Romans 16:15
Salute Philologus, and Julia, Nereus, and his sister, and Olympas, and all the saints which are with them.
Original Language Analysis
ἀσπάσασθε
Salute
G782
ἀσπάσασθε
Salute
Strong's:
G782
Word #:
1 of 17
to enfold in the arms, i.e., (by implication) to salute, (figuratively) to welcome
Φιλόλογον
Philologus
G5378
Φιλόλογον
Philologus
Strong's:
G5378
Word #:
2 of 17
fond of words, i.e., talkative (argumentative, learned, "philological"); philologus, a christian
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
3 of 17
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
6 of 17
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
τὴν
G3588
τὴν
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
7 of 17
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
αὐτοῖς
his
G846
αὐτοῖς
his
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
9 of 17
the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
10 of 17
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
12 of 17
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
τοὺς
G3588
τοὺς
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
13 of 17
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
σὺν
which are with
G4862
σὺν
which are with
Strong's:
G4862
Word #:
14 of 17
with or together (but much closer than g3326 or g3844), i.e., by association, companionship, process, resemblance, possession, instrumentality, additi
Historical Context
Julia was extremely common name, especially among slaves and freedmen of the Julian family (Julius Caesar's clan). Nereus was common slave name (sea god). Olympas (shortened from Olympodorus) was also slave name. The prevalence of slave names in Romans 16 (at least 15 of 26 named individuals) confirms early Christianity's appeal to society's lowest strata. Yet Paul honors them equally with aristocrats like Erastus (v. 23, city treasurer). In Christ, 'there is neither bond nor free' (Galatians 3:28)—a revolutionary social vision that ultimately undermined slavery, patriarchy, and class hierarchy.
Questions for Reflection
- What does the inclusion of 'Nereus' sister' (unnamed) suggest about women's roles and recognition in the early church?
- How does Paul's greeting of 'all the saints with them' honor the unnamed faithful whose service often goes unrecognized?
- What would it look like for your church to cultivate house church-style intimacy and mission in smaller communities within the larger congregation?
Analysis & Commentary
Salute Philologus, and Julia, Nereus, and his sister, and Olympas, and all the saints which are with them—Aspasasthe Philologon kai Ioulian, Nērea kai tēn adelphēn autou, kai Olympan, kai tous syn autois pantas hagious (ἀσπάσασθε Φιλόλογον καὶ Ἰουλίαν, Νηρέα καὶ τὴν ἀδελφὴν αὐτοῦ, καὶ Ὀλυμπᾶν, καὶ τοὺς σὺν αὐτοῖς πάντας ἁγίους). Five believers plus tous syn autois pantas hagious (all the saints with them) indicates another house church. Hagious (ἅγιος, saints/holy ones) is Paul's standard term for believers—those set apart to God, made holy through Christ (1 Corinthians 1:2).
Philologus and Julia were likely husband-wife (names often paired). Nereus and 'his sister' (unnamed, perhaps propriety or she's less prominent) suggest family unit. Olympas rounds out the five. This house church, like v. 14's, comprised ordinary believers whose names Paul records for posterity—ensuring their service is remembered. The phrase tous pantas hagious (all the saints) honors the unnamed multitude: faithful believers whose names we don't know but God does (Revelation 20:15, 'book of life').