May 9, 2008

Called or Invited

Jesus and his family were "called" or "invited" or "bidden" to the marriage in Cana of Galilee.

Those who say that they believe in calling men, in the gospel, but not "inviting" them, err in not understanding that the two words are virtual synonyms. We might even use other English words like "request," or "ask," or in a phrase like "desires your presence" at the marriage.

"Called" is from the Greek word "kaleō" and means, according to Strong:

1) to call a) to call aloud, utter in a loud voice b) to invite
2) to call i.e. to name, by name a) to give a name to 1) to receive the name of, receive as a name 2) to give some name to one, call his nameb) to be called i.e. to bear a name or title (among men) c) to salute one by name

It is translated "called" 125 times and "bid" 16 times.


All men are invited or called to Christ in the gospel.

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