Lexical Summary apodechomai: To accept, to receive favorably, to welcome Original Word: ἀποδέχομαι Strong's Exhaustive Concordance accept, receive gladly. From apo and dechomai; to take fully, i.e. Welcome (persons), approve (things) -- accept, receive (gladly). see GREEK apo see GREEK dechomai HELPS Word-studies 588 apodéxomai (from 575 /apó, "from" and 1209 /déxomai, "to receive heartily, welcome") – properly "receive from," i.e. as the prior circumstance (or individual) inspires glad reception ("gladly welcome"). [588 (apodéxomai) focuses back on whom (what) is welcomingly received. Note the force of the prefix (apo).] NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom apo and dechomai Definition to accept gladly, welcome NASB Translation acknowledge (1), received (2), welcome (1), welcomed (1), welcoming (2). Thayer's Greek Lexicon STRONGS NT 588: ἀποδέχομαιἀποδέχομαι; deponent middle; imperfect ἀπεδεχομην; 1 aorist ἀπεδεξαμην; 1 aorist passive ἀπεδεχθην; common in Greek writings, especially the Attic, from Homer down; in the N. T. used only by Luke; to accept what is offered from without (ἀπό, cf. Latinexcipio), to accept from, receive: τινα, simply, to give one access to oneself, Luke 9:11 L T Tr WH; Acts 28:30; with emphasis (cf. Tobit 7:17 and Fritzsche at the passage), to receive with joy, Luke 8:40; to receive to hospitality, Acts 21:17 L T Tr WH; to grant one access to oneself in the capacity in which he wishes to be regarded, e. g. as the messenger of others, Acts 15:4 (L T Tr WH παρεδέχθησαν); as a Christian, Acts 18:27; metaphorically, τί, to receive into the mind with assent: to approve, Acts 24:3; to believe, τόν λόγον, Acts 2:41; (so in Greek writings especially Plato; cf. Ast, Lex. Plato, i., p. 232). Topical Lexicon Meaning and Nuanced Usage Though ἀποδέχομαι (Strong’s 588) fundamentally signifies “to receive with approval,” the verb goes beyond passive acceptance. Each New Testament context displays an eager, appreciative welcome that confirms both the worth of what is received and the goodwill of the receiver. The idea includes active embrace, endorsement, and the consequent commitment flowing from that embrace. Occurrences in the New Testament 1. Luke 8:40 – The multitudes “welcomed” Jesus as He returned to Galilee, showing a corporate, almost celebratory reception of His person and ministry. The Hospitality of Faith Biblical hospitality is more than social courtesy; it is an outward expression of covenant community. Each occurrence of ἀποδέχομαι embodies a theologically charged hospitality: Jesus is welcomed, the gospel is welcomed, and gospel messengers are welcomed. Conversely, Paul’s own welcoming of visitors in Rome models Christlike openness even under duress. Apostolic Reception and Fellowship In Acts 18:27 and Acts 21:17 the verb illuminates apostolic cooperation. Acceptance of Apollos safeguards doctrinal continuity, while the Jerusalem church’s acceptance of Paul preserves the unity of the Spirit amid cultural tensions. ἀποδέχομαι therefore undergirds authentic fellowship by affirming shared faith and mission. Evangelistic and Missional Implications Acts 2:41 shows that genuine reception of the word leads to immediate, tangible fruit—“those who accepted his message were baptized, and about three thousand souls were added” (Berean Standard Bible). Evangelism thus aims not at mere mental assent but at a warm, decisive embrace that results in discipleship and church growth. Pastoral and Discipleship Insights Paul’s stance in Acts 28:30 exemplifies pastoral openness. Even confined, he “welcomed all who came to him,” teaching “the kingdom of God and the things concerning Jesus Christ.” Ministry effectiveness is therefore measured not by circumstances but by one’s readiness to receive seekers, skeptics, and saints alike. Theological Reflections 1. Christology: The crowds’ reception of Jesus foreshadows the fuller acceptance required of every believer—embracing Him as Lord. Historical Context First-century travel and communication depended on patronage and hospitality networks. ἀποδέχομαι captures the formal recognition extended within these networks—letters of commendation (Acts 18:27), civic gratitude (Acts 24:3), and apostolic endorsements. Understanding these social conventions enriches appreciation for Luke’s narrative strategy in portraying the unstoppable spread of the gospel. Applications for Contemporary Ministry • Cultivate congregational cultures that joyfully receive biblical teaching and godly teachers. Summary Strong’s Greek 588, ἀποδέχομαι, paints a portrait of Spirit-born receptivity that welcomes Christ, His message, and His messengers, while extending that same grace to all who seek the truth. Wherever the verb appears, the kingdom advances through hearts and homes flung wide open to the Lord and to one another. Forms and Transliterations απεδεξαντο ἀπεδέξαντο απεδεξατο απεδέξατο ἀπεδέξατο απεδεχετο απεδέχετο ἀπεδέχετο απεδέχθησαν αποδεδεμένους αποδεξαμενοι αποδεξάμενοι ἀποδεξάμενοι αποδεξαμενος ἀποδεξάμενος αποδεξασθαι αποδέξασθαι ἀποδέξασθαι αποδεχομεθα αποδεχόμεθα ἀποδεχόμεθα αποδήσει apedecheto apedécheto apedexanto apedéxanto apedexato apedéxato apodechometha apodechómetha apodexamenoi apodexámenoi apodexamenos apodexámenos apodexasthai apodéxasthaiLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance Luke 8:40 V-AIM-3SGRK: τὸν Ἰησοῦν ἀπεδέξατο αὐτὸν ὁ NAS: the people welcomed Him, for they had all KJV: the people [gladly] received him: INT: Jesus glady received him the Luke 9:11 V-APM-NMS Acts 2:41 V-APM-NMP Acts 18:27 V-ANM Acts 21:17 V-AIM-3P Acts 24:3 V-PIM/P-1P Acts 28:30 V-IIM/P-3S Strong's Greek 588 |
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