Romans 16:5

KJV

Likewise [greet] the church that is in their house. Salute my wellbeloved Epaenetus, who is the firstfruits of Achaia unto Christ.

KJV (with Strong's)

Likewise {G2532} greet the church {G1577} that is in {G2596} their {G846} house {G3624}. Salute {G782} my {G3450} wellbeloved {G27} Epaenetus {G1866}, who {G3739} is {G2076} the firstfruits {G536} of Achaia {G882} unto {G1519} Christ {G5547}.

Complete Jewish Bible

And give my greetings to the congregation that meets in their house.

Give my greetings to my dear friend Epaenetus, who was the first person in the province of Asia to put his trust in the Messiah.

Berean Standard Bible

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

American Standard Version

and salute the church that is in their house. Salute Epænetus my beloved, who is the firstfruits of Asia unto Christ.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Romans 16:5 offers a glimpse into the vibrant early Christian community, as the Apostle Paul extends greetings to "the church that is in their house," highlighting the common practice of believers gathering in private homes for worship and fellowship. He then singles out Epaenetus, whom he affectionately calls his "wellbeloved" and identifies as "the firstfruits of Achaia unto Christ," signifying Epaenetus's pioneering role as one of the earliest converts in that significant Roman province. This verse underscores the deeply personal nature of early Christian relationships and the organic growth of the church through individual commitments to Christ.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Romans 16 serves as Paul's concluding remarks to his magnum opus on justification by faith. Unlike the preceding theological arguments and ethical exhortations, this chapter shifts to a highly personal tone, featuring an extensive list of greetings to various individuals and households in Rome. This practice was common in ancient letters, but Paul's detailed list underscores his wide network of relationships and his pastoral care for the Roman believers, many of whom he had not yet met in person. Verse 5, therefore, is not merely a formality but a deliberate act of recognizing specific individuals and communities, reinforcing the bonds of fellowship and unity within the scattered yet interconnected body of Christ. It sets a precedent for mutual recognition and affirmation within the broader Christian movement.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In the mid-first century AD, when Paul wrote Romans, Christianity was a nascent movement without dedicated church buildings. Believers typically met in private homes, often those of wealthier members who could accommodate a group. These "house churches" were the primary units of Christian community, serving as centers for worship, teaching, fellowship, and evangelism. The mention of "Achaia" refers to the Roman province in southern Greece, with Corinth as its capital. Paul had spent significant time ministering in this region, particularly in Corinth, as detailed in [Acts 18](/acts/18 "Acts 18 - Paul's Ministry in Corinth"). The term "firstfruits" (Greek: _aparche_) carries significant cultural and religious weight, referencing the initial portion of a harvest or offering, symbolizing dedication and the promise of a larger yield. Its application to Epaenetus highlights his historical significance as one of the very first individuals in Achaia to embrace the Christian faith, likely during Paul's early missionary endeavors there.
* **Key Themes:** This verse contributes to several major theological and narrative themes found throughout Romans and the broader New Testament. Firstly, it emphasizes the **organic and relational nature of the church**, portraying it not as a building but as a community of people gathering in intimate settings. This highlights the importance of **personal relationships and mutual support** within the Christian fellowship, as evidenced by Paul's affectionate greeting to his "wellbeloved" Epaenetus. Secondly, the concept of "firstfruits" underscores the theme of **pioneering evangelism and the spread of the gospel**, acknowledging the courage and foundational role of early converts like Epaenetus in establishing the faith in new territories. This also subtly points to the **universal scope of the gospel**, reaching diverse regions and individuals, and the **unity of believers** across geographical distances, all united "unto Christ."

