Strong’s Greek 3333, metakaléō, appears four times in the New Testament, uniformly translated in the Berean Standard Bible as “call for,” “send for,” or “summon.” In every occurrence the verb conveys an intentional invitation that produces movement toward a divinely ordained purpose. Whether the initiative originates with God (Acts 10:32), a patriarch (Acts 7:14), an apostle (Acts 20:17), or a Roman governor (Acts 24:25), the summons sets a stage where the will of God is clarified and advanced.

God’s Sovereign Direction in Salvation History

Luke employs metakaléō twice to illustrate how the Lord orchestrates turning points in redemption’s story.
• Acts 7:14—“Then Joseph sent for his father Jacob and all his relatives, seventy-five in all.” Joseph’s summons relocates the covenant family to Egypt, preserving them from famine and positioning Israel for future deliverance. The verb highlights Joseph’s authority yet simultaneously unveils God’s hidden hand guiding the patriarchs.
• Acts 10:32—“Therefore send to Joppa and call for Simon, who is called Peter.” Cornelius receives angelic instructions to summon Peter so that the gospel can bridge the Jew-Gentile divide. By choosing metakaléō, Luke underscores that the initiative originates in heaven: Cornelius merely echoes God’s directive. The resulting outpouring of the Holy Spirit on Gentile hearers (Acts 10:44) confirms that the summons was essential to God’s inclusive plan.

Formation and Care of Church Leadership

Acts 20:17 records Paul’s strategic use of the verb: “From Miletus, Paul sent to Ephesus for the elders of the church.” The apostle’s summons gathers shepherds for a farewell discourse that blends encouragement and warning. The passage reveals key pastoral themes—humble service, vigilance against false doctrine, and reliance on God’s word (Acts 20:18-32). Metakaléō signals that leaders must sometimes be “called in” to receive fresh instruction and reaffirm their stewardship.

Confrontation with Personal Accountability

In Acts 24:25 the direction of the summons is reversed: a secular ruler calls for an apostle. “When I find the time, I will summon you,” Felix tells Paul after hearing of “righteousness, self-control, and the coming judgment.” The verb frames Felix’s procrastination; he wants the gospel on his schedule, unaware that the summons of God overrules the summons of men. The narrative implicitly warns that delaying response to divine truth endangers the soul.

Ministry Implications for Today

1. Initiative in Evangelism—Like Cornelius, believers should be ready to “send for” faithful teachers so that entire households may hear the message of salvation.
2. Leadership Development—Paul’s pattern encourages churches to convene elders purposefully for prayerful debriefing, doctrinal reinforcement, and mutual accountability.
3. Obedient Mobility—Those who are “called for” should respond without hesitation, trusting that God choreographs such invitations for kingdom advance.
4. Earnest Urgency—Felix’s example cautions against postponing repentance. When the word of God summons, delay is disobedience.

Theological Reflections

Metakaléō threads together divine sovereignty and human responsibility. Each summons forms a link in the unfolding plan of God, yet individuals remain accountable for their response. Whether the invitation leads to geographic relocation, ecclesial instruction, or moral confrontation, Scripture presents the summons as a grace-filled moment that demands decisive action.

Conclusion

Strong’s 3333 portrays more than a simple invitation; it depicts the purposeful call that moves people into the orbit of God’s redemptive activity. From patriarchal preservation to Gentile inclusion, from pastoral equipping to personal reckoning, every occurrence urges readers to heed God’s summons promptly and wholeheartedly.