“Salute my wellbeloved Epaenetus, who is the firstfruits of Achaia unto Christ.” — Romans 16:5 (KJV)
The Identity of Epaenetus
Epaenetus was a Christian living in Rome whom the Apostle Paul held in the highest esteem. His name, derived from the Greek word Epainetos, means “Praised” or “Commendable.” He appears in the long list of personal greetings at the end of Paul’s Epistle to the Romans, signaling that while he was currently in the capital city, he had a deep and history-making connection to Paul’s earlier missionary work.
The Firstfruits of the Gospel
Paul gives Epaenetus a title of distinct honor: “the firstfruits.” In the biblical sense, firstfruits refer to the very first portion of a harvest, which was dedicated to God as a pledge that the rest of the harvest would surely follow.
- The Region: The King James Version identifies him as the firstfruits of Achaia (Southern Greece), though many ancient manuscripts and modern translations associate him with the province of Asia (Western Turkey/Ephesus).
- The Distinction: Regardless of the specific province, Epaenetus was the very first person in that entire region to believe in Jesus Christ. He was the lone spark that preceded a great spiritual conflagration.
The Bond of “Wellbeloved”
Paul does not merely call him a brother; he calls him “my wellbeloved.” This indicates a unique, father-son-like bond in the faith. Epaenetus likely stood by Paul when there were no other believers in the area, providing fellowship and support when the Gospel was first breaking into hostile pagan territory.
A Member of the House Church
At the time of Paul’s writing, Epaenetus was associated with the house church of Priscilla and Aquila in Rome. It is highly probable that Epaenetus had traveled from the East (Asia/Achaia) to Rome alongside this famous missionary couple to help establish and strengthen the church in the heart of the Empire.
The Forensic Legacy
Epaenetus represents the pioneer spirit. To be the “firstfruits” means to be the first to break away from family traditions, national idols, and social norms to follow Christ. His presence in Rome years after his conversion proves his steadfastness; he was not a “flash in the pan” convert but a foundational stone in the early Christian edifice.