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **church (Greek, _ekklēsía'_):** Derived from a compound meaning "a calling out," this term refers to a popular meeting or, specifically, a religious congregation. In the New Testament, it denotes the assembly of believers, whether a local gathering (like the one in a house) or the universal body of Christ. It emphasizes that the church is fundamentally a gathering of people, "called out" by God, rather than a physical structure.
* **house (Greek, _oîkos'_):** This word signifies a dwelling, home, or household. In the context of "the church that is in their house," it highlights the early Christian practice of meeting in private residences. This points to the intimate, familial nature of these early congregations and their accessibility within everyday life.
* **firstfruits (Greek, _aparchḗ'_):** Literally meaning "a beginning of sacrifice" or "the initial portion of a harvest," this term is used metaphorically here. It signifies Epaenetus as one of the very first converts in Achaia, representing the initial spiritual harvest from that region. It implies a dedication to Christ and anticipates a larger ingathering of believers.
* **unto (Greek, _eis'_):** A primary preposition, "eis" indicates direction "to or into," often denoting purpose, result, or the point reached. When applied to "unto Christ," it signifies that Epaenetus's conversion and his identity as a "firstfruit" are directed toward Christ, belonging to Him, and serving His purposes. It speaks of a deep orientation and dedication.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Likewise [greet] the church that is in their house."**: This phrase reveals the common organizational structure of early Christian communities. Before the construction of dedicated church buildings, believers gathered in private homes. This practice fostered intimate fellowship, mutual care, and made the nascent Christian movement accessible and adaptable. The greeting acknowledges a specific household that served as a hub for the local Christian assembly, indicating its importance in the spiritual life of the community.
* **"Salute my wellbeloved Epaenetus,"**: Paul's use of "salute" (greet) and the affectionate descriptor "my wellbeloved" (Greek: _agapētós_) underscores the deep personal bond and affection Paul felt for Epaenetus. This is not a mere formal greeting but a warm, personal acknowledgment, highlighting the strong relational ties that characterized Paul's ministry and the early church. It suggests Epaenetus was a trusted friend and co-laborer in the gospel.
* **"who is the firstfruits of Achaia unto Christ."**: This significant description identifies Epaenetus as one of the very first individuals to convert to Christianity in the Roman province of Achaia (southern Greece). The term "firstfruits" (Greek: _aparchḗ_) carries the connotation of being the initial and representative portion of a larger harvest, symbolizing the beginning of the gospel's impact in that region. His conversion was "unto Christ," meaning it was for Christ's glory, purpose, and ownership, signifying a complete dedication to the Lord.

#### Literary Devices
The most prominent literary device in this verse is **Metaphor**. The term "firstfruits" (Greek: _aparchḗ_) is a powerful metaphor drawn from agricultural and sacrificial contexts. In ancient Israel, "firstfruits" referred to the initial portion of the harvest offered to God as a sign of dedication and anticipation of the full crop. By applying this term to Epaenetus, Paul metaphorically portrays him as the initial spiritual harvest from the region of Achaia. This not only highlights Epaenetus's significance as an early convert but also implies the promise of a greater harvest of souls to come from that area, all dedicated "unto Christ." This metaphor effectively communicates the pioneering nature of Epaenetus's faith and its foundational role in the spread of the gospel.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Romans 16:5 profoundly illustrates the organic nature of the early church, emphasizing that the church is primarily a community of people, not a physical structure. The concept of "the church that is in their house" reveals how the gospel permeated daily life, transforming households into centers of worship, teaching, and fellowship. This intimate setting fostered deep personal relationships and mutual accountability, reflecting the New Testament emphasis on believers functioning as a living body, each member contributing to the whole. Epaenetus, as the "firstfruits of Achaia," represents the pioneering spirit of evangelism and the initial breakthrough of the gospel into new territories. His dedication "unto Christ" underscores that all spiritual fruit and growth are ultimately for the glory and possession of Jesus, highlighting the Christ-centered mission of the church.

* [Philemon 1:2](/philemon/1-2 "Philemon 1:2 - The Church in Philemon's House")
* [1 Corinthians 16:19](/1_corinthians/16-19 "1 Corinthians 16:19 - The Church in Aquila and Priscilla's House")
* [1 Corinthians 15:20](/1_corinthians/15-20 "1 Corinthians 15:20 - Christ, the Firstfruits of the Resurrection")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Romans 16:5 offers a compelling vision for contemporary believers, reminding us that the essence of "church" lies not in buildings or programs, but in the community of Christ-followers gathering together, often in simple, accessible settings. The "house church" model encourages us to prioritize genuine relationships, intimate fellowship, and mutual spiritual growth within our faith communities. It challenges us to consider how our homes might be used as centers for hospitality, discipleship, and outreach, extending the love of Christ beyond formal church gatherings. Furthermore, Epaenetus's designation as "firstfruits" calls us to recognize and honor those who first brought the gospel to our contexts, whether missionaries, family members, or early pioneers of faith in our communities. It also inspires us to consider our own role in being "firstfruits" in new spheres of influence, courageously sharing the good news and establishing new outposts of faith "unto Christ."

