What is the meaning of Romans 16:5?

Greet also the church that meets at their house.

“Greet also the church that meets at their house.” (Romans 16:5a)

• A simple home becomes a vibrant gathering place for worship, prayer, teaching, and fellowship.

• The verse reminds us that the early believers met where space was available, illustrating flexibility and readiness to gather (Acts 12:12; 1 Corinthians 16:19; Colossians 4:15; Philemon 2).

• Hospitality is elevated as a ministry. Opening one’s home serves the gospel by providing a setting where believers grow together (1 Peter 4:9; Hebrews 13:2).

• The phrase underscores that “church” is people, not a building—the body of Christ assembled in unity (Matthew 18:20; Ephesians 2:19-22).

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Greet my beloved Epenetus

“Greet my beloved Epenetus…” (Romans 16:5b)

• Paul uses “beloved” to convey deep affection rooted in Christ (Romans 12:10; 1 Corinthians 4:17).

• Individual names matter. God’s work is personal, and each believer is known and cherished by name (John 10:3).

• Publicly honoring faithful servants encourages others and models genuine appreciation within the body (Philippians 2:29).

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Who was the first convert to Christ in the province of Asia

“…who was the first convert to Christ in the province of Asia.” (Romans 16:5c)

• “First convert” (literally “firstfruits,” 1 Corinthians 16:15) signals the beginning of a harvest—one life transformed that leads to many more (James 1:18).

• “Asia” refers to the Roman province where cities like Ephesus stood (Acts 19:10; Revelation 1:4). Epenetus marks the gospel’s initial breakthrough there.

• His testimony highlights God’s initiative in new regions and calls believers to pioneer work today (Acts 13:47; Mark 16:15).

• Remembering spiritual milestones fuels gratitude and faith for future expansion (Psalm 77:11-12).

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summary

Romans 16:5 invites us into the living room of early believers, where the church gathered, hospitality flourished, and names like Epenetus were celebrated as evidence of God’s expanding kingdom. A house became a sanctuary, a beloved brother embodied Christ-centered affection, and a single conversion signaled a vast harvest yet to come. Together, these elements urge us to open our homes, honor one another, and expect God to keep multiplying firstfruits into full fields of gospel fruitfulness.