Lexical Summary Poudés: Pudens Original Word: Πούδης Strong's Exhaustive Concordance Pudens. Of Latin origin; modest; Pudes (i.e. Pudens), a Christian -- Pudens. NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originof Latin origin Definition Pudens, a Christian NASB Translation Pudens (1). Thayer's Greek Lexicon STRONGS NT 4227: ΠούδηςΠούδης (Buttmann, 17 (15)), Pudens, proper name of a Christian mentioned in 2 Timothy 4:21. Cf. Lipsius, Chronologie d. römisch. Bischöfe (1869), p. 146; (B. D., under the word, also (American edition) under the word Topical Lexicon Biblical Appearance Pudens is mentioned a single time in the New Testament, within Paul’s final, deeply personal letter: “Make every effort to come to me before winter. Eubulus greets you, and so do Pudens and Linus and Claudia and all the brothers” (2 Timothy 4:21). Historical Background Paul penned 2 Timothy during his second Roman imprisonment, probably in the mid-sixties of the first century. The emperor Nero’s persecution of Christians had intensified, yet a remnant remained near Paul in the capital. Pudens, therefore, belongs to the earliest generation of Roman believers who dared identify with an imprisoned apostle at great personal risk. Place in Paul’s Final Epistle The greeting cluster of 2 Timothy 4:21 offers a snapshot of Paul’s support network shortly before his martyrdom. Most associates had “deserted” or departed on ministry journeys (2 Timothy 4:10–12), so each remaining name carries weight. Pudens’ inclusion signifies steadfast loyalty and provides Timothy assurance that Paul, though isolated, is not abandoned by the wider body of Christ. Relationship to Other Named Believers • Eubulus likely acted as Paul’s host. The diversity underscores the gospel’s uniting power within the imperial city. Early Church Tradition Second-century writers (e.g., the *Acta Pudenziana*) identify Pudens as a Roman senator converted through the ministries of Peter and Paul. His domus on the Viminal or Quirinal hill reportedly became a meeting place for believers and later the site of the church of Santa Pudenziana. Tradition also names him the father of Praxedes and Pudentiana, women renowned for charitable works and honored by separate house-church sites. While these details cannot be verified from Scripture, they align with the portrait of a hospitable, influential disciple suggested by 2 Timothy 4:21. Ministry Impact and Character 1. Loyalty under pressure—Pudens did not shrink back during imperial hostility. The House-Church of Pudens Archaeological and literary testimony points to an early Christian titulus (house-church) on the property linked with Pudens. The church of Santa Pudenziana retains fourth-century mosaics depicting both Peter and Paul, echoing the memory that Pudens’ household bridged the ministries of the two great apostles in Rome. Lessons for Contemporary Ministry • Faithfulness is often shown by presence; a simple greeting can reassure embattled servants of God. Key Reference Forms and Transliterations Πουδης Πούδης Poudes Poudēs Poúdes PoúdēsLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel Texts |
    |