Strong’s Greek 4842 (συνεπέμπω) denotes “to send together with” or “to dispatch in company with another.” The verb highlights coordinated mission rather than solitary endeavor, stressing deliberate partnership in travel, message, and purpose.

New Testament Usage

The word occurs twice, both in 2 Corinthians 8. Paul writes, “Along with Titus we are sending the brother who is praised by all the churches for his work in the gospel” (2 Corinthians 8:18), and again, “And we are sending with them our brother whom we have often tested and found earnest in many matters” (2 Corinthians 8:22). In each instance the verb underscores Paul’s practice of commissioning trusted coworkers as a team to handle the charitable offering bound for Jerusalem.

The Principle of Shared Mission

1. Biblical precedent. Jesus sent the Twelve and then the Seventy “two by two” (Mark 6:7; Luke 10:1), establishing a pattern of joint labor that safeguarded testimony, encouraged mutual support, and multiplied witness.
2. Apostolic teams. Acts repeatedly records Paul and companions being “sent” (Acts 13:3; 15:40). Strong’s 4842 captures the added dimension of being sent together, showing that partnership is not incidental but embedded in apostolic methodology.

Accountability and Transparency

The immediate context is the collection for the saints in Jerusalem (2 Corinthians 8–9). By sending multiple brothers, Paul:
• Demonstrated financial integrity—no one handled the gift alone.
• Ensured corporate endorsement—the chosen men were “approved by the churches” (2 Corinthians 8:19).
• Protected reputations—“that no one should be able to find fault with us regarding this generous gift we are administering” (2 Corinthians 8:20).

The verb therefore carries ethical weight, showing that collaborative sending is both practical and protective.

Fellowship and Mutual Support

To be “sent with” implies:
• Shared dangers: travel in the ancient world was perilous; companionship mitigated risk (2 Corinthians 11:26).
• Shared encouragement: “Iron sharpens iron” (Proverbs 27:17) materializes when coworkers journey together.
• Shared labor: gifts, exhortation, administration, and preaching were distributed among the team, reflecting the Spirit’s diverse gifting (1 Corinthians 12:4–7).

Historical Backdrop

The brothers mentioned may include Luke or another well-known evangelist (tradition favors Luke for 8:18). Their commendation by “all the churches” shows the early church’s inter-regional cooperation. Such cooperation was crucial for the Jerusalem relief effort, begun in the mid-A.D. 40s and climaxing with the offering delivered by Paul in the late 50s (Acts 24:17).

Theological Implications

1. The Church as a sent community: Mission is rarely the task of a lone hero; it is the coordinated action of Christ’s body (John 20:21).
2. Stewardship as worship: Proper handling of resources is inseparable from gospel proclamation (Philippians 4:18).
3. Unity amid diversity: Different brothers with different reputations and gifts are “sent together,” portraying the manifold grace of God (1 Peter 4:10).

Practical Applications for the Church Today

• Form ministry teams rather than isolated roles, reflecting the biblical model of co-sending.
• Maintain transparent financial practices with multiple accountable leaders.
• Recognize and commission gifted individuals publicly, securing congregational trust.
• Encourage inter-church cooperation for missions and relief, emulating the Corinthian example.

Sunépempō reminds modern believers that effective, credible ministry advances best when God’s people are dispatched together—shoulder to shoulder, hearts united, and purpose aligned with the gospel.