Lexical Summary Andronikos: Andronicus Original Word: Ἀνδρόνικος Strong's Exhaustive Concordance Adronicus. From aner and nikos; man of victory; Andronicos, an Israelite -- Adronicus. see GREEK aner see GREEK nikos NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom anér and nikos Definition "man of victory," Andronicus, a Jewish Christian NASB Translation Andronicus (1). Thayer's Greek Lexicon STRONGS NT 408: ἈνδρόνικοςἈνδρόνικος, Ἀνδρόνικον, ὁ, Andronicus (a Greek name, (literally, man of victory; for its occurrence see Pape, Eigennamen, under the word)), a Jewish Christian and a kinsman of Paul: Romans 16:7. Topical Lexicon Biblical SettingThe name appears once in the Greek New Testament—Romans 16:7—as Paul sends greetings to “Andronicus and Junias, my kinsmen and fellow prisoners; they are outstanding among the apostles, and they were in Christ before I was”. Paul’s single line yields four key descriptors: (1) fellow countryman (indicating Jewish ancestry), (2) fellow prisoner (they had shared incarceration for the gospel), (3) distinguished among the apostles, and (4) earlier convert than Paul. Early Conversion and Relationship to Paul Paul was converted several years after Pentecost (Acts 9). By stating that Andronicus was “in Christ before I was,” the apostle places this man among the earliest wave of Jewish believers—very possibly one who witnessed the explosive growth of the Jerusalem church recorded in Acts 2–6. Paul also calls him a “kinsman” (συγγενής), a term Paul elsewhere applies to fellow Jews (Romans 9:3; Romans 16:11). The designation thus roots Andronicus within the same covenant nation and may hint at acquaintance before either one acknowledged Jesus as Messiah. Shared Suffering The wording “fellow prisoner” (συναιχμάλωτος) joins Andronicus to Paul’s long list of ministry partners who endured confinement: Aristarchus (Colossians 4:10), Epaphras (Philemon 23), and others. Although Scripture does not name the locale, the Acts record shows Paul incarcerated in Philippi, Jerusalem, Caesarea, and Rome. Any of these terms could overlap with Andronicus’s experience. Early suffering attests to his courage and faithfulness and places him among those who “rejoice that you participate in the sufferings of Christ” (1 Peter 4:13). Standing “Among the Apostles” Paul declares Andronicus and Junias “outstanding among the apostles.” The phrase can denote either high repute within the apostolic circle or distinction recognized by the apostles themselves. Whichever nuance Paul intends, Andronicus enjoys apostolic esteem. New Testament usage shows the word apostolos can refer both to the Twelve (Matthew 10:2) and to other commissioned messengers such as Barnabas (Acts 14:14) and Silas (1 Thessalonians 2:6). Andronicus therefore belongs to the broader, Spirit-commissioned missionary corps of the first century. Post-New-Testament Tradition Early patristic writers identify Andronicus as one of the Seventy sent out by Jesus (Luke 10:1). Later church calendars remember him as a missionary to Pannonia (roughly modern-day Croatia and Hungary) who died a martyr’s death. While such traditions cannot be verified from Scripture, they reflect the early church’s confidence that the man greeted in Romans 16 became a significant evangelist beyond the New Testament narrative. Ministry Profile • Jewish background, converted early Theological and Pastoral Significance 1. Gospel Fruitfulness Across Relationships Paul’s term “kinsmen” shows how natural bonds can serve the gospel. Andronicus’s prior conversion illustrates how God often begins His work in unexpected members of a family line (Acts 18:8). 2. Suffering as a Credential Shared imprisonment forged trust between Paul and Andronicus. Scripture repeatedly presents suffering as a seal of authenticity in ministry (2 Corinthians 11:23–28; Philippians 1:13). 3. Apostolic Diversity The expansion of the apostolic title beyond the Twelve underscores the Spirit’s sovereign right to call and send whomever He wills (Ephesians 4:11). Andronicus’s inclusion reminds the church that genuine authority rests not in pedigree but in divine commissioning and faithful labor. 4. Legacy of Early Converts By noting that Andronicus was “in Christ before I was,” Paul honors seniority in the faith while also showing the unity of all believers regardless of conversion date (Romans 12:5). Lessons for Today • Perseverance under persecution remains a powerful testimony. Summary Andronicus emerges from a single verse as a Jewish believer of early conviction, courageous endurance, and apostolic stature. His life testifies to the far-reaching grace of God that transforms enemies into family, prisoners into ambassadors, and ordinary disciples into pillars of the church’s first-generation witness. Forms and Transliterations Ανδρονικον Ἀνδρόνικον Andronikon AndrónikonLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel Texts |
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