Romans 16:5
Likewise greet the church that is in their house. Salute my wellbeloved Epaenetus, who is the firstfruits of Achaia unto Christ.
Original Language Analysis
καὶ
Likewise
G2532
καὶ
Likewise
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
1 of 18
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 #:
2 of 18
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
κατ'
that is in
G2596
κατ'
that is in
Strong's:
G2596
Word #:
3 of 18
(prepositionally) down (in place or time), in varied relations (according to the case (genitive, dative or accusative) with which it is joined)
οἶκον
house
G3624
οἶκον
house
Strong's:
G3624
Word #:
4 of 18
a dwelling (more or less extensive, literal or figurative); by implication, a family (more or less related, literally or figuratively)
αὐτῶν
their
G846
αὐτῶν
their
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
5 of 18
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
ἐκκλησίαν
greet the church
G1577
ἐκκλησίαν
greet the church
Strong's:
G1577
Word #:
6 of 18
a calling out, i.e., (concretely) a popular meeting, especially a religious congregation (jewish synagogue, or christian community of members on earth
ἀσπάσασθε
Salute
G782
ἀσπάσασθε
Salute
Strong's:
G782
Word #:
7 of 18
to enfold in the arms, i.e., (by implication) to salute, (figuratively) to welcome
τὸν
G3588
τὸν
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
9 of 18
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ὅς
who
G3739
ὅς
who
Strong's:
G3739
Word #:
12 of 18
the relatively (sometimes demonstrative) pronoun, who, which, what, that
ἀπαρχὴ
the firstfruits
G536
ἀπαρχὴ
the firstfruits
Strong's:
G536
Word #:
14 of 18
a beginning of sacrifice, i.e., the (jewish) first-fruit (figuratively)
τῆς
G3588
τῆς
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
15 of 18
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
Cross References
Colossians 4:15Salute the brethren which are in Laodicea, and Nymphas, and the church which is in his house.Philemon 1:2And to our beloved Apphia, and Archippus our fellowsoldier, and to the church in thy house:1 Corinthians 16:19The churches of Asia salute you. Aquila and Priscilla salute you much in the Lord, with the church that is in their house.1 Corinthians 16:15I beseech you, brethren, (ye know the house of Stephanas, that it is the firstfruits of Achaia, and that they have addicted themselves to the ministry of the saints,)Matthew 18:20For where two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst of them.
Historical Context
House churches were 20-40 people meeting in insulae (apartment blocks) or wealthy patrons' homes. No clergy-laity distinction existed; leadership was organic, gifts-based (1 Corinthians 12-14). Hosting required resources: space, food, risk (Christianity was illicit religio). Women like Priscilla, Lydia (Acts 16:15, 40), Nympha (Colossians 4:15) hosted churches, implying leadership roles. Epaenetus as Asia's 'firstfruits' suggests he evangelized others after conversion—first converts typically became evangelists, establishing the faith in new regions.
Questions for Reflection
- What does it mean to host '<em>kat' oikon ekklēsian</em>' (house church) today—how can you open your home for gospel ministry?
- How does the house church model (organic, gift-based, relational) differ from institutional church structures—what are the trade-offs?
- Who are the 'firstfruits' (<em>aparchē</em>) in your area—first converts who became evangelists—and how can they be honored and equipped?
Analysis & Commentary
Likewise greet the church that is in their house—Kai tēn kat' oikon autōn ekklēsian (καὶ τὴν κατ' οἶκον αὐτῶν ἐκκλησίαν). Kat' oikon ekklēsian (κατ' οἶκον ἐκκλησία, church in their house) describes the house church model—believers met in homes (no church buildings until 3rd century). Priscilla and Aquila hosted house churches wherever they lived: Corinth (implied, Acts 18:2-3), Ephesus (1 Corinthians 16:19), Rome (Romans 16:5). Opening their home for worship, teaching, fellowship was ministry—requiring hospitality, financial resources, leadership, and risk (harboring illegal religion).
Salute my wellbeloved Epaenetus, who is the firstfruits of Achaia unto Christ—Aspasasthe Epaineton ton agapēton mou, hos estin aparchē tēs Asias eis Christon (ἀσπάσασθε Ἐπαίνετον τὸν ἀγαπητόν μου, ὅς ἐστιν ἀπαρχὴ τῆς Ἀσίας εἰς Χριστόν). Aparchē (ἀπαρχή, firstfruits) designates Epaenetus as the first convert in Asia (province including Ephesus). Eis Christon (unto Christ) indicates conversion. Being 'firstfruits' carried special honor—first converts often became leaders (1 Corinthians 16:15, household of Stephanas).