the context of Israel's assemblies or the gatherings of the early church, convening serves as a vital expression of faith and unity among God's people. Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary 1. (v. i.) To call together; to summon; to unite; as, to convene a meeting of the elders.2. (v. i.) To come together, as in one body or for a public purpose; to meet; to assemble. 3. (v. t.) To cause to assemble; to call together; to convoke. 4. (v. t.) To summon judicially to meet or appear. Greek 4905. sunerchomai -- to come together, by ext. to accompany ... From sun and erchomai; to convene, depart in company with, associate with, or (specially), cohabit (conjugally) -- accompany, assemble (with), come (together ... //strongsnumbers.com/greek2/4905.htm - 8k 4836. sumparaginomai -- to be present together 4867. sunathroizo -- to gather together 4871. sunalizo -- to assemble with 4863. sunago -- to lead together, ie bring together, hence come ... Strong's Hebrew 2199. zaaq -- to cry, cry out, call... A primitive root; to shriek (from anguish or danger); by analogy, (as a herald) to announce or convene publicly -- assemble, call (together), (make a) cry (out ... /hebrew/2199.htm - 6k Library The Emperor Purposed, on Account of the Heresy of Aetius and the ... From the Saying of Our Lord we Know that the Flesh is Weak... Knox's Book of Common Order. The Transplanting of Congregationalism Protest of the Princes Protest of the Princes. Of the Presbyter Anastasius, by whom the Faith of Nestorius was ... Epiphanius Bishop of Cyprus Convenes a Synod to Condemn the Books ... Cruelty of Macedonius, and Tumults Raised by Him. Of the Synod at Ariminum, and the Creed There Published. Thesaurus Convene (6 Occurrences)... Noah Webster's Dictionary 1. (vi) To call together; to summon; to unite; as, to convene a meeting of the elders. ...Convene (6 Occurrences). ... /c/convene.htm - 8k Convened (13 Occurrences) Assemble (77 Occurrences) Jordan's (4 Occurrences) Whomever (22 Occurrences) Convent Contest (7 Occurrences) Challenge (6 Occurrences) Contumely (2 Occurrences) Sheepfold (3 Occurrences) Resources What happened at the Council of Trent? | GotQuestions.orgConvene: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Concordance Convene (6 Occurrences)Numbers 8:9 Numbers 20:8 Deuteronomy 31:12 Job 9:19 Jeremiah 50:44 Daniel 3:2 Subtopics Related Terms |
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