Expositor's Bible Commentary Commentary Romans 16:7

"Salute Andronicus and Junias, my kinsmen, and my fellow-prisoners, who are of note among the apostles, who also have been in Christ before me." — Romans 16:7 (ASV)

Mary is a Semitic name borne by several women in the NT. Paul indicates his precise knowledge of her, testifying to her hard work for the saints, but without any hint as to the nature of the work. Emphasis falls rather on her willingness to grow weary in serving them.

Andronicus and Junias (v.7) are Latin and Greek names respectively. Three things out of the four said about them create difficulty for the interpreter. (1) What does “relatives” (GK 5150) mean? The identical word is found in 9:3, where it means fellow Israelite. It may be best to conclude that this word connotes “those who are also Christians.” To take the word in the ordinary sense of “relative” is difficult, since Paul gives the impression that he suffered the loss of all things for Christ’s sake , which would include kindred. Added to this is the improbability of his having three kinfolk in Rome (cf. v.11) and three more in Corinth (v.21). (2) Paul adds that these “have been in prison with me.” Since Paul was imprisoned many times (2 Corinthians 11:23), the expression in this case is doubtless intended to be taken literally, even though we have no idea when it occurred. (3) The pair are further described as “outstanding among the apostles.” The word “apostle” (GK 693) can hardly mean “messenger” here (cf. Php 2:25), and it goes without saying that Andronicus and Junias do not belong in the circle of the Twelve. What is left is the recognition that occasionally the word is used somewhat broadly to include leaders in Christian work (cf. 1 Thessalonians 2:7). Evidently their conversion to the faith occurred in the early years of the history of the church, so they have had ample time to distinguish themselves as leaders.

Paul confesses to a warm personal attachment to Ampliatus (v.8), demonstrating the reality and depth of Christian friendship that developed between him and others who remain obscure to us. Paul was a man who gave himself to the people among whom he served and to those who worked alongside him.

Urbanus (v.9) had helped Paul at some time in the past and assisted others also in the work of the Lord (“our fellow worker”). Regarding Stachys, Paul contents himself with indicating, as with Ampliatus, a very close bond of affection.

Apelles (v.10) was a fairly common name, but this man has an uncommon pedigree, for he is one who is “tested and approved in Christ.” This was Paul’s desire for Timothy (2 Timothy 2:15) and for himself (1 Corinthians 9:27). The “household of Aristobulus” are Christian slaves either of a certain grandson of Herod the Great who lived in Rome or of some unknown person.

Herodion (v.11) was a Hebrew Christian (cf. the word “relative” again, as in v.7). The household of Narcissus were probably the Christian slaves of a wellknown wealthy freedman.

Similar in name, Tryphena and Tryphosa (v.12) were likely sisters. It was not uncommon then, as now, to give daughters names with a certain resemblance. Since their names mean “dainty” and “delicate,” their Christian convictions led them to put aside any tendency to live a life of ease. They are given an accolade for being hard workers in the Lord’s cause. To these two women Paul adds another, probably a single woman: Persis, a “dear friend” of Paul. He knew enough about her efforts to commend her as having worked “very hard” in the Lord.

A person bearing the name of Rufus is mentioned in Mk 15:21 as one of the sons of Simon, the man who was compelled to bear the cross of Jesus. On the supposition that Mark’s gospel was composed at Rome, all is clear: Mark refers to Rufus because he is well known to local readers as a member of their church. He is “chosen in the Lord,” probably used here to connote the idea of “noble” or “eminent.” The incident involving his father may have brought him a certain fame among believers at Rome. Paul cannot think of Rufus without thinking of his mother. Though she remains unnamed, she was special in the eyes of the apostle, because she evidently perceived his loneliness after the loss of his family when he became a Christian and resolved to mother him. Where this occurred remains unknown, but her presence in Rome made him look forward with special anticipation to his visit.

In vv.14–15 two groups of believers are mentioned without accompanying descriptions or commendations. For both groups, a greeting is extended to the believers associated with them. This appears to indicate a house church in both cases. Rome was a large place, making it probable that there were circles of believers in several sections of the city. They would certainly maintain communication and, when necessity dictated, could arrange to meet together.