Asyncritus is a man of the early church mentioned only once in the New Testament, found in a list of saints greeted by the Apostle Paul in his letter to the believers in Rome. This brief mention places him among the faithful in one of the most important Christian communities of the first century.
The name Asyncritus ($\text{A}\sigma\acute{u}\gamma\kappa\rho\iota\tau\text{o}\varsigma$) is of Greek origin and holds the straightforward meaning of “Incomparable” or “Unrivaled.”
A Saint in Rome
Asyncritus appears in the closing chapter of Paul’s Epistle to the Romans, a chapter rich with personal greetings that provide a snapshot of the dynamic, diverse, and tightly-knit community of the Roman church. Paul often used these greetings to offer commendation and affirmation to those who were serving Christ diligently.
The King James Version includes him in a list of several believers who were likely prominent within a specific house church or gathering within the city:
Salute Asyncritus, Phlegon, Hermas, Patrobas, Hermes, and the brethren which are with them. (Romans 16:14)
The Significance of the Greeting
Although this verse gives us no details of Asyncritus’s life, profession, or background, his inclusion in Paul’s personal list carries immense significance:
- A Tested Faith: For Paul to personally send greetings implies that Asyncritus was well-known to the Apostle, either through previous personal acquaintance or by reputation. Given that he was in Rome, he would have been part of the spiritual vanguard in the very heart of the Roman Empire, a place where faith was often tested by political and social pressure.
- Part of a Community: Asyncritus is listed with five other individuals—Phlegon, Hermas, Patrobas, and Hermes—followed by the phrase, “and the brethren which are with them.” This strongly suggests that these five men were leaders or key figures in a specific local congregation or house church, likely hosting gatherings in one of their homes. This shows the organizational and communal structure of the early church.
- Witness to Diversity: The name Asyncritus, like the others listed, is Greek. This reinforces the fact that the Roman church was not solely comprised of Jews or Roman citizens, but was a vibrant mix of different ethnicities and social classes, all united in Christ.
Asyncritus, the “Incomparable,” stands as a silent representative of the vast numbers of faithful, dedicated men and women who formed the backbone of the nascent Christian faith, carrying out the work of the gospel in obscurity, yet their names are preserved forever in the inspired Word of God.