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the concept of "the church that is in their house" challenge or expand your understanding of what "church" truly is?**
* **In what ways can your own home or personal space be used to foster Christian community and extend hospitality, reflecting the spirit of the early house churches?**
* **Who are the "firstfruits" in your spiritual journey or local community, and how can you honor their foundational contributions to the faith?**
* **How can you embody the pioneering spirit of Epaenetus by being a "firstfruits unto Christ" in a new area, relationship, or endeavor?**

### FAQ
**What is a "house church" and why were they significant in the early Christian movement?**

Answer: A "house church" refers to a Christian congregation that met in a private home rather than in a dedicated public building. In the first century AD, Christians did not have purpose-built church structures, so meeting in homes was the primary way they gathered for worship, teaching, fellowship, and the breaking of bread. These house churches were incredibly significant because they fostered intimate community, allowed for rapid expansion of the gospel (as new converts could host gatherings), and provided a flexible, accessible environment for believers. They were crucial for the growth and spread of Christianity, as seen in other New Testament references like [1 Corinthians 16:19](/1_corinthians/16-19 "1 Corinthians 16:19 - The Church in Aquila and Priscilla's House") and [Philemon 1:2](/philemon/1-2 "The Church in Philemon's House"). They emphasized that the church is fundamentally a community of people, not a place.

**Who was Epaenetus, and what does it mean that he was the "firstfruits of Achaia unto Christ"?**

Answer: Epaenetus was a Christian believer whom the Apostle Paul held in high regard, referring to him as his "wellbeloved." The designation "firstfruits of Achaia unto Christ" is a significant title. "Achaia" was a Roman province in southern Greece, where Paul conducted extensive missionary work, particularly in its capital, Corinth (see [Acts 18](/acts/18 "Acts 18 - Paul's Ministry in Corinth")). The term "firstfruits" (Greek: _aparchḗ_) metaphorically refers to the very first converts in a particular region. Therefore, Epaenetus was likely one of the earliest individuals in Achaia to embrace faith in Jesus Christ, possibly during Paul's initial missionary journeys there. His conversion was a groundbreaking event, representing the initial "harvest" of souls in that region, and importantly, it was "unto Christ," signifying that his life and conversion were dedicated to and belonged to Jesus. This highlights his pioneering role in the spread of the gospel.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The mention of Epaenetus as "the firstfruits of Achaia unto Christ" finds its ultimate and profound fulfillment in Jesus Christ Himself. While Epaenetus was the initial believer from a specific region, Christ is the **ultimate "firstfruits"** for all humanity. As Paul declares in [1 Corinthians 15:20](/1_corinthians/15-20 "1 Corinthians 15:20 - Christ, the Firstfruits of the Resurrection"), "But now is Christ risen from the dead, and become the firstfruits of them that slept." Christ's resurrection is the guarantee and prototype of the resurrection of all believers. He is the first to rise from the dead, ensuring that all who are "in Christ" will follow. Thus, Epaenetus, as a "firstfruits unto Christ," embodies the beginning of a spiritual harvest that Christ Himself initiated through His redemptive work. Every individual who comes to faith, whether in a house church or a grand cathedral, becomes part of this ever-growing harvest, united to Christ as the Head of the church, His body ([Colossians 1:18](/colossians/1-18 "Colossians 1:18 - Christ, the Head of the Body")). The "church that is in their house" is a microcosm of the universal church, all of whom are fellow citizens with the saints and members of God's household, built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, with Christ Jesus Himself as the chief cornerstone ([Ephesians 2:19-22](/ephesians/2-19-22 "Ephesians 2:19-22 - Believers as God's Household")).

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Colossians 4:15

Salute the brethren which are in Laodicea, and Nymphas, and the church which is in his house.

1 Corinthians 16:19

¶ The churches of Asia salute you. Aquila and Priscilla salute you much in the Lord, with the church that is in their house.

Philemon 1:2

And to [our] beloved Apphia, and Archippus our fellowsoldier, and to the church in thy house:

1 Corinthians 16:15

I beseech you, brethren, (ye know the house of Stephanas, that it is the firstfruits of Achaia, and [that] they have addicted themselves to the ministry of the saints,)

Matthew 18:20

For where two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst of them.

Romans 16:12

Salute Tryphena and Tryphosa, who labour in the Lord. Salute the beloved Persis, which laboured much in the Lord.

James 1:18

Of his own will begat he us with the word of truth, that we should be a kind of firstfruits of his creatures.