What does Romans 16:7 mean?

Salute Andronicus and Junia, my kinsmen, and my fellowprisoners, who are of note among the apostles, who also were in Christ before me. Romans 16:7

Explanation

Romans 16:7 is a part of the closing chapter of the Apostle Paul’s letter to the Romans. This verse contains personal greetings to various individuals in the Roman Christian community, with a particular mention of Andronicus and Junia, whom Paul describes as his “kinsmen” and “fellowprisoners.” The term “kinsmen” indicates that they may be fellow Jews, sharing ethnic heritage with Paul. The phrase “fellowprisoners” implies that they, like Paul, have suffered imprisonment due to their Christian testimony.

Paul recognizes them as people “of note among the apostles,” suggesting that Andronicus and Junia were well-respected or well-known to the apostolic circle, possibly as missionaries or leaders within the early church. Notably, Paul’s mention that they “were in Christ before me” acknowledges their earlier conversion to Christianity. This indicates that they were believers before Paul’s own dramatic conversion, as recounted in the Book of Acts.

Historical Context

The Book of Romans was penned by the Apostle Paul, likely around A.D. 57, while he was in Corinth on his third missionary journey. The Roman church at this time was a mixture of Jewish and Gentile believers, and Paul’s letter addressed theological misunderstandings and promoted unity within the Christian community. Personal greetings at the end of his letters were typical of Paul and served to strengthen the bonds within the early Christian network and authenticate the letter by referencing known individuals.

The mention of Andronicus and Junia indicates that women, alongside men, played significant roles in the early Christian movement. The early church existed in a patriarchal society, but in this community, women could occupy positions of leadership or recognition.

Theological Insights

The verse raises theologically significant points about the nature of apostleship, ministry, and gender roles within the early church. The identification of Junia, likely a woman, as being “of note among the apostles” has stimulated much discussion. Was Junia considered an apostle, or was she simply well-known to the apostles?

Some scholars assert that women held more prominent roles in the early church and that apostleship was not limited to the Twelve Apostles. Others note that the term “apostle” in the broader sense may refer to any missionary and not imply the same authority or status as the Twelve.

Practical Applications

Recognizing the contributions and partnership of every member of the church community, regardless of their gender or background, is an important aspect of this verse. The modern application might include valuing the diversity in the church and promoting unity by working together in ministry, much as Paul did with Andronicus and Junia. It also speaks to enduring hardship for faith, as the mention of being “fellowprisoners” reflects a commitment that goes beyond surface-level belief.

Cross-References

• Ephesians 4:11-12: “And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers; For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ:”
• Acts 1:21-22 (on the qualifications of apostleship): “Wherefore of these men which have companied with us all the time that the Lord Jesus went in and out among us, Beginning from the baptism of John, unto that same day that he was taken up from us, must one be ordained to be a witness with us of his resurrection.”
• Galatians 3:28: “There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither bond nor free, there is neither male nor female: for ye are all one in Christ Jesus.”

Language Study

The key terms that require a closer look in the original Greek text are:

• “Junia”: In Greek, this name is “Iounian,” the accusative form of either the male name Junias or the female name Junia. The interpretation as female has stronger historical support.
• “Of note” (in Greek “episemoi”): This adjective means “remarkable” or “distinguished.”
• “Apostles” (in Greek “apostolos”): Can mean “one who is sent” and is not necessarily limited to the Twelve.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

Comparing early Christian communities to contemporary religious movements, women in various ancient religions occasionally held significant roles, though often they were exceptions in male-dominated spiritual hierarchies. The fluidity of roles in early Christianity, as indicated by Junia’s recognition, contrasts with the more rigid structures in other ancient religions such as Judaism and pagan cults of the time.

Scientific Perspectives

There is limited intersection with science in the study of this verse. However, historical and anthropological sciences contribute to understanding the social dynamics and roles within ancient communities, including the early Christian church. The study of artifacts, such as inscriptions and manuscripts, can provide insight into how individuals, such as Andronicus and Junia, may have lived and interacted within their societies.

Commentaries

Scholars have debated the identity and role of Andronicus and Junia for centuries:

• Some contend that Junia was indeed an apostle given the phrasing, pointing to early Church Fathers like John Chrysostom who praised her apostolic role.
• Others argue that “of note among the apostles” means well-regarded by, not counted as one of, the apostles, thus not challenging traditional views of apostolic succession.
• In terms of historical context, experts like N.T. Wright have observed the significance of women in ministry in the early church, a role that became more restricted in later church history.