Nereus is a biblical figure mentioned in the New Testament, specifically in the Apostle Paul's Epistle to the Romans. His mention is brief, yet it provides insight into the early Christian community and the network of believers in Rome.

Biblical Reference:

Nereus is mentioned in Romans 16:15, where Paul writes, "Greet Philologus and Julia, Nereus and his sister, and Olympas and all the saints with them" . This verse is part of a larger section in which Paul sends personal greetings to various members of the Roman church, highlighting the interconnectedness and familial nature of the early Christian communities.

Context and Significance:

The mention of Nereus, along with his sister, suggests that they were notable members of the Christian community in Rome. The inclusion of both siblings in Paul's greetings indicates their active participation and possibly their leadership or service within the church. The fact that Paul greets them by name reflects the personal relationships and the importance of each member in the body of Christ.

Nereus's presence in the list of greetings underscores the diversity of the early church, which included individuals from various backgrounds and social standings. The early Christian community was known for its inclusivity, bringing together Jews and Gentiles, men and women, slaves and free individuals, all united in their faith in Jesus Christ.

Historical and Cultural Background:

The name Nereus is of Greek origin, which may suggest a Hellenistic background. During the first century, Rome was a melting pot of cultures, and the Christian church reflected this diversity. The presence of Greek names among Roman believers is not uncommon, as the spread of Christianity reached various ethnic groups and regions.

The early church in Rome was a significant center for Christianity, and Paul's letter to the Romans is one of the most theologically rich epistles in the New Testament. The greetings in Romans 16 provide a glimpse into the vibrant and diverse community of believers who were instrumental in the growth and establishment of the church in the heart of the Roman Empire.

Theological Implications:

Nereus's mention, though brief, serves as a reminder of the personal nature of the Christian faith and the importance of community. Each believer, regardless of their role or prominence, is valued and recognized within the body of Christ. The greetings in Romans 16 highlight the interconnectedness of the early church and the mutual support and love that characterized the relationships among believers.

In a broader theological context, the inclusion of individuals like Nereus in the biblical narrative emphasizes the universal call of the Gospel. Christianity transcends cultural and social barriers, inviting all people to become part of God's family through faith in Jesus Christ.Nereus

same as Ner

Nereus

(lamp), a Christian at Rome, saluted by St. Paul. (Romans 16:15) According to tradition he was beheaded at Terracina, probably in the reign of Nerva.

A Christian at Rome to whom Paul sent his salutation (Romans 16:15). NEREUS

ne'-rus, ne'-re-us (Nereus): The name of a Roman Christian to whom with his sister Paul sent greetings (Romans 16:15). Nereus and the others saluted with him (Romans 16:15) formed small community or "house church." The name of the sister is not given, but the name Nereis is found on an inscription of this date containing names of the emperor's servants (Lightfoot, Phil, 176). Among the Acta Sanctorum connected with the early church in Rome are the "Acts of Nereus and Achilleus" which call them chamberlains of Domitilla, the niece of Vespasian, and relate their influence over her in persuading her to remain a virgin.

S. F. Hunter

3517. Nereus -- Nereus, a Christian
... 3516, 3517. Nereus. 3518 . Nereus, a Christian. Part of Speech: Noun,
Masculine Transliteration: Nereus Phonetic Spelling: (nare ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/3517.htm - 6k

Index.
... of Constantine, 162; Julia, 163; of Junius Bassus, 28; of Nereus, Achilleus
and Petronilla, 338 (cut). ... Nereus and Achilleus, martyrs, 337. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/lanciani/pagan and christian rome/index 2.htm

Andromeda
... rainbows Crimson and azure and emerald, were broken in star-showers, lighting Far
through the wine-dark depths of the crystal, the gardens of Nereus, Coral and ...
//christianbookshelf.org/kingsley/andromeda and other poems/andromeda.htm

The Apostles that were Married.
... Petronilla. She is first called St. Peter's daughter in the Apocryphal Acts of SS.
Nereus and Achilles, which give a legendary account of her life and death. ...
/.../pamphilius/church history/chapter xxx the apostles that were.htm

