Greet also the church in their house. Greet my beloved Epaenetus, who was the first convert to Christ in Asia.
English Standard Version (ESV)
While we often think of "firstfruits" as simply being the first believers, Paul highlights Epaenetus as the "firstfruits of Asia" to emphasize his foundational significance and perhaps his pioneering role in bringing the Gospel to that region, making him a spiritual pioneer for many others. This verse also reminds us that the early church met in homes, showing how community and worship were deeply personal and integrated into daily life.
Greet also the church in their house. Greet my beloved Epaenetus, who was the first convert to Christ in Asia.
English Standard Version (ESV)
Paul concludes his letter by sending warm personal greetings to individuals and household gatherings within the Roman church, highlighting their significant contributions to the early Christian movement. He specifically commends Epaenetus, noting him as a beloved early convert in the Roman province of Asia, likely referring to his pioneering role in bringing the gospel to that region. This emphasis on personal relationships and the vital role of house churches underscores the close-knit nature of the early Christian community.
Ever wondered what the very first Christian gatherings looked like? This verse gives us a peek into a home transformed into a sacred space.
In the early days of Christianity, there weren't separate buildings for worship. Instead, believers met in the homes of fellow Christians. Aquila and Priscilla were known for opening their home in Ephesus (1 Corinthians 16:19) and now, it seems, in Rome too.
A Place for God's People
These weren't just casual get-togethers. The term 'church' (ekklesia in Greek) signifies an assembly or gathering of called-out people. So, when Paul mentions 'the church that is in their house,' he's referring to the community of believers who regularly met at Aquila and Priscilla's home for worship, teaching, and fellowship. It highlights how the presence of God's people created a 'church' wherever they gathered.
Hospitality as Ministry
Opening one's home for such gatherings was a significant act of hospitality and ministry. It required space, resources, and courage, especially in a time when Christianity was not always welcomed. Aquila and Priscilla's willingness to host demonstrates their deep commitment to serving God and His people.
Who was Epaenetus, and why does Paul call him 'beloved' and a 'firstfruit'?
Paul singles out Epaenetus with a special commendation: 'my beloved Epaenetus.' This isn't just a casual greeting; it suggests a deep personal affection and perhaps a significant history between them.
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The "Firstfruits" Concept
Paul calls Epaenetus 'the first convert to Christ in Asia' (or Achaia, depending on the manuscript reading – though 'Asia' is more widely accepted by scholars for this verse). This 'firstfruits' language is a beautiful metaphor borrowed from the Old Testament agricultural offerings. The firstfruits were the initial part of the harvest, set apart and offered to God as a sign of thanks and a promise of the full harvest to come.
Spiritual Significance
By calling Epaenetus a 'firstfruit,' Paul signifies several things:
Understand the original words
aparchē · Greek Noun
One who has turned from sin and the world to faith in Jesus Christ, receiving the Holy Spirit and entering into a new life of obedience to Him.
The mention of Epaenetus as the 'first convert in Asia' points to the early and rapid spread of Christianity beyond its Jewish origins, with individuals like Aquila and Priscilla playing a crucial role in establishing house churches across the Roman Empire.
c. AD 49
Aquila and Priscilla expelled from Rome
Emperor Claudius expels Jews from Rome, forcing Aquila and Priscilla to leave. They eventually settle in Corinth.
c. AD 50-52
Paul ministers in Corinth
The Apostle Paul lives and ministers in Corinth with Aquila and Priscilla, a period where he likely founded the church in their home and converted Epaenetus.
c. AD 53-56
Paul's extended stay in Ephesus
While Paul is in Ephesus, Aquila and Priscilla also move there. This city becomes a major center for early Christianity in the Roman province of Asia.
c. AD 57— this verse
Paul writes Romans from Corinth
Paul dictates his letter to the Romans, likely from Corinth, where he includes personal greetings and mentions individuals connected to him and the churches.
c. AD 64
Great Fire of Rome
The fire devastates Rome, leading to increased persecution of Christians under Emperor Nero, who blamed them for the disaster.
This passage also mentions a church meeting in a private home, highlighting the common practice of early Christians gathering in domestic spaces due to the lack of dedicated church buildings.
Acts 18:26This verse introduces Priscilla and Aquila (whose house is mentioned in Romans 16:5), showing them actively instructing others, which aligns with the idea of their home being a center for Christian community and learning.
Colossians 4:15Similar to Romans 16:5, this verse sends greetings to 'the church in their house,' indicating that congregations meeting in private homes were a recognized and significant part of the early church structure.
1 Corinthians 1:15Paul uses the 'firstfruits' imagery again here, referring to the household of Stephanas as the 'first converts of Achaia,' paralleling the description of Epaenetus as a 'firstfruit' in that region.
ellicottRomans 16:5: "Likewise greet the church that is in their house. Salute my wellbeloved Epaenetus, who is the firstfruits of Achaia unto Christ."
(5) The church that is in their house. —A party of Christians seem to have been in the habit of meeting in the house of Aquila and Priscilla for purposes of worship at Rome, as previously at Ephesus ( 1Corinthians 16:19 ). Similar instances may be found in Acts 12:12 ; Colossians 4:15 ; Philemon 1:2 . Salute.—The same word in the Greek is translated ind…
cambridgeRomans 16:5: "Likewise greet the church that is in their house. Salute my wellbeloved Epaenetus, who is the firstfruits of Achaia unto Christ."
5 . the church that is in their house ] Their house at Rome, like their house at Corinth, ( 1 Corinthians 16:19 ,) probably contained a large room (like the “Upper Room” at Jerusalem) which was devoted to Divine worship, and used by the Christians of the neighbouring district, who thus formed a “Church,” or assembly, which itself was an organic part of…
While we often think of "firstfruits" as simply being the first believers, Paul highlights Epaenetus as the "firstfruits of Asia" to emphasize his foundational significance and perhaps his pioneering role in bringing the Gospel to that region, making him a spiritual pioneer for many others. This verse also reminds us that the early church met in homes, showing how community and worship were deeply personal and integrated into daily life.
Paul concludes his letter by sending warm personal greetings to individuals and household gatherings within the Roman church, highlighting their significant contributions to the early Christian movement. He specifically commends Epaenetus, noting him as a beloved early convert in the Roman province of Asia, likely referring to his pioneering role in bringing the gospel to that region. This emphasis on personal relationships and the vital role of house churches underscores the close-knit nature of the early Christian community.
Paul concludes his letter by sending warm personal greetings to individuals and household gatherings within the Roman church, highlighting their significant contributions to the early Christian movement. He specifically commends Epaenetus, noting him as a beloved early convert in the Roman province of Asia, likely referring to his pioneering role in bringing the gospel to that region. This emphasis on personal relationships and the vital role of house churches underscores the close-knit nature of the early Christian community.
"Greet also the church in their house. Greet my beloved Epaenetus, who was the first convert to Christ in Asia." — While we often think of "firstfruits" as simply being the first believers, Paul highlights Epaenetus as the "firstfruits of Asia" to emphasize his foundational significance and perhaps his pioneering…
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Last reviewed October 2026