Romans 16:5

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

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}.

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.

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.

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

Commentary

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."

Context

Romans chapter 16 is largely composed of personal greetings from the Apostle Paul to various individuals and groups within the Christian community in Rome. This extensive list highlights the importance of personal relationships and mutual support in the early church. Paul is acknowledging specific believers and their contributions, laying a foundation of fellowship before concluding his letter. Verse 5 specifically mentions a particular household and an individual within it.

Key Themes

  • House Churches: The verse points to the common practice in the early church of gathering for worship and fellowship in private homes, as dedicated church buildings did not yet exist.
  • Early Believers: It highlights specific individuals who were pioneers in their region ("firstfruits") and played a vital role in establishing the faith.
  • Christian Community and Fellowship: The act of greeting and recognizing individuals underscores the strong bonds and interconnectedness of believers across geographical distances.
  • Personal Relationships: Paul's personal affection ("wellbeloved") for Epaenetus demonstrates the deep personal connections within the early Christian movement.

Linguistic Insights

The term "firstfruits" translates the Greek word aparche (ἀπαρχή). In a biblical context, this term originally referred to the initial harvest or the first portion of crops or animals offered to God as a sign of dedication and anticipation of the full harvest. Here, it is used metaphorically to describe Epaenetus as one of the very first converts in the region of Achaia (southern Greece), signifying his early commitment and perhaps his role in the initial spread of the gospel there. This term is also used elsewhere to refer to Christ as the firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep.

Commentary and Application

Paul's greeting to "the church that is in their house" gives us a glimpse into the structure of the early Christian community. Before large church buildings, believers met in homes, forming small, intimate gatherings for teaching, worship, and fellowship. This structure fostered close relationships and mutual care among members. This concept of a "church in the house" is mentioned in other New Testament letters as well.

Epaenetus is singled out as Paul's "wellbeloved" and the "firstfruits of Achaia unto Christ." His designation as "firstfruits" indicates he was among the initial converts in that significant region, likely during Paul's missionary journeys there (see Acts chapter 18 for Paul's time in Corinth, the capital of Achaia). Being an early convert often meant facing significant challenges and playing a foundational role in evangelism and community building. Paul's affection for Epaenetus highlights the value Paul placed on these early pioneers and the personal bonds forged in the work of the gospel.

This verse reminds us that the church is not primarily a building, but a community of believers, often starting in simple, accessible settings like homes. It also honors those who first embrace the faith in new areas and regions, acknowledging their courage and foundational contributions. For us today, it encourages the importance of personal connection within our faith communities and valuing the history and individuals who brought the gospel to our own contexts.

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Cross-References

  • Colossians 4:15 (8 votes)

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

  • 1 Corinthians 16:19 (7 votes)

    ¶ 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 (7 votes)

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

  • 1 Corinthians 16:15 (4 votes)

    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 (3 votes)

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

  • Romans 16:12 (1 votes)

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

  • James 1:18 (1 votes)

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