The Greek word metapémpō, represented by G3343, means to summon or invite someone from another place. It appears 8 times in 7 unique verses in the Bible. The word is formed from μετά and πέμπω, conveying the idea of sending for someone to have them come to the sender.
In the biblical narrative, all occurrences of G3343 are found in the book of Acts, where it is used to describe a summons that initiates a significant event. A pivotal use is when an angel of God directs Cornelius, a centurion, to send for Simon Peter Acts 10:22. This summons is repeated in Peter's recounting of the event Acts 11:13. When Peter arrives, he confirms he came because he was sent for Acts 10:29. The word is also used to describe human summonses with varying motives, such as when Felix sent for Paul to hear about the faith Acts 24:24 but also hoped for a bribe Acts 24:26, or when Paul's enemies plotted to have him sent for to Jerusalem so they could kill him Acts 25:3.
Several related words clarify the action and context of summoning:
- G3992 pémpō (to dispatch): This is a base component of metapémpō and describes the act of sending. It is used in direct parallel in Acts 10:5, where Cornelius is told to "send men to Joppa, and call for one Simon."
- G32 ángelos (angel, messenger): The summons of Peter by Cornelius was divinely initiated by a holy messenger from God Acts 10:22. An angel is a key agent in bringing about God's will.
- G191 akoúō (to hear): A primary purpose for summoning someone is to listen to them. Cornelius was told to send for Peter in order to hear words from him Acts 10:22, and Felix sent for Paul to hear him concerning the faith in Christ Acts 24:24.
The use of G3343 carries significant narrative weight, often marking a turning point orchestrated for a divine or human purpose.
- Divine Appointments: The summons of Peter to the house of Cornelius is not a mere invitation but a divinely commanded meeting. An angel directs Cornelius to send for Peter, an action that opens the way for the gospel to be preached to the Gentiles Acts 10:22.
- Confrontation with the Gospel: Being sent for often results in a direct encounter with spiritual truth. Felix sends for Paul specifically to hear about "the faith in Christ" Acts 24:24, placing the gospel message before a powerful Roman official.
- Human Motives: The act of summoning is also driven by human intent, both good and evil. While Cornelius sends for Peter out of a desire to fear God Acts 10:22, Felix sends for Paul hoping for money Acts 24:26, and the Jews desire to send for Paul as part of a murderous plot Acts 25:3.
In summary, G3343 metapémpō is a specific term for summoning or inviting that, in scripture, is used exclusively in the book of Acts. It serves as a key verb to advance the narrative, bringing characters together for pivotal interactions. Whether initiated by a holy angel for the expansion of the church or by humans for personal gain or malicious intent, the act of sending for someone consistently leads to a consequential encounter with key figures of the early church.
TRV