### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek term εἰσκαλέω (eiskaléō, `{{G1528}}`) is a compound verb formed from the preposition εἰς (eis, `{{G1519}}`), meaning "into" or "to," and the verb καλέω (kaleō, `{{G2564}}`), meaning "to call" or "to invite." The combination thus conveys the precise sense of "to call in" or "to invite into." Its semantic range is quite narrow and specific, primarily denoting the act of summoning or welcoming someone *into* a particular space, most notably a dwelling or home. Unlike the broader καλέω, which can refer to a general summons or naming, εἰσκαλέω emphasizes the directed, inward movement of the invited party, highlighting an act of intentional welcome and hospitality. It implies an open door and an explicit invitation to cross a threshold.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term εἰσκαλέω appears infrequently in the New Testament, with only two occurrences, both found in the Book of Acts. These instances, though few, are highly significant for understanding the practical application of the word within the nascent Christian community:
* **[[Acts 10:23]]**: "So he invited them in and gave them lodging." Here, Peter, after receiving a vision and encountering the messengers sent by Cornelius, εἰσκαλέω (eiskaléō) them into his home. This act of inviting Gentiles into a Jewish home was a profound departure from traditional Jewish customs concerning ritual purity and association with non-Jews. The context immediately precedes Peter's pivotal visit to Cornelius, signaling a crucial step in the early church's understanding of the inclusion of Gentiles into the covenant community. The invitation is not merely an act of courtesy but a symbolic breaking down of social and religious barriers.
* **[[Acts 28:7]]**: "Publius welcomed us and entertained us hospitably for three days." In this passage, Publius, the chief official of Malta, εἰσκαλέω (eiskaléō) Paul and his shipwrecked companions into his estate. This demonstrates an act of immediate and generous hospitality towards strangers in need. The context highlights the providential care of God for Paul and his mission, as well as the practical expression of compassion and welcome often extended to travelers in the ancient world.
In both instances, εἰσκαλέω describes a literal act of inviting individuals into a private residence for lodging or hospitality. The word underscores the initiation of a relationship, often between strangers, through an act of welcoming.
### Related Words & Concepts
The meaning of εἰσκαλέω is illuminated by its relationship to other Greek terms and concepts:
* **καλέω (kaleō, `{{G2564}}`)**: The foundational verb meaning "to call," "to invite." εἰσκαλέω specifies the *direction* of the call – an inward invitation.
* **εἰσέρχομαι (eiserchomai, `{{G1525}}`)**: "To go in," "to enter." This describes the action that results from being εἰσκαλέω – the physical act of entering a place.
* **ξενίζω (xenizō, `{{G3576}}`)**: "To entertain strangers," "to show hospitality." This verb describes the broader activity of which εἰσκαλέω is often the initiating action.
* **φιλοξενία (philoxenia, `{{G5381}}`)**: "Love of strangers," "hospitality." This noun represents the virtue or disposition that motivates the act of εἰσκαλέω.
* **προσκαλέω (proskaleō, `{{G4341}}`)**: "To call to oneself." While also an invitation, it lacks the specific "inward" direction implied by εἰς.
* **συναγωνίζομαι (sunagonizomai, `{{G4866}}`)**: While not directly related in meaning, the concept of communal living and shared space is often fostered through acts of invitation.
The word εἰσκαλέω thus sits within a cluster of terms related to welcome, hospitality, and the formation of community, emphasizing the initial act of opening one's space to another.
### Theological Significance
Though a relatively rare word, εἰσκαλέω carries significant theological weight within its specific contexts in Acts:
1. **The Virtue of Hospitality:** The word highlights hospitality as a concrete expression of Christian love and service. In the early church, hospitality was not merely a social nicety but a vital practice that facilitated the spread of the Gospel, provided care for traveling missionaries, and fostered fellowship among believers and seekers. It reflects the biblical imperative to welcome the stranger, echoing passages like [[Hebrews 13:2]] and [[Romans 12:13]].
2. **Breaking Down Barriers to Inclusion:** The instance in [[Acts 10:23]] is profoundly significant. Peter's act of inviting Gentile messengers into his home directly challenged deeply ingrained Jewish purity laws and social boundaries. This seemingly simple act of "calling in" became a tangible manifestation of God's redemptive plan to include all peoples—Jew and Gentile—into His family. It prefigures the theological reality that "in Christ there is neither Jew nor Gentile" [[Galatians 3:28]]. The invitation across a physical threshold symbolized the invitation across cultural and religious divides into the spiritual household of God.
3. **Divine Orchestration:** Both occurrences of εἰσκαλέω are situated within narratives where divine providence is clearly at work. Peter's vision and Cornelius's vision lead directly to the invitation in [[Acts 10]], while the shipwreck and Publius's hospitality are part of God's plan for Paul's ministry in [[Acts 28]]. Thus, human acts of hospitality, initiated by an εἰσκαλέω, become instruments in God's broader redemptive purposes.
4. **Fellowship and Koinonia:** The act of inviting someone into one's home inherently fosters fellowship (κοινωνία, koinonia, `{{G2842}}`). It creates a space for shared life, conversation, and mutual support, embodying the communal nature of the early church.
### Summary
The Greek word εἰσκαλέω (eiskaléō, `{{G1528}}`), meaning "to call in" or "to invite into," is a precise term emphasizing an intentional invitation into a specific space, typically a home. Its limited but powerful occurrences in the Book of Acts underscore its significance in the life and mission of the early church. In [[Acts 10:23]], Peter's act of εἰσκαλέω the Gentile messengers into his home serves as a pivotal moment, symbolizing the breaking down of social and religious barriers and the divine invitation of Gentiles into God's household. In [[Acts 28:7]], Publius's εἰσκαλέω of Paul and his companions exemplifies the vital Christian virtue of hospitality towards strangers. Thus, while a simple word describing a physical action, εἰσκαλέω carries profound theological implications, highlighting the importance of hospitality, the inclusive nature of God's redemptive plan, and the divine orchestration of human encounters for the advancement of the Gospel. It embodies the welcoming spirit that defines Christian community and witness.
TRV