Greet Andronicus and Junia, my kinsmen and my fellow prisoners. They are well known to the apostles, and they were in Christ before me.
English Standard Version (ESV)
It's easy to focus on whether Junia was a man or a woman, but the verse highlights their priority in faith ("in Christ before me") and their significant standing among the apostles. This isn't just about knowing apostles; their "notable" status implies a deep, respected relationship, perhaps even shared apostolic work, that predated Paul's own conversion.
Greet Andronicus and Junia, my kinsmen and my fellow prisoners. They are well known to the apostles, and they were in Christ before me.
English Standard Version (ESV)
Paul is wrapping up his letter with a series of personal greetings and instructions. He's mentioning various individuals and households, giving them commendations and asking the Roman church to greet them. This verse specifically highlights Andronicus and Junia, whom Paul knows well and holds in high regard for their early faith and service.
Was Junia a man or a woman? And does it even matter for her incredible spiritual legacy?
The identity of Junia has been debated for centuries, with some scholars arguing for a male name ('Junias') and others for a female name ('Junia'). The grammatical evidence in the Greek text is nuanced, but many scholars today, and importantly, early church commentators like John Chrysostom, understood Junia to be a woman.
What is clear, regardless of gender, is her significant standing. The text calls them 'well known to the apostles' and 'of note among the apostles.' If Junia was a woman, as is most likely, she was not just a passive follower but a prominent figure, highly regarded by the apostles for her faith and service. This challenges any assumptions that women in the early church were solely in supporting roles; Junia stands as an example of a respected leader within the apostolic circle.
Paul calls them 'kinsmen' and 'fellow prisoners.' What does this deep connection reveal about their shared journey and Paul's trust?
Paul uses the terms 'kinsmen' and 'fellow prisoners' to describe Andronicus and Junia, painting a picture of deep, shared history and suffering.
Ask a follow-up
These descriptions show that Andronicus and Junia were not just acquaintances but were intimately connected to Paul through shared identity, shared suffering, and a shared mission. They were people Paul trusted deeply, evidenced by their inclusion in this crucial closing section of his letter.
Paul mentions they were 'in Christ before me.' What's the significance of this spiritual seniority?
Paul's statement, 'they were in Christ before me,' is more than just a chronological marker; it's a profound expression of respect.
This highlights that spiritual maturity isn't solely about how eloquently one can preach or how widely known they are, but also about the depth and longevity of their walk with Christ.
Understand the original words
syngenes · Greek Noun/Adjective
A 'kinsman' (syngenes) denotes someone of the same race or national origin; in the Pauline context, it often refers specifically to fellow Jews who share his heritage and bloodline.
en Christō · Greek Prepositional Phrase
To be 'in Christ' is a central Pauline phrase describing the vital, organic, and spiritual union between the believer and the resurrected Jesus, where the believer derives their status, identity, and life from Him.
apostolos · Greek Noun
The term 'apostle' (apostolos) refers to one who is sent forth as a commissioned representative or messenger with the authority of the one who sent them, specifically referring to the foundational witnesses of the resurrection of Jesus.
The mention of Andronicus and Junia being 'in Christ before me' suggests they were among the earliest believers, possibly converted during the initial outpouring of the Holy Spirit at Pentecost. Their long-standing faith and relationship with the apostles highlight the deep roots and established community Paul is addressing in Rome.
c. AD 30-33— this verse
Pentecost and the Early Church
The Day of Pentecost marks the outpouring of the Holy Spirit and the dramatic birth of the Christian church in Jerusalem. Many Jews from various regions are converted, forming the earliest Christian communities.
c. AD 30s-40s
Paul's Conversion and Early Ministry
Saul of Tarsus, a persecutor of Christians, is dramatically converted on the road to Damascus and becomes the Apostle Paul. He begins his ministry, initially in regions around Damascus and then Jerusalem.
c. AD 40s-50s
Paul's Missionary Journeys
Paul embarks on extensive missionary journeys throughout the Roman Empire, establishing churches in Asia Minor and Greece. He faces numerous challenges, including imprisonment and persecution.
c. AD 57
Paul Writes Romans from Corinth
While in Corinth during his third missionary journey, Paul writes his letter to the church in Rome. He addresses theological issues and offers practical guidance, concluding with numerous personal greetings.
This passage shows early believers, including women, devoted to prayer. It connects to Andronicus and Junia being 'in Christ before me,' suggesting they could have been among these very first believers.
1 Corinthians 15:5-8This lists various post-resurrection appearances of Jesus, including to 'more than five hundred brothers at one time.' Andronicus and Junia being 'of note among the apostles' could imply they were witnesses to these pivotal events, just as many of the 'brothers' listed were.
Philippians 2:25Here, Epaphroditus is called 'your messenger' (apostle). This shows 'apostle' could be used more broadly for those sent out on significant missions, which aligns with the understanding that Andronicus and Junia were highly esteemed by the apostles for their service.
Colossians 4:10-11This passage mentions Mark and Aristarchus, who are noted as 'fellow workers' and 'kinsmen.' It highlights that Paul had close colleagues who were also Jewish, echoing the description of Andronicus and Junia as his kinsmen and fellow workers (implied by 'fellow prisoners').
vincentRomans 16:7: "Salute Andronicus and Junia, my kinsmen, and my fellowprisoners, who are of note among the apostles, who also were in Christ before me."
Andronicus and JuniaThe latter name may be either masculine or feminine. If the latter, the person was probably the wife of Andronicus. If the former, the name is to be rendered Junias, as Rev. The following words point to this conclusion.Kinsmen (συγγενεῖς)The primary meaning is related by blood; but it is used in the wider sense of fellow-coun…
jfbRomans 16:7: "Salute Andronicus and Junia, my kinsmen, and my fellowprisoners, who are of note among the apostles, who also were in Christ before me."
- Andronicus and Junia—or, as it might be, "Junias," a contracted form of "Junianus"; in this case, it is a man's name. But if, as is more probable, the word be, as in our version, "Junia," the person meant was no doubt either the wife or the sister of Andronicus.my kinsmen—or, "relatives."and my fellow prisoners—on what occasion, it is impossib…
It's easy to focus on whether Junia was a man or a woman, but the verse highlights their priority in faith ("in Christ before me") and their significant standing among the apostles. This isn't just about knowing apostles; their "notable" status implies a deep, respected relationship, perhaps even shared apostolic work, that predated Paul's own conversion.
Paul is wrapping up his letter with a series of personal greetings and instructions. He's mentioning various individuals and households, giving them commendations and asking the Roman church to greet them. This verse specifically highlights Andronicus and Junia, whom Paul knows well and holds in high regard for their early faith and service.
Paul is wrapping up his letter with a series of personal greetings and instructions. He's mentioning various individuals and households, giving them commendations and asking the Roman church to greet them. This verse specifically highlights Andronicus and Junia, whom Paul knows well and holds in high regard for their early faith and service.
"Greet Andronicus and Junia, my kinsmen and my fellow prisoners. They are well known to the apostles, and they were in Christ before me." — It's easy to focus on whether Junia was a man or a woman, but the verse highlights their priority in faith ("in Christ before me") and their significant standing among the apostles. This isn't ju…
Get the original Greek and Hebrew, verse-by-verse context, and related passages inside the app.
Last reviewed October 2026