Lexical Summary Philologos: Philologus Original Word: Φιλόλογος Strong's Exhaustive Concordance Philologus. From philos and logos; fond of words, i.e. Talkative (argumentative, learned, "philological"); Philologus, a Christian -- Philologus. see GREEK philos see GREEK logos NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom philos and logos Definition "student, scholar," Philologus, a Christian NASB Translation Philologus (1). Thayer's Greek Lexicon STRONGS NT 5378: ΦιλόλογοςΦιλόλογος, Φιλολογου, ὁ (literally, 'fond of talk'), Philologus, a certain Christian: Romans 16:15. (Cf. Lightfoots Commentary on Philip., note on Caesar's Household § 10.) Topical Lexicon Biblical Occurrence Romans 16:15 presents Philologus among a cluster of believers to whom Paul sends greetings: “Greet Philologus and Julia, Nereus and his sister, and Olympas, and all the saints with them” (Berean Standard Bible). This single reference locates him in the Christian community at Rome during the middle of the first century, likely in the early A.D. 50s. Name Meaning and Theological Implications The compound name combines “philo” (loving) and “logos” (word). Although many Gentile names bore philosophical overtones, early Christians would have heard a subtle resonance with devotion to the “word of truth” (Colossians 1:5) and, ultimately, to the incarnate Word (John 1:1, 14). His very name thus becomes a quiet testimony to the believer whose life is oriented toward Scripture and the message of the gospel. Historical Background Rome’s congregation was a mosaic of Jewish and Gentile believers meeting in several house-churches (Romans 16:5, 10, 11, 14, 15). Philologus’ grouping appears last, suggesting a separate gathering that was nonetheless fully united with the wider fellowship. The proximity of Julia—commonly interpreted as his wife—and the reference to “all the saints with them” hint at a household or villa large enough to host worship, prayer, and instruction, reflecting the earliest pattern of domestic assemblies (Acts 2:46; Philemon 2). Role in the Early Church 1. Host and Facilitator: By receiving Paul’s greeting alongside an entire cluster of saints, Philologus likely opened his home for corporate worship and teaching, embodying the call to practice hospitality (Romans 12:13; 1 Peter 4:9). Ministry Significance • Word-Centered Discipleship: Those whose names reflect Scripture’s centrality challenge modern congregations to cultivate a culture where “the word of Christ dwells in you richly” (Colossians 3:16). Related Biblical Themes Hospitality (Hebrews 13:2); House-church leadership (Acts 12:12); Partnership in the gospel (Philippians 1:5); Diversity and unity (Ephesians 2:14-18); The power of ordinary saints (2 Timothy 2:2). Lessons for Contemporary Believers 1. Treasure and teach God’s word, allowing it to shape identity and mission. Cross-References for Further Study Romans 12:10-13; 1 Corinthians 16:19; Colossians 4:15; 2 John 10. Forms and Transliterations Φιλολογον Φιλόλογον φιλονεικούντας Philologon PhilólogonLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel Texts |
    |