Andronicus is a notable figure in the New Testament due to the incredibly high regard in which he was held by the Apostle Paul. He was an early convert to Christianity in the city of Rome and one of the Jewish Christians who had returned to the capital city after the Emperor Claudius’s decree expelling Jews was lifted.
๐ค Paul’s Esteem and Kinship
Andronicus is only mentioned in a single verse in the Epistle to the Romans, yet Paul uses three powerful descriptions to characterize him:
“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)
- “My Kinsmen” (syngenฤs): This term is used by Paul to refer to his fellow Jews. It signifies a deep bond of shared national identity and heritage.
- “My Fellowprisoners” (synaichmรกlลtos): This indicates that Andronicus, along with Junia (likely his wife), had suffered persecution and imprisonment for the sake of the Gospel alongside Paul at some point in the past. This shared suffering forged an unbreakable spiritual bond.
- “In Christ before me”: This is a key detail, meaning Andronicus was a believer and disciple of Jesus before Paul’s own conversion on the road to Damascus. This makes him a very early, foundational figure in the Christian movement.
๐ “Of Note Among the Apostles”
The most significant description Paul gives is that Andronicus and Junia are “of note among the apostles.” This phrase is interpreted by scholars in two primary ways:
- Highly Esteemed by the Apostles: They were well-known and respected by the original twelve apostles and the broader apostolic leadership.
- Apostles Themselves: The text may mean that Andronicus (and Junia) were themselves counted among the wider group of people recognized as apostles in the early churchโthat is, authorized missionaries and messengers of the Gospel beyond the original twelve. Given their early conversion date and willingness to suffer for the faith, this interpretation is highly plausible.
โ๏ธ A Silent, Foundational Pillar
Andronicus’s life demonstrates the truth that the strength of the early church was built upon the loyalty and suffering of devoted individuals like him, who were believing before Paul and suffering alongside Paul. He stands as a silent pillar of the Christian foundation in Rome, esteemed for his faithfulness and commitment to the mission.