Philologus Φιλόλογος
Believer in Rome greeted by Paul
Who is Philologus in the Bible?
Philologus was a Christian believer in Rome whom Paul greeted in Romans 16:15. He is mentioned alongside Julia, Nereus, and his sister as part of the early Christian community in the capital city, with Paul identifying them as "saints" or "holy ones." The name Philologus means "lover of the word" in Greek, suggesting a possible devotion to scripture or learning, though the Bible provides no additional details about his life or specific role in the church. Paul's personal greeting to Philologus and his associates demonstrates the importance of individual relationships and mutual encouragement among believers in the nascent Christian movement.
Biography
Philologus is mentioned in Paul's letter to the Romans as one of the believers in Rome to whom Paul sends greetings (Rom.16.15). He is listed alongside Julia, Nereus, and his sister, and Paul describes them as "saints" or "holy ones," indicating that they were part of the Christian community in Rome. The name Philologus means "lover of the word" in Greek, which may suggest that he was known for his devotion to learning or his love for the scriptures. However, no further details about Philologus' life, background, or role in the Roman church are provided in the Bible. Paul's greeting to Philologus and the others demonstrates the close-knit nature of the early Christian community and the importance of personal relationships and mutual support among believers.
In Scripture
1 biblical book ; 1 with study contentRomans 1 verse
- Romans 16:15
"Greet Philologus and Julia, Nereus and his sister, and Olympas and all the saints with them."
Study Romans →
Names & Aliases
| Form | Language | Script |
|---|---|---|
| Named | Greek | Φιλόλογος |
Encyclopedia Article
ISBE 1915 (Public Domain) Philologus
probably his wife or sister. Philologus and those united with him in this salutation formed by themselves one of the "house churches" or groups in the Christian community. The name is found in inscriptions connected with the imperial household, with reference to one of which Bishop Lightfoot has the following note: "It has been supposed that the name Philologus was given by the master to the freedman mentioned in this inscription, as being appropriate to his office (Friedlander I, 89, 160). .... If so, some light is thrown on the probable occupation of the Philologus of Paul" (Phil, 177, note 1).
S. F. Hunter
fil-o-me'-tor.
See PTOLEMY, VI.
fi-los'-o-fi (philosophia):
1Definition and Scope
(1) Intuitive Philosophy Is Universal
(2) Speculative Philo