Lexical Summary Patrobas: Patrobas Original Word: Πατροβᾶς Strong's Exhaustive Concordance Patrobas. Perhaps a contraction for Patrobios (a compound of pater and bios); father's life; Patrobas, a Christian -- Patrobas. see GREEK pater see GREEK bios NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfor Patrobios (a comp. of patér and bios) Definition "father's life," Patrobas, a Christian NASB Translation Patrobas (1). Thayer's Greek Lexicon STRONGS NT 3969: ΠατροβᾶςΠατροβᾶς (others, Πατροβᾶς, as contracted from πατροβιος; cf. B. D., under the word; Lightfoot on Philip., p. 176f; Chandler § 32), accusative Πατροβᾶν (cf. Buttmann, 19f (17f); Winers Grammar, § 8, 1), Patrobas, a certain Christian: Romans 16:14. Topical Lexicon Scriptural Occurrence Romans 16:14 records the single New Testament mention of Patrobas: “Greet Asyncritus, Phlegon, Hermes, Patrobas, Hermas, and the brothers with them.” (Berean Standard Bible). Context within Romans Paul’s closing chapter to the believers in Rome reads like a roll-call of faithful servants. By clustering five male names together and then adding “and the brothers with them,” Paul signals that Patrobas belonged to a specific circle or house-church. The apostle’s warm directive to “greet” implies genuine affection and partnership in gospel work. Although explicit duties are not provided, placement alongside other proven co-laborers suggests that Patrobas was a trusted participant in ministry. Historical Background 1. First-century Rome teemed with freedmen and slaves who adopted Greek names like Patrobas. Many early Christians came from such strata, illustrating the gospel’s reach across social boundaries (see 1 Corinthians 1:26-29). Relationship to Other Believers Mentioned • Asyncritus, Phlegon, Hermes, Patrobas, and Hermas form a mini-network. The punctuation of Romans 16 suggests two clusters: the first five men (verse 14) and the next five names (verse 15). Paul appears to greet whole congregations by identifying several leading figures. Possible Role in Early Church Tradition later numbers Patrobas among the Seventy sent out by the Lord (Luke 10:1). While Scripture does not confirm this, the tradition underscores his reputation for missionary zeal. Eastern Orthodox calendars list him as bishop of Pottole and martyr, indicating an enduring memory of pastoral leadership. Patristic and Traditional Witness • Dorotheus of Tyre (fourth century) identifies Patrobas as one of the Seventy and associates him with Neapolis in Italy. Though extra-biblical, these testimonies highlight how a single biblical greeting blossomed into a rich historical legacy. Lessons for Ministry Today 1. Faithfulness over fame: Patrobas appears only once, yet his inclusion in sacred Scripture affirms the value God places on seemingly ordinary saints. Theological Significance Romans 16 testifies to the unity and diversity of Christ’s body. Patrobas’s name, standing beside those of slaves and free, Jews and Gentiles, illustrates the apostolic conviction that “there is no distinction” in the gospel (Romans 3:22). His greeting thus reinforces the doctrine of the priesthood of all believers, where every member contributes to the mission of God (1 Peter 2:9). Conclusion Patrobas exemplifies the unsung disciple whose steadfastness merited apostolic commendation and subsequent veneration. Though history supplies only fragments, Scripture’s solitary salute is enough to portray a devoted laborer whose life strengthened the church in Rome and inspires Christians today to joyful, collaborative service. Forms and Transliterations Πατροβαν Πατροβᾶν Πατρόβαν Patroban PatróbanLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel Texts |
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