Romans 16 5

Romans 16:5 kjv

Likewise greet the church that is in their house. Salute my well-beloved Epaenetus, who is the firstfruits of Achaia unto Christ.

Romans 16:5 nkjv

Likewise greet the church that is in their house. Greet my beloved Epaenetus, who is the firstfruits of Achaia to Christ.

Romans 16:5 niv

Greet also the church that meets at their house. Greet my dear friend Epenetus, who was the first convert to Christ in the province of Asia.

Romans 16:5 esv

Greet also the church in their house. Greet my beloved Epaenetus, who was the first convert to Christ in Asia.

Romans 16:5 nlt

Also give my greetings to the church that meets in their home. Greet my dear friend Epenetus. He was the first person from the province of Asia to become a follower of Christ.

Romans 16 verses

Romans 16 5 Meaning

Romans 16:5 conveys Paul's affectionate salutation to an early Christian community, specifically mentioning a "church in their house," which underscores the domestic setting of early Christian gatherings. It then extends a personal greeting to Epaenetus, identifying him as Paul's "beloved" and designating him as the "firstfruits of Asia unto Christ." This highlights Epaenetus's significance as one of the earliest converts in the Roman province of Asia, demonstrating the spread of the Gospel and Paul's personal connection to key individuals in his missionary endeavors.

Romans 16 5 Context

Romans 16 serves primarily as a chapter of personal greetings, indicating Paul's extensive network and meticulous care for the various individuals and communities involved in the spread of the Gospel. It follows the rich theological discourse of Romans 1-15, which culminates in a practical call to unity and mutual acceptance among believers. Chapter 16, though seemingly a list of names, is highly significant. It reveals the personal, relational nature of early Christian missions and fellowship, showing Paul's deep connection to his co-workers and the fledgling churches. The historical context reflects a period before the establishment of dedicated church buildings, where Christian worship and community life flourished within the private homes of believers. This structure was necessitated by the early church's often persecuted status and allowed for intimate fellowship and direct evangelism within local contexts. "Asia" refers not to the continent but specifically to the Roman province of Asia Minor, known for prominent cities like Ephesus. The detailed list of names underscores the collaborative and diverse nature of the early Christian movement.

Romans 16 5 Word analysis

• Likewise: Greek ὡσαύτως (hōsautōs). An adverb meaning "in like manner," "just so," or "also." It connects this greeting with the previous one, implying a similar command or sentiment towards the subsequent individuals and groups. It reinforces continuity in Paul's expressions of affection.
• greet: Greek ἀσπάσασθε (aspasasthai). An aorist middle imperative, second person plural of aspazomai, meaning "to greet," "salute," "embrace," or "welcome affectionately." Paul is commanding the recipients of his letter to convey these greetings on his behalf, indicating his desire for loving fellowship among believers.
• the church that is in their house: Greek τὴν κατ' οἶκον αὐτῶν ἐκκλησίαν (tēn kat' oikon autōn ekklēsian).
  • κατ' οἶκον (kat' oikon): "according to a house" or "in a house." This phrase clearly indicates that the assembly met in a private residence. It speaks to the practical reality and organic growth of early Christian communities. This phrase is used several times in the New Testament to describe gathering patterns.
  • ἐκκλησίαν (ekklēsian): "church" or "assembly." From ekkaleō ("to call out"), referring to an assembly of called-out ones. In this context, it refers to the gathered body of believers for worship, teaching, and fellowship. Its use in a domestic setting highlights the foundational structure of the early church as a familial community.
• Greet my beloved: Greek Ἀσπάσασθε Ἐπαίνετον τὸν ἀγαπητόν μου (Aspasasthai Epaineton ton agapēton mou).
  • ἀσπάσασθε (aspasasthai): Same imperative "greet" as above, emphasizing a personal and specific greeting.
  • ἀγαπητόν (agapēton): "beloved." From agapaō (to love, of divine or unconditional love). This adjective signifies a deep affection and spiritual bond Paul had with Epaenetus, not merely a polite recognition. It often denotes a person held in high esteem and affection, reflecting a spiritual intimacy characteristic of the early Christian community.
• Epaenetus: Greek Ἐπαίνετον (Epaineton). The name itself may derive from epaineō "to praise" or "commended." This individual is known only from this verse, yet Paul gives him a distinct honor. The name itself signifies a positive commendation, fitting for someone Paul considers "beloved."
• who is the firstfruits: Greek ὅς ἐστιν ἀπαρχὴ (hos estin aparchē).
  • ἀπαρχὴ (aparchē): "firstfruits." Refers to the first portion of a harvest offered to God as a sacred dedication. In a spiritual sense, it denotes the first converts or the beginning of a larger movement. This metaphor carries Old Testament significance of dedication and promises the forthcoming greater harvest. It signifies Epaenetus's pioneering role and exceptional importance as a breakthrough believer.
• of Asia: Greek τῆς Ἀσίας (tēs Asias). Refers to the Roman province of Asia (western part of modern-day Turkey), not the entire continent. This geographic designation clarifies where Epaenetus’s conversion took place and implies he was likely instrumental in the initial spread of the gospel there, possibly prior to Paul’s extensive ministry in Ephesus, which was also in this province.
• unto Christ: Greek εἰς Χριστόν (eis Christon). Means "into Christ" or "for Christ." This prepositional phrase indicates the direction, purpose, and sphere of Epaenetus's "firstfruits" status. He became a firstfruits because of his conversion to and relationship with Christ. His conversion marked the beginning of Christianity in that region, all belonging to and for the glory of Christ.

Romans 16 5 Bonus section

The mention of the "church that is in their house" speaks volumes about the adaptable and organic nature of early Christianity. It suggests that mission and worship were deeply embedded in the everyday lives and existing social structures of believers. This model often allowed for rapid growth and propagation of the faith, as conversion of a household head could open an entire family and its network to the Gospel. Furthermore, it implies a level of leadership and generosity from the homeowner to open their private space for communal worship, a practice requiring hospitality and commitment. The lack of specific names for this "church in their house" in Romans 16:5, unlike the clear mention in other epistles, might indicate that this house church was associated with Prisca and Aquila (also mentioned in Rom 16:3) since they frequently hosted a house church and had strong ties to Paul, or it could be an entirely separate household whose name wasn't mentioned here.

Romans 16 5 Commentary

Romans 16:5 offers a brief but rich snapshot into the early Christian movement. Paul's practice of greeting house churches, along with individuals, is foundational to understanding the practical workings of the New Testament church. These informal, home-based gatherings were vital hubs for worship, teaching, and fellowship, emphasizing community and accessibility, especially in a time without dedicated church buildings. The phrase "church in their house" signifies that the household, comprising not just family but potentially servants, freedmen, and extended kin, became the base for spiritual formation and evangelism. Paul’s specific mention of Epaenetus as "my beloved" reveals the deeply personal and relational aspect of apostolic ministry. Far from being a detached organizational leader, Paul invested personally in individuals. Epaenetus's designation as the "firstfruits of Asia" carries significant theological weight. It likens his conversion to the first produce of a harvest offered to God, marking him as the vanguard of Christianity in a new region. This highlights the value of every single convert in God’s plan, demonstrating God's initiative in bringing the Gospel to new territories and setting the stage for a greater harvest to follow, all for Christ.