### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek adverb **asménōs**, represented by `{{G780}}`, means to do something **gladly** or with pleasure. It is an uncommon term, appearing only **2 times** in **2 unique verses**, yet it highlights specific moments of joyful reception within the narrative of the early church.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In its biblical appearances, `{{G780}}` describes a joyful and willing reception. In one instance, it characterizes the response of those who heard Peter's preaching; they **gladly** received his **word** and were baptized, leading to the addition of about three thousand souls to the church [[Acts 2:41]]. In the other context, it describes how the **brethren** in Jerusalem received Paul and his companions **gladly** upon their arrival [[Acts 21:17]]. In both cases, the term underscores a positive and wholehearted welcome toward either the divine message or fellow believers.
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words help clarify the context in which this gladness appears:
* `{{G588}}` **apodéchomai** (to take fully, i.e. welcome (persons), approve (things)): This verb is paired directly with **asménōs** in [[Acts 2:41]]. It describes those who fully and with approval welcomed the word they heard.
* `{{G1209}}` **déchomai** (to receive): This is the verb used in the second occurrence, where the brethren **received** the apostles gladly [[Acts 21:17]]. It is a common term for accepting what is offered, whether it is the word [[James 1:21]] or people [[Matthew 10:41]].
* `{{G3056}}` **lógos** (word): This is the object of the glad reception in [[Acts 2:41]]. It refers to a message or doctrine, and in the New Testament often signifies the gospel or the divine expression of God ([[John 1:1]], [[Hebrews 4:12]]).
* `{{G80}}` **adelphós** (brother): This term identifies those who gladly received the apostles in Jerusalem [[Acts 21:17]]. It is frequently used to refer to fellow believers within the Christian community ([[Romans 12:1]], [[Philippians 4:8]]).
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of `{{G780}}` is seen in its application to core Christian experiences:
* **Joyful Response to the Gospel:** The word highlights that the ideal response to the gospel **word** `{{G3056}}` is not mere passive acceptance, but active joy. This glad reception in [[Acts 2:41]] led immediately to baptism `{{G907}}` and the growth of the church as souls were **added** `{{G4369}}`.
* **The Nature of Fellowship:** The term is used to characterize the welcome extended between **brethren** `{{G80}}` in the early church [[Acts 21:17]]. This gladness demonstrates the warmth, unity, and love that should define relationships among believers.
* **A Mark of a Prepared Heart:** The gladness of **asménōs** implies a willing and eager heart, prepared to **receive** `{{G1209}}` the truth. This contrasts with a reluctant acceptance and points to a spirit ready to embrace God's word and his messengers.
### Summary
In summary, **asménōs** `{{G780}}` is a concise and potent adverb that captures a spirit of joyful welcome. Though it appears only twice, it marks two pivotal moments of reception in the book of Acts: the acceptance of the gospel by new converts and the welcoming of apostles by established **brethren**. It defines an attitude of eager and pleased acceptance that is foundational to both evangelism and Christian fellowship.
TRV