The Apostle John and the Apocalypse.
... The Acts of Martyrdom of Nereus and Achilles represent Domitilla as the niece,
not the wife, of Flavius Clemens, and Eusebius does the same. ...
/.../pamphilius/church history/chapter xviii the apostle john and.htm

List of Illustrations.
... CUBICULUM OF JANUARIUS 322. SANCTA VIATRIX 334. BASILICA OF NEREUS, ACHILLEUS, AND
PETRONILLA 338. THE EXECUTION OF ACILLEUS 339. PETRONILLA AND VENERANDA 341. ...
/.../lanciani/pagan and christian rome/list of illustrations.htm

Christian Cemeteries.
... The story of Simplicius, Faustina and Viatrix."The cemetery of Domitilla."The Christian
Flavii buried there."The basilica of Nereus, Achilleus and ...
/.../lanciani/pagan and christian rome/chapter vii christian cemeteries.htm

Rom. xvi. 5
... For he says,. Ver.15. "Salute Philologus, and Julius, and Nereus and his sister,
and Olympas, and all the saints which are with them;". ...
/.../chrysostom/homilies on acts and romans/homily xxxi rom xvi 5.htm

The Epistles of the Apostles.
... many acquaintances, rather than to Rome, where he had not been; yet on the other
hand such names as Junias, Narcissus, Rufus, Hermas, Nereus, Aristobulus, and ...
/.../pamphilius/church history/chapter iii the epistles of the.htm

The Epistle to the Romans
... first four of these names, "ten others, Stachys, Apelles, Tryphaena, Tryphosa, Hermes,
Hernias, Patrobas (or (Patrobius), Philologus, Julia, Nereus are found ...
/.../drummond/introduction to the new testament/the epistle to the romans.htm

Nereus (1 Occurrence)
... Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia. NEREUS. ne'-rus, ne'-re-us (Nereus): The name
of a Roman Christian to whom with his sister Paul sent greetings (Romans 16:15). ...
/n/nereus.htm - 7k

Neraiah (1 Occurrence)

/n/neraiah.htm - 6k

Nergal (3 Occurrences)

/n/nergal.htm - 8k

Olympas (1 Occurrence)
... Olympas (1 Occurrence). Romans 16:15 Greet Philologus and Julia, Nereus and
his sister, and Olympas, and all the saints who are with them. ...
/o/olympas.htm - 7k

Olym'pas (1 Occurrence)
... Olym'pas (1 Occurrence). Romans 16:15 salute Philologus, and Julias, Nereus, and
his sister, and Olympas, and all the saints with them; (See RSV). ...
/o/olym'pas.htm - 6k

Julias (1 Occurrence)
... Julias (1 Occurrence). Romans 16:15 salute Philologus, and Julias, Nereus, and
his sister, and Olympas, and all the saints with them; (YLT). ...
/j/julias.htm - 6k

Julia (1 Occurrence)
... Julia (1 Occurrence). Romans 16:15 Greet Philologus and Julia, Nereus and his
sister, and Olympas, and all the saints who are with them. ...
/j/julia.htm - 7k

Greet (46 Occurrences)
... (WEB WEY NAS RSV NIV). Romans 16:15 Greet Philologus and Julia, Nereus and his sister,
and Olympas, and all the saints who are with them. (WEB NAS RSV NIV). ...
/g/greet.htm - 19k

Philologus (1 Occurrence)
... Philologus (1 Occurrence). Romans 16:15 Greet Philologus and Julia, Nereus and
his sister, and Olympas, and all the saints who are with them. ...
/p/philologus.htm - 7k

Philol'ogus (1 Occurrence)
... Philol'ogus (1 Occurrence). Romans 16:15 salute Philologus, and Julias, Nereus,
and his sister, and Olympas, and all the saints with them; (See RSV). ...
/p/philol'ogus.htm - 6k

Nereus: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com

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