Epaenetus is a biblical figure mentioned in the New Testament, specifically in the Apostle Paul's Epistle to the Romans. His name, of Greek origin, means "praised" or "commendable," which may reflect his esteemed status within the early Christian community.

Biblical Reference:

Epaenetus is mentioned in Romans 16:5, where Paul writes, "Greet my beloved Epaenetus, who was the first convert to Christ in the province of Asia" . This brief mention provides significant insight into Epaenetus's role and importance in the early Church.

Role in the Early Church:

Epaenetus holds the distinction of being the "first convert to Christ in the province of Asia," indicating that he was among the earliest believers in that region. The province of Asia, in the context of the New Testament, refers to the western part of modern-day Turkey, which was a significant area for the spread of Christianity during the apostolic age. Epaenetus's conversion marks the beginning of the Christian movement in this region, highlighting his pioneering role in the faith's expansion.

Relationship with Paul:

Paul's affectionate reference to Epaenetus as "my beloved" suggests a close personal relationship. This term of endearment indicates that Epaenetus was not only a convert but also a cherished member of the Christian community and likely a trusted companion in the ministry. Paul's greeting in Romans 16 is part of a larger section where he acknowledges various individuals who contributed to the work of the Church, underscoring the communal and collaborative nature of early Christian missions.

Significance in the Christian Tradition:

Epaenetus's mention, though brief, serves as a testament to the spread of Christianity beyond its Jewish roots into the Gentile world. His conversion represents the fulfillment of the Great Commission, as the Gospel reached new territories and diverse peoples. Epaenetus's faith and dedication would have been instrumental in establishing and nurturing the early Christian communities in Asia, setting a foundation for future growth and evangelism.

Legacy:

While the New Testament provides limited information about Epaenetus, his legacy is preserved through Paul's acknowledgment. As the first convert in Asia, Epaenetus symbolizes the transformative power of the Gospel and the early Church's mission to bring the message of Christ to all nations. His example encourages believers to embrace their role in the ongoing mission of the Church, continuing the work of spreading the Gospel to the ends of the earth.Commendable, a Christian at Rome to whom Paul sent his salutation (Romans 16:5). He is spoken of as "the first fruits of Achaia" (R.V., "of Asia", i.e., of proconsular Asia, which is probably the correct reading). As being the first convert in that region, he was peculiarly dear to the apostle. He calls him his "well beloved." EPAENETUS

ep-e'-ne-tus (Epainetos, "praised"):

One of the Christians at Rome to whom greetings are sent by Paul (Romans 16:5). All that is known of him is told here. Paul describes him as

(1) "my beloved,"

(2) "who is the firstfruits of Asia unto Christ."

Textus Receptus of the New Testament has "firstfruits of Achaia" but this wrong reading is due to 1 Corinthians 16:15. He was one of the first Christians in the Roman province of Asia.

This salutation brings up the question of the destination of Romans 16:3-16, for it is argued that they are addressed to the church in Ephesus owing to the fact that Prisca and Aquila and Epenetus are known to have dwelt in Asia. On the other hand, there are more than 20 others in this list who are not known to have spent any time in Asia. Prisca and Aquila had once dwelt in Rome (Acts 18:2), and there is nothing unusual in an Ephesian dwelling in the capital of the empire. An interesting discovery was made in Rome of an inscription in which was the name of Epenetus, an Ephesian.

S. F. Hunter

1866. Epainetos -- "praiseworthy," Epaenetus, a Christian of Rome
... "praiseworthy," Epaenetus, a ... Word Origin from epaineo Definition "praiseworthy,"
Epaenetus, a Christian of Rome NASB Word Usage Epaenetus (1). Epenetus. ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/1866.htm - 6kEpaenetus (1 Occurrence)
... Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia. EPAENETUS. ... SF Hunter. Multi-Version Concordance
Epaenetus (1 Occurrence). Romans 16:5 Greet the assembly that is in their house ...
/e/epaenetus.htm - 8k

Epae'netus (1 Occurrence)
... Epaenetus, Epae'netus. Epaphras . ... Romans 16:5 and the assembly at their house;
salute Epaenetus, my beloved, who is first-fruit of Achaia to Christ. ...
/e/epae'netus.htm - 6k

Greetings (48 Occurrences)
... at their house. Greetings to my dear Epaenetus, who was the earliest convert
to Christ in the province of Asia; (WEY). Romans 16:8 ...
/g/greetings.htm - 18k

Greet (46 Occurrences)
... Romans 16:5 Greet the assembly that is in their house. Greet Epaenetus, my beloved,
who is the first fruits of Achaia to Christ. (WEB KJV WEY WBS NAS RSV NIV). ...
/g/greet.htm - 19k

Well-beloved (5 Occurrences)
... (WBS). Romans 16:5 Likewise greet the church that is in their house. Salute my
well-beloved Epaenetus, who is the firstfruits of Achaia unto Christ. (KJV WBS). ...
/w/well-beloved.htm - 7k

First-fruit (19 Occurrences)
... Romans 16:5 and 'salute' the church that is in their house. Salute Epaenetus my
beloved, who is the first-fruits of Asia unto Christ. (Root in ASV DBY WBS YLT). ...
/f/first-fruit.htm - 12k

Fruits (109 Occurrences)
... Romans 16:5 Greet the assembly that is in their house. Greet Epaenetus, my beloved,
who is the first fruits of Achaia to Christ. (WEB KJV ASV DBY WBS). ...
/f/fruits.htm - 37k

Earliest (30 Occurrences)
... their house. Greetings to my dear Epaenetus, who was the earliest convert
to Christ in the province of Asia; (WEY). 1 Corinthians ...
/e/earliest.htm - 15k

Enwrappeth (1 Occurrence)

/e/enwrappeth.htm - 6k

Meets (17 Occurrences)
... their house. Greetings to my dear Epaenetus, who was the earliest convert
to Christ in the province of Asia; (WEY NIV). 1 Corinthians ...
/m/meets.htm - 11k

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