Lexical Summary Olumpas: Olympas Original Word: Ὀλυμπᾶς Strong's Exhaustive Concordance Olympas. Probably a contraction from Olumpiodoros (Olympian-bestowed, i.e. Heaven-descended); Olympas, a Christian -- Olympas. NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originshortened form from a comp. with Olumpos Definition Olympas, a Christian NASB Translation Olympas (1). Thayer's Greek Lexicon STRONGS NT 3652: ὈλυμπᾶςὈλυμπᾶς (perhaps contracted from Ὀλυμπιοδωρος, Winers Grammar, 103 (97); cf. Fick, Gr. Personennamen, pp. 63f, 201), Ὀλυμπα (Buttmann, 20 (18)), ὁ, Olympas, a certain Christian: Romans 16:15. Topical Lexicon Name and Meaning The name Olympas most likely points to a connection with Mount Olympus, the celebrated home of the gods in Greek mythology. That a first-century believer bore such a distinctively Hellenistic name illustrates the gospel’s reach into every stratum of Greco-Roman society and its power to redeem people from pagan backgrounds for the service of the living God. Biblical Context Romans 16 records a remarkable catalogue of Christians in Rome whom Paul greets personally. In Romans 16:15 he writes, “Greet Philologus and Julia, Nereus and his sister, and Olympas, and all the saints with them.” Olympas is one of five individuals grouped together, immediately followed by “all the saints with them,” language that implies a house-church setting. Paul’s warm inclusion of Olympas reinforces the apostolic vision of an interconnected body in which every believer, whether well-known or obscure, is worthy of acknowledgment. Historical Background The Epistle to the Romans was written from Corinth in the mid-50s A.D. The empire’s capital hosted a sizeable Jewish community as well as an ever-growing assembly of Gentile Christians. Claudius’ earlier edict (Acts 18:2) had expelled many Jews, but by the time Paul wrote, a number had returned. In that fluid social environment, believers met in multiple house fellowships (Romans 16:5, Romans 16:10–11, Romans 16:14–15). Olympas, listed last in his cluster, may have been the host, a leading servant, or simply a beloved member. The Spirit chose to preserve his name for all generations, highlighting that membership in Christ’s body—rather than prominence in the world—confers true significance. Early Christian Traditions Later church lists occasionally identify Olympas as one of the Seventy-Two sent out by the Lord Jesus (Luke 10:1), although such traditions arise centuries after the New Testament era. Some Eastern sources describe him as a martyr under Nero. While these accounts cannot be verified from Scripture, they underscore the esteem in which early believers held those first Roman Christians who stood firm amid persecution. Ministry Significance 1. Evidence of Diversity: Olympas demonstrates how the early church incorporated Gentiles bearing culturally pagan names without demanding a change of identity, thereby showcasing the gospel’s transformative, rather than merely cosmetic, power. Lessons for Believers Today • Celebrate the church’s God-given diversity, welcoming individuals regardless of cultural or ethnic background. Related Themes and References Romans 12:4–5 – unity amid diversity in the body of Christ 1 Corinthians 12:22 – “the parts of the body that seem to be weaker are indispensable” Hebrews 13:2 – hospitality toward the saints 2 Timothy 2:19 – “The Lord knows those who are His” Olympas thus stands as a quiet yet enduring witness to the breadth of the gospel’s reach, the strength of local fellowship, and the honor God bestows on every faithful servant. Forms and Transliterations Ολυμπαν Ὀλυμπᾶν Olumpan Olympan OlympânLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel Texts |
    |