Romans 16:7

Salute Andronicus and Junia, my kinsmen, and my fellowprisoners, who are of note among the apostles, who also were in Christ before me.

Romans 16:7 (KJV)

Context

Paul closes his letter to the Romans with personal greetings, commending believers who served the church faithfully. Andronicus and Junia are named among them.

Meaning

Paul calls Andronicus and Junia his “kinsmen,” meaning they were fellow Jews, and his “fellowprisoners,” indicating they had been imprisoned with him, likely for the gospel. The phrase “of note among the apostles” has two possible meanings: they were highly regarded by the apostles, or they were themselves prominent apostles. Both readings are grammatically possible, and the exact sense remains debated. Paul also says they were “in Christ before me,” meaning they became believers before his own conversion, placing them among the earliest Christians.

Biblical connections

Junia is widely recognized as a woman’s name, supported by early church fathers and Greek grammar, though a minority have proposed the masculine “Junias.” This verse shows women actively recognized in early Christian ministry. Paul’s honoring of both a man and a woman as fellow workers reflects the unity in Christ that he describes elsewhere, where distinctions of gender do not diminish one’s standing in the faith.

Application

Paul’s greeting reminds believers to honor those who labor and suffer for the gospel. Andronicus and Junia’s example encourages us to value every member of the church, regardless of gender or background, and to recognize that faithful service often involves sacrifice.

Reflection

This verse invites us to consider how we regard fellow believers. Do we acknowledge those who have been faithful before us? Their devotion challenges us to persevere in Christ, knowing that our labor in the Lord is not in vain.