Romans 16:8
Greet Amplias my beloved in the Lord.
Original Language Analysis
Historical Context
Ampliatus was common slave name (shortened from Ampliatus). Archaeological evidence: a tomb in Rome's catacomb of Domitilla (late 1st/early 2nd century) bears the inscription 'Ampliatus' in prominent lettering, suggesting this might be Paul's friend, honored by the church. Many early Christians were slaves or freedmen (1 Corinthians 7:21-23, Philemon). Paul's commendation transcends social hierarchy—in Christ, slave and free are brothers (Galatians 3:28). The church's countercultural dignity for slaves and women attracted converts across Roman society.
Questions for Reflection
- What does it mean to love someone '<em>en kyriō</em>' (in the Lord) versus natural affection—how is Christian love distinct?
- How does Paul's affection for Ampliatus (likely a slave) demonstrate the gospel's power to transcend social hierarchies?
- Who are the 'Ampliatus' figures in your church—faithful believers from marginalized backgrounds—and how can you honor them?
Analysis & Commentary
Greet Amplias my beloved in the Lord—Aspasasthe Ampliaton ton agapēton mou en kyriō (ἀσπάσασθε Ἀμπλιᾶτον τὸν ἀγαπητόν μου ἐν κυρίῳ). Agapēton (ἀγαπητός, beloved) indicates deep affection—Paul reserves this for close co-workers (Epaphras, Colossians 1:7; Onesimus, Philemon 16; Timothy, 1 Corinthians 4:17). En kyriō (in the Lord) qualifies the love—not mere human affection but love rooted in shared union with Christ. Christian love is distinctive: rooted in redemption, transcending natural kinship, ethnicity, class.