A reference to a biblical verse. Romans 16:7 is a part of the New Testament in the Bible, specifically within the Epistle to the Romans, which is attributed to Paul the Apostle. This verse is part of a series of greetings and commendations at the end of the letter.
The verse says: “Greet Andronicus and Junia, my kinsmen and my fellow prisoners, who are of note among the apostles, and who also were in Christ before me.” (NKJV)
Here’s a breakdown of the significance and context of Romans 16:7:
Andronicus and Junia: These are two individuals whom Paul greets. The names are Greek, suggesting they may have been Hellenistic Jews or Gentile converts to Christianity. There’s an ongoing scholarly debate about whether Junia is a male or female name, with the majority of contemporary scholars agreeing that Junia refers to a woman, making her, along with Phoebe (mentioned in Romans 16:1-2), one of the first examples of female leaders in the early Christian church.
My kinsmen: Paul refers to Andronicus and Junia as his “kinsmen,” which likely means they are fellow Jews or possibly even distant relatives. This kinship could be ethnic, familial, or spiritual, emphasizing their shared heritage or connection in the faith.
My fellow prisoners: This phrase indicates that Andronicus and Junia, at some point, were imprisoned for their faith, just like Paul. It underscores the risks and challenges faced by early Christians for their belief in Jesus Christ.
Who are of note among the apostles: This phrase highlights the respect and recognition Andronicus and Junia received from the apostles. The Greek word for “of note” can imply that they were well-known or respected, possibly even suggesting a level of authority or esteem within the early Christian community.
And who also were in Christ before me: This indicates that Andronicus and Junia became believers in Jesus Christ before Paul’s conversion. Given Paul’s conversion is dated to around 33-36 AD, this places Andronicus and Junia among the very early followers of Jesus, possibly even knowing him personally or being part of the community of believers in Jerusalem from the earliest days.
Romans 16:7 is significant because it provides insight into the diversity and inclusivity of the early Christian community, highlighting women in leadership and the spread of Christianity beyond Jerusalem. It also underscores the communal nature of early Christianity, where mutual recognition and respect among leaders and believers were vital to the growth and survival of the faith.
