What does Romans 16:5 mean?

Likewise greet the church that is in their house. Salute my wellbeloved Epaenetus, who is the firstfruits of Achaia unto Christ. Romans 16:5

Explanation

Romans 16:5 is a part of Paul’s concluding remarks in his epistle to the Roman church, where he sends his greetings to various individuals and groups within the Christian community. The apostle Paul mentions “the church that is in their house,” indicating that during the early Christian era, it was common for believers to meet in private homes rather than in public buildings or dedicated church structures. This verse specifically identifies a house church that is associated with unnamed individuals but is collectively referred to by their household.

Paul then salutes “Epaenetus,” whom he calls his “wellbeloved.” Epaenetus is recognized for a special distinction – he is noted as being the “firstfruits of Achaia unto Christ.” Firstfruits here metaphorically refers to the first converts to Christianity from a particular region – in this case, Achaia, which is a region in Greece. The term “firstfruits” carries with it the idea of an offering to God, the initiation of a harvest, and thus indicates honor and dedication to Christ.

Historical Context

Written by the Apostle Paul around A.D. 57, the book of Romans addresses the Christians in Rome. During this period, the early Christian Church did not have the infrastructure of buildings or cathedrals and often met in the homes of believers. These home churches were integral to the spread of Christianity as they provided intimate settings for worship, teaching, and fellowship.

Achaia was a Roman province located in the southern part of Greece. It was an important cultural center, with its capital in Corinth, one of the cities where Paul had established a Christian community. Epaenetus, being one of the first converts in this region, suggests that he played a significant role in the early Christian movement in Achaia.

Theological Insights

Different theological insights can be drawn from this verse:

1. Ecclesiology (doctrine of the Church): This verse illustrates the New Testament model of the church meeting in homes, providing a precedent for small and intimate gatherings for Christians in various contexts.

2. Eschatology (doctrine of the end times): The concept of “firstfruits” has eschatological overtones, as it often implies a preliminary stage of a more significant, forthcoming harvest, which Christians interpret as the full ingathering of God’s people.

3. Christology (doctrine of Christ): Epaenetus being referred to as “wellbeloved” and a “firstfruit unto Christ” ties individual conversion and affection to the person and work of Christ, emphasizing personal relationship with Him.

Practical Applications

Romans 16:5 can be applied in daily life by:

1. Emphasizing the importance of hospitality and the use of personal homes for communal worship and fellowship.
2. Encouraging believers to value the spiritual heritage of early converts and to continue building on their legacy.
3. Inspiring Christians to acknowledge and appreciate individuals’ contributions within their community.

Cross-References

• Acts 2:46 – “And they, continuing daily with one accord in the temple, and breaking bread from house to house, did eat their meat with gladness and singleness of heart,”
• 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,)”
• 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.”

Language Study

Key words in the original Greek text include:

• Church (ἐκκλησία, ekklēsia): Translates to “assembly” or “congregation”, often used for the gathered community of believers.
• House (οἶκος, oikos): Literally means “house” or “home,” the place for living and also gathering.
• Wellbeloved (ἀγαπητός, agapētos): Meaning beloved, esteemed, or dear, often describing a close and cherished relationship.
• Firstfruits (ἀπαρχή, aparxē): Agricultural term denoting the first portion of the harvest that was often offered to God, used metaphorically for the first converts or early examples.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

In Judaism, the concept of “firstfruits” (bikkurim in Hebrew) was very significant; it referred to the initial yield of the harvest that Jews were commanded to bring to the temple as an offering. This notion of giving the first and best to God carries through into Christianity metaphorically as signifying early believers and their dedication to God.

Scientific Perspectives

There is no direct scientific intersection with this verse as it primarily deals with early Christian social practice and Paul’s personal relationship with a believer. However, studies in sociology and anthropology support the idea that house churches played a critical role in the development of early social networks among Christians and the spread of the Christian faith.

Commentaries

Commentaries often note that Romans 16:5 emphasizes both the communal and personal aspects of the early Christian experience. For instance, scholars like John Stott and N. T. Wright highlight the significance of house churches as central to early Christian community life. They also emphasize the importance of individuals like Epaenetus, who were pioneers of faith in their regions. Additionally, Matthew Henry’s Commentary appreciates Paul’s personal touch in sending greetings to individual church members, acknowledging their contributions to the church’s growth.