Epaenetus Ἐπαίνετος
A believer in Asia and beloved by Paul.
Who is Epaenetus in the Bible?
Epaenetus was a believer in the Roman province of Asia, located in modern-day Turkey, whom the apostle Paul mentions affectionately in Romans 16:5 as "my beloved." Paul identifies him as the first convert to Christ in Asia, meaning he was among the earliest Christians in that region and played a significant role in establishing the church there. The personal warmth in Paul's greeting suggests they shared a close relationship, likely forged through their ministry work together. His mention in Paul's letter to the Romans indicates he was known and respected among the believers in Rome, either through his reputation or direct contact. Epaenetus's significance lies in being a foundational figure in the spread of Christianity to Asia Minor, demonstrating how individual converts became instrumental in building the early church.
Biography
Epaenetus is mentioned by the apostle Paul in his letter to the Romans as a beloved individual and the first convert to Christ in Asia (Rom.16.5). Asia, in this context, likely refers to the Roman province of Asia, which is located in modern-day Turkey. Being the first convert suggests that Epaenetus was among the earliest believers in that region and played a significant role in the establishment of the church there. Paul's affectionate description of Epaenetus as "my beloved" indicates a close personal relationship between them, possibly forged through shared experiences in ministry. The mention of Epaenetus in Paul's greetings to the Roman church suggests that he may have been known to the believers in Rome, either through his reputation or personal contact. No further details are provided about Epaenetus's life, his specific role in the church, or his later activities. However, his inclusion in Paul's greetings highlights the importance of individual believers and the close-knit relationships within the early Christian community.
In Scripture
1 biblical book ; 1 with study contentRomans 1 verse
- Romans 16:5
"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."
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Names & Aliases
| Form | Language | Script |
|---|---|---|
| Named | Greek | Ἐπαίνετος |
Epaenetus
(2) "who is the firstfruits of Asia unto Christ."
Textus Receptus of the New Testament has "firstfruits of Achaia" but this wrong reading is due to 1Co 16:15. He was one of the first Christians in the Roman province of Asia.
This salutation brings up the question of the destination of Ro 16:3-16, for it is argued that they are addressed to the church in Ephesus owing to the fact that Prisca and Aquila and Epenetus are known to have dwelt in Asia. On the other hand, there are more than 20 others in this list who are not known to have spent any time in Asia. Prisca and Aquila had once dwelt in Rome (Ac 18:2), and there is nothing unusual in an Ephesian dwelling in the capital of the empire. An interesting discovery was made in Rome of an inscription in which was the name of Epenetus, an Ephesian.
S. F. Hunter
A contracted form of Epaphroditus. He must not, however, be confounded with the messenger of the Philippian community. He was with Paul during a part of his 1st Roman imprisonment, joinin