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 5 Cross References
| Verse | Text | Reference |
|---|---|---|
| Rom 16:5 | greets Epenetus, the firstfruits of Achaia for Christ. | First converts in a region |
| 1 Cor 15:20 | Christ is risen, the firstfruits of them that slept. | Christ's resurrection as the ultimate firstfruits |
| 1 Cor 15:23 | each in his own order: Christ the firstfruits | Order of resurrection and firstfruits |
| Rom 11:16 | If the firstfruit is holy, so is the lump also | Principle of the sacredness of firstfruits |
| Lev 23:10 | you shall bring a sheaf of the firstfruits of your harvest | Old Testament offering of firstfruits |
| Deut 18:4 | You shall give him the first of your meal, and the first of your wine... | Command for giving firstfruits to priests |
| Prov 3:9 | Honor the LORD with your possessions and with the firstfruits of all your increase. | Honoring God with firstfruits |
| Isa 60:3 | nations shall come to your light, and kings to the brightness of your rising. | Gentile inclusion and spiritual firstfruits |
| Jer 2:3 | Israel was holy to the LORD, the firstfruits of his increase. | Israel as firstfruits of God's creation |
| John 4:36 | the reapers receive wages and gather fruit for eternal life, that the sower and reaper may rejoice together. | Metaphor of spiritual harvest and laborers |
| Acts 19:10 | all who lived in Asia heard the word of the Lord Jesus, both Jews and Greeks. | Paul's ministry in Asia |
| 2 Tim 1:5 | I remember your tears, so that I may be filled with joy, remembering your sincere faith, a faith that first dwelt in your grandmother Lois and your mother Eunice, and I am sure that it is in you as well. | Familial faith and genuine faith |
| Col 4:15 | Give my greetings to the brothers in Laodicea, and to Nympha and the church in her house. | Greetings to individuals and house churches |
| Phil 1:5 | to participation in the gospel from the first day until now. | Partnership in the gospel from the beginning |
| Gal 1:22 | I was still unknown by sight to the churches of Judea that are in Christ. | Paul's early ministry unobserved by Judean churches |
| Gal 3:28 | There is neither Jew nor Greek; there is neither slave nor free; nor is there male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus. | Unity in Christ transcending distinctions |
| 1 Cor 1:2 | to the church of God that is in Corinth, to those sanctified in Christ Jesus, called to be saints together with all those who in every place call on the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, both their Lord and ours. | The church as those sanctified in Christ |
| Eph 1:13 | In him you also, when you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation, and believed in him, were sealed with the promised Holy Spirit. | Sealing by the Holy Spirit upon belief |
| 1 Peter 1:1 | to the elect exiles of the Dispersion in Pontus, Galatia, Cappadocia, Asia, and Bithynia, | Scattered believers (exiles of the dispersion) |
| 1 John 4:9 | By this the love of God was made manifest in us, that God sent his only Son into the world, so that we might live through him. | God's love manifested in sending His Son |
| Acts 16:14 | One such person was a seller of purple goods named Lydia, from the town of Thyatira, who was a worshiper of God. The Lord opened her heart to listen eagerly to what Paul was saying. | Lydia, an early convert in Philippi |
Romans 16 verses
Romans 16 5 Meaning
This verse is a greeting from Paul to the church in Rome, specifically mentioning his beloved friend Epenetus. Epenetus is described as the "first converts" or "firstfruits" of Asia for Christ. This signifies his spiritual precedence and his significance as the initial fruit of Paul's ministry in that region, brought to faith in Jesus Christ.
Romans 16 5 Context
Chapter 16 of Romans contains a series of personal greetings and instructions from Paul to the church in Rome. It’s a significant chapter for understanding Paul's extensive network of Christian relationships and his intimate knowledge of early church leaders. In this context, Paul is concluding his letter. He offers specific commendations and acknowledgments to individuals and families who were important in the furtherance of the Gospel. Epenetus’ mention as the "firstfruits of Asia" situates him as a key spiritual pioneer in that region for Christ. This was likely a time when Christianity was spreading, and early converts often played vital roles in establishing and nurturing new communities of faith. The historical backdrop is the expansion of the early church throughout the Roman Empire.
Romans 16 5 Word Analysis
Epaiveton (Epaiveton):
- Meaning: "Esteemed," "laudable," "praiseworthy."
- Significance: The name itself carries a positive connotation, reflecting Epenetus' esteemed position or the praiseworthy nature of his faith.
Agapētos (agapētos):
- Meaning: "Beloved," "dear."
- Significance: This is a term of deep affection and endearment, highlighting the close personal relationship between Paul and Epenetus. It’s a significant word used for Jesus as God’s beloved Son (Mark 1:11) and for other close companions of Paul (Phlm 1:1, 20).
Aparkhē (aparkhē):
- Meaning: "Firstfruit," "first offering," "beginning of harvest."
- Significance: This is a crucial term, rooted in Old Testament agricultural and festival practices. It signifies someone who is first brought to faith or devotion in a particular area or context, representing the spiritual harvest to come. It speaks of spiritual precedence and the beginning of God's work in a region.
Asia (Asias):
- Meaning: Refers to the Roman province of Asia, located in western Asia Minor.
- Significance: This was a significant region for Paul's missionary work, including cities like Ephesus. Epenetus being the "firstfruits of Asia" points to a pioneering spiritual leadership role for Paul in that province.
Tou Kristou (tou Kristou):
- Meaning: "Of Christ," "belonging to Christ."
- Significance: This possessive genitive indicates that Epenetus' conversion and his position as "firstfruits" were in relation to Christ, belonging to Him. It underscores Christ's ownership and the direct impact of Christ's work through Paul in bringing Epenetus to faith.
Group analysis:
- "my beloved Epenetus": Highlights personal connection and spiritual value.
- "who is the firstfruits of Asia for Christ": Combines spiritual significance (firstfruit) with geographical and relational context (Asia, for Christ), pointing to Epenetus’ pioneering role and his belonging to Christ.
Romans 16 5 Bonus Section
The concept of "firstfruits" is deeply rooted in the Old Testament Law (Leviticus 23:9-14, Numbers 28:26-31) where the first produce of the harvest was offered to God as a sign of thanksgiving and a promise of the entire harvest. This imagery is powerfully extended in the New Testament to Christ Himself, who is the firstfruits of the resurrection (1 Corinthians 15:20, 23), guaranteeing the resurrection of all who belong to Him. Epenetus, as the "firstfruits of Asia," embodies this principle on a regional level—a pioneer who represents the coming spiritual harvest of believers in Asia, all belonging to Christ. His life and conversion would have been an encouragement and a testament to God's power to bring forth spiritual life in new and receptive hearts, mirroring Christ’s own redemptive work. This verse also speaks to the personal investment and joy of apostolic ministry; Paul remembered and cherished these early spiritual victories.
Romans 16 5 Commentary
Epenetus is presented as more than just a convert; he is a foundational figure, a spiritual "firstfruit." This title carries significant weight in Jewish and early Christian thought, representing the initial offering, a pledge of future abundance. Epenetus’ status as the first convert in Asia signifies his spiritual pioneering, an honor that reflects his steadfast faith and crucial role in the early spread of the Gospel in that vast region. Paul’s affectionate greeting underscores the deep bonds of fellowship forged in shared ministry and commitment to Christ, revealing the personal relationships at the heart of the burgeoning Christian movement. His mention highlights the tangible results of missionary labor and the preciousness of those first seeds of faith sown in new territories.