The Greek word proslambánō, represented by G4355, means to take to oneself. This action can refer to using food, leading someone aside, or admitting a person to friendship or hospitality. It appears 15 times across 13 unique verses in scripture, demonstrating its importance in describing both physical and relational acts.
In the Bible, G4355 is used in several distinct contexts. It is a key term for Christian fellowship, commanding believers to receive one another, including those who are weak in the faith Romans 14:1. This human act of acceptance is modeled on God's own grace, as the text affirms that God has received the believer Romans 14:3. The command is powerfully summarized in the instruction to receive ye one another, as Christ also received us Romans 15:7. The word can also describe taking someone into one's company for instruction, as when Aquila and Priscilla took Apollos unto them and expounded the way of God more perfectly Acts 18:26. In a negative sense, it is used when unbelieving Jews took unto them lewd fellows to start an uproar Acts 17:5. On a literal level, it refers to taking nourishment, as when Paul urged his shipmates to take some meat for their health Acts 27:34.
Several related words help clarify the scope of G4355:
- G240 allḗlōn (one another): This term defines the reciprocal nature of the action. It is frequently paired with commands for mutual care within the community, such as the call to love one another John 13:34 and to receive one another Romans 15:7.
- G1848 exouthenéō (despise, set at nought): This word represents the direct opposite of receiving someone. In the context of Christian liberty, believers are warned not to despise the one whom God has received Romans 14:3.
- G2844 koinōnós (partner, companion): This word highlights a shared fellowship that serves as the basis for reception. Paul appeals to this relationship when asking Philemon to receive Onesimus as he would a partner Philemon 1:17.
- G5160 trophḗ (food, meat): This word points to the literal, physical application of G4355. After a long period of fasting at sea, the crew and passengers were encouraged and took some meat Acts 27:36.
The theological significance of G4355 is centered on the nature of Christian community and grace.
- Active Acceptance: The command to receive the weak in faith G4102 is not passive tolerance but an active welcome into fellowship, moving beyond judgment and disputations Romans 14:1.
- Divine Example: The foundation for human acceptance is divine reception. Believers are to receive each other because Christ has first received them, an act that brings glory G1391 to God G2316 Romans 15:7. This transforms hospitality into a spiritual discipline.
- Intentional Association: The word implies a purposeful act of taking someone into one's circle. This can be for discipleship Acts 18:26, misguided correction Matthew 16:22, or even for harm Acts 17:5, showing that the intent behind the association is critical.
- Tangible Care: The use of G4355 for taking food G5160 and for showing kindness G5363 demonstrates that spiritual reception should be accompanied by practical care for others' physical well-being (Acts 27:34, Acts 28:2).
In summary, G4355 is a multifaceted word that bridges the gap between the physical and the spiritual. It encompasses the simple act of taking food, the social dynamic of choosing associates, and the profound theological command to welcome others into fellowship. More than just a word for hospitality, it is a cornerstone of Christian ethics, grounding the community's life in the welcoming grace of God and providing a clear command for how believers should treat one another.
TRV