Lexical Summary Epainetos: Epainetus Original Word: Ἐπαίνετος Strong's Exhaustive Concordance Epenetus. From epaineo; praised; Epaenetus, a Christian -- Epenetus. see GREEK epaineo NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom epaineó Definition "praiseworthy," Epaenetus, a Christian of Rome NASB Translation Epaenetus (1). Thayer's Greek Lexicon STRONGS NT 1866: ἘπαίνετοςἘπαίνετος (so Winers Grammar, § 6, 1 50 (cf. Chandler § 325); Ἐπαίνετος Rec.st T; see Tdf. Proleg., p. 103; Lipsius, Gram. Unters., p. 30f; Roehl, Inscriptions index iii.) (ἐπαινέω), Ἐπαινετου, ὁ, Epaenetus, the name of a Christian mentioned in Romans 16:5. Topical Lexicon Name and Biblical Occurrence Epaenetus (Greek Ἐπαίνετος) appears only once in the New Testament, Romans 16:5, where the Apostle Paul sends greetings to “Epenetus, my beloved, who was the first convert to Christ in the province of Asia” (Berean Standard Bible). Background and Historical Context Paul writes Romans from Corinth near the end of his third missionary journey (circa AD 56–57). In chapter 16 he greets a network of believers already residing in Rome. Among them, Epaenetus is singled out both for his affectionate relationship with Paul (“my beloved”) and for his strategic place in salvation history as “the first convert” (ἀπαρχὴ) in Asia—the Roman province whose leading city was Ephesus. Paul had spent three years evangelizing that region (Acts 19), and the gospel subsequently rang out through all of Asia Minor (Acts 19:10). Conversion and Role as “Firstfruits” The term “first convert” or “firstfruits” (other translations) evokes Old Testament harvest offerings (Exodus 23:19; Leviticus 23:10). In calling Epaenetus a firstfruit, Paul recognizes him as the earliest evidence of God’s harvest in Asia and as a pledge of the greater ingathering to follow. The same language is used of the household of Stephanas in Achaia (1 Corinthians 16:15), underscoring a theological pattern: God often raises an initial believer whose life testifies to the certainty of a coming harvest. Relationship with Paul Paul’s use of “my beloved” (Greek ἀγαπητόν) signals deep personal affection. Given that Paul designates him the first convert in Asia, Epaenetus likely came to faith during Paul’s Ephesian ministry (Acts 19:8–10). Whether by business, missionary itinerancy, or imperial relocation, he later moved to Rome. His presence there demonstrates the mobility of first-century believers and the way gospel advance relied on lay people as much as apostolic leadership. Implications for Mission Strategy 1. Strategic centers: Ephesus served as a hub for the wider province of Asia; converts like Epaenetus became carriers of the gospel beyond the initial preaching site. Legacy in Church Tradition Later ecclesiastical lists (e.g., the fourth-century Apostolic Constitutions) mention an “Epaenetus” as bishop of Carthage or Cartagena, though firm historical evidence is lacking. Even if apocryphal, the tradition reflects the high esteem attached to early converts who assisted apostolic work. Lessons for Contemporary Discipleship • God often begins great movements through one receptive heart. Key Scripture Romans 16:5 — “Greet also Epenetus, my beloved, who was the first convert to Christ in the province of Asia.” Forms and Transliterations επαινετή Επαινετον Ἐπαίνετον Epaineton EpaínetonLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel Texts |
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