[Greek] ἀπάντησις (apantēsis), [Latin] obvius, [Latin] ocurrere: meeting, encounter, encountering; Mt.25:1,6, Acts 28:15, 1Thess.4:17
Background information:
Greek Hellenism: This term means to make reference to, escort, meeting in argument, and steadfastness. This is a technical term for an ancient custom whereby a public welcome was accorded by a city to important visitors. Polybius’ Histories 10.5.6 states “His boldness, as well as his previous popularity, secured him brilliant reception from the people.” Polybius’ Histories 5.43.3 states “Antiochus happened to be at Selucia, when Navarchus Diogenetus arrived, bring Laodice, an unmarried girl, destined to be the king’s wife.”
Old Testament: This term essentially means act of meeting or encounter. Such examples include affliction, poverty, misery, a calling out, a summoning, and appointing. God called the light day, and the darkness He called night (Gen.1:5). Then people began to call upon the name of the Lord (Gen.4:26). And Abraham named that place the Lord Will Provide (Gen.22:14). God has seen my affliction and the labor of my hand, so He rendered judgment last night (Gen.16:11).
New Testament: This term means to come (out) to meet. The Parable of the Ten Virgins illustrates those who are ready and not ready to meet the bridegroom. The foolish virgins fell asleep and did not have oil for their lamps. The wise virgins were ready to be received by the bridegroom. The brothers came to visit Paul in Rome. In the hope for the Christians, the remaining Christians will be caught up together in the clouds to meet the Lord. This anticipates the rapture.
Scripture:
“Then we who are alive, who are left, will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. Thus we shall always be with the Lord.” 1Thess.4:17
This is the hope for the Christian, anticipating the rapture.
“Then the kingdom of heaven will like ten virgins who took their lamps and went out to meet the bridegroom.” Mt.25:1
The wise virgins were ready (vigilant) to meet the bridegroom and were received by the bridegroom. The foolish virgins fell asleep and were not prepared (having no oil for their lamps) and were not received.
Etymology: The Latin noun obvius consist of (ob-) in front and -viam (way). Something obvious presents itself, becomes readily open, and clearly evident. The Latin verb ocurrere means to meet, to run to meet, and to come to mind.
Conclusion:
Obvious, occur, occurrence
This term can be applicable in any time period when important officials meet the public. It is interesting that Polybius makes reference to an official presenting a bride.
The Old Testament provides numerous examples of this term. The literal examples include poverty, affliction, and misery. The more nuanced examples include calling out and summoning.
The New Testament illustrates the readiness (preparedness), and meeting (indicating a future rapture). The parable of the Ten Virgins waiting for the bridegroom represents whether or not one is prepared in meeting the Lord. One never knows the day nor hour when the Lord will come.
I am ready to end this post.