Apago (ἀπάγω) means to lead away or bring someone from one place to another — often with a sense of authority or force. It is used of leading prisoners, bringing animals, and guiding people. In the Passion narrative, it describes how Jesus was led away to trial and execution.
The word appears prominently in the arrest and trial of Jesus. After his arrest in Gethsemane, Jesus was 'led away' (apagō) to the high priest (Mark 14:44, 53). After Pilate's condemnation, soldiers 'led him away' to crucify him (Mark 15:16, 20). The verb captures the mechanics of Jesus's humiliation — the Sovereign Lord of creation being led like a criminal through the streets of Jerusalem. Matthew 7:13-14 uses a different but resonant application: the broad way 'leads' (apagō) to destruction; the narrow way leads to life. Every human life is being 'led' somewhere — the question is where, and by whom.
Apago appears in one of Jesus's most piercing descriptions of the two roads of life (Matthew 7:13-14). The broad road that 'leads to destruction' and the narrow road that 'leads to life' capture the entire drama of human choice. Jesus himself was 'led away' by human authorities — yet this very act was the means by which He secured eternal life for those who follow the narrow path. The one who was led away to be crucified is now the one who leads many sons to glory (Hebrews 2:10).