Romans 16 7

Romans 16:7 kjv

Salute Andronicus and Junia, my kinsmen, and my fellow-prisoners, who are of note among the apostles, who also were in Christ before me.

Romans 16:7 nkjv

Greet Andronicus and Junia, my countrymen and my fellow prisoners, who are of note among the apostles, who also were in Christ before me.

Romans 16:7 niv

Greet Andronicus and Junia, my fellow Jews who have been in prison with me. They are outstanding among the apostles, and they were in Christ before I was.

Romans 16:7 esv

Greet Andronicus and Junia, my kinsmen and my fellow prisoners. They are well known to the apostles, and they were in Christ before me.

Romans 16:7 nlt

Greet Andronicus and Junia, my fellow Jews, who were in prison with me. They are highly respected among the apostles and became followers of Christ before I did.

Romans 16 verses

Romans 16 7 Meaning

This verse introduces Andronicus and Junia, kin of Paul, who are prominent apostles. Their steadfast faith and significant work for Christ before Paul’s time is highlighted. They were imprisoned for their faith, demonstrating their commitment.

Romans 16 7 Context

In Romans 16, Paul is concluding his letter to the Roman believers. He is giving personal greetings and commendations to individuals. This verse serves as a personal endorsement and introduction to Andronicus and Junia, whom Paul clearly respected for their deep faith and significant contributions to the Christian movement. It emphasizes their shared history with Paul in the Gospel and their standing within the early church.

Romans 16 7 Word Analysis

• Greet (ἀσπάζεσθε - aspazesthai): To greet, bid welcome, embrace; conveying warmth and affection.

• Andronicus (Ἀνδρόνικον - Andronikon): A masculine Greek name meaning "man conquering" or "man of victory."

• Junia (Ἰουνίαν - Iounian): A feminine Greek name, possibly a derivative of the Roman family name Junius.

• Kinsmen (συγγενεῖς - syngeneis): Relatives, those of the same nation or clan. Used here in a broader sense, perhaps those connected through faith, not necessarily blood.

• My (μου - mou): Possessive pronoun, indicating personal relationship or association.

• Fellow prisoners (συναιχμαλώτους - synaichmalotous): Fellow captives in war; metaphorically, those imprisoned or suffering for the Gospel alongside Paul.

• Of note (ἐξοχὴν - exochen): Prominent, distinguished, of particular note. It suggests they were recognized and highly regarded.

• Who are of note (οἵτινές εἰσιν - hoitines eisin) among the apostles (τῶν ἀποστόλων - tōn apostolōn): This phrase is crucial. It indicates that Andronicus and Junia were recognized as apostles themselves.

• Who were in Christ (οἳ πρὸ ἐμοῦ - hoi pro emou): Before me. Their faith and ministry predated Paul’s own conversion and ministry.

• Before me (πρὸ ἐμοῦ - pro emou): This temporal aspect highlights their earlier commitment and standing.

• My kin and fellow prisoners are those who suffered alongside Paul.

• Those of note among the apostles implies recognized leadership and a direct commissioning, possibly as apostles.

• Who were in Christ before me speaks to their long-standing, prior faith and activity in the Gospel.

Romans 16 7 Bonus Section

The interpretation of Junia’s title as "apostle" has been a subject of discussion. While some older translations rendered it as "chief of the apostles" or even omitted the "among the apostles" reference, modern scholarship and a careful examination of the Greek (Junia being in the feminine accusative form) strongly support her inclusion as an apostle. The term "apostle" in the New Testament had a broader usage than just the Twelve, encompassing those commissioned for specific apostolic missions. Andronicus and Junia, by being "in Christ before Paul," may have been part of the earliest wave of converts and missionaries following Jesus' resurrection and ascension. Their imprisonment signifies the real dangers faced by early Christians and their willingness to endure suffering for the faith.

Romans 16 7 Commentary

Paul’s commendation of Andronicus and Junia is powerful. The term "apostles" here likely refers to those sent out by Christ or His church with authority, rather than the twelve apostles or Paul himself. Their distinction comes from their prominence within this group, possibly indicating extensive missionary work and foundational contributions. The mention of their imprisonment underscores their sacrifice and steadfastness. This verse emphasizes that recognition and high standing in the Kingdom are not limited by gender, as Junia, a woman, is clearly presented as a prominent apostle alongside Andronicus. Their ministry had a significant impact, recognized by Paul and likely the wider church.