Living Out Engiken: Fellowship in 1 Corinthians

The Meaning of engiken

The Greek term 'engiken' (ἐγγίκην) conveys the idea of coming near or approaching, as seen in its use in 1 Corinthians 16:17.

Derived from 'en-' (in) and 'gik-' (movement toward), it emphasizes proximity in both physical and relational contexts. This term highlights the impact of believers' presence in Paul's ministry, reflecting a broader New Testament theme of spiritual nearness.

Engiken in 1 Corinthians 16:17

In 1 Corinthians 16:17, Paul employs 'engiken' to convey the joyful reunion with Epaphroditus and the communal responsibility to honor his ministry.

The verse reads, 'I am glad that Epaphroditus, my brother, fellow worker and fellow soldier, has at last returned safe and sound. He is the kind of man you ought to welcome and respect' (1 Corinthians 16:17). Here, 'engiken' frames Epaphroditus’ return as both a physical and spiritual restoration, emphasizing the church’s duty to receive him with hospitality and recognition of his sacrificial service. Paul’s use of the term underscores the relational and practical dimensions of Christian fellowship, where proximity in mission translates to mutual care.

This moment highlights how 'engiken' bridges individual ministry and communal accountability, inviting deeper reflection on how believers embody nearness in service and solidarity.

Engiken's Broader Biblical Context

Paul’s use of *engiken* in 1 Corinthians 16:17 reflects a New Testament emphasis on relational proximity that extends beyond mere physical presence to spiritual solidarity.

This term differs from related Greek words like *proslambano* (to receive warmly, as in Romans 15:7) and *dechomai* (to accept, as in Matthew 25:35), which often focus on welcoming strangers or accepting spiritual gifts. *Engiken* uniquely underscores the joy of reunion and the shared labor of ministry, as seen in Paul’s celebration of Epaphroditus’ return.

Theological implications for early Christian community life highlight the necessity of intentional hospitality, where *engiken* frames believers as both givers and recipients of care. This dynamic reinforces mutual dependence, as 1 Corinthians 16:17 links nearness to one another with honor and practical support, bridging individual service to collective spiritual health.

Putting 'Engiken' into Practice

Believers today can embody *engiken* by intentionally creating spaces where others feel physically and spiritually welcomed, as Paul urged the Corinthians to honor Epaphroditus (1 Corinthians 16:17).

This requires proactive hospitality—such as extending warmth to newcomers, listening without judgment, and recognizing the sacrificial service of others, as Paul did for Epaphroditus. Churches might implement this through structured mentorship, shared meals, or communal prayer, while individuals can practice it by prioritizing relational presence over transactional interactions. However, cultural norms of self-reliance or fear of vulnerability often hinder such openness, as seen in communities that prioritize efficiency over connection.

Overcoming these barriers demands a conscious embrace of Paul’s model: honoring others’ contributions (1 Corinthians 16:17) and redefining 'nearness' as a spiritual discipline. This bridges *engiken*’s ancient roots to modern Christian community life.

Going Deeper

For readers interested in exploring 'engiken' further, several scholarly resources and related concepts provide valuable context.

Consulting a Greek New Testament lexicon like BDAG can clarify its linguistic roots, while commentaries on 1 Corinthians by scholars such as Gordon D. Fee or N.T. Wright offer theological insights. Related terms like *proslambano* (Romans 15:7) and *dechomai* (Matthew 25:35) also illuminate how early Christian communities understood hospitality and relational nearness in Greco-Roman and Jewish settings.