Devine Scripture

Romans 16:5

What does Romans 16:5 mean?

A plain-English look at Romans 16:5 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What Romans 16:5 means

Paul greets the congregation that meets in the home of Prisca and Aquila, reflecting the house-church reality of the early Christian movement. He also greets Epænetus, whom he calls beloved and the first convert to Christ in the Roman province of Asia. This honors the beginnings of a regional gospel work and the personal affection shaped by shared history. By naming a household church and a pioneer believer, Paul affirms both the corporate and personal dimensions of ministry: intimate gatherings in homes and the precious memory of early fruit that foreshadowed a larger harvest.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

and salute the church that is in their house. Salute Epænetus my beloved, who is the firstfruits of Asia unto Christ.

KJV

King James Version · 1611

Likewise greet the church that is in their house. Salute my wellbeloved Epenetus, who is the firstfruits of Achaia unto Christ.

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

and salute the church that is in their house. Salute Epænetus my beloved, who is the firstfruits of Asia unto Christ.

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

And say a kind word to the church which is in their house. Give my love to my dear Epaenetus, who is the first fruit of Asia to Christ.

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

and the assembly at their house; salute Epaenetus, my beloved, who is first-fruit of Achaia to Christ.

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

And the church which is in their house. Salute Epenetus, my beloved: who is the firstfruits of Asia in Christ.

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

and the assembly at their house. Salute Epaenetus, my beloved, who is [the] first-fruits of Asia for Christ.

Context

After praising Prisca and Aquila’s sacrifice, Paul notes that a church meets in their home, signaling their ongoing service. He then shifts focus to Epænetus, connecting Rome to earlier mission fields. The greetings continue in verse 6 and following, recognizing more laborers, beloved friends, and tested saints. The overall effect is to celebrate the diversity and unity of the Roman believers, threaded together by shared toil, affection, and endurance for Christ.

v.4who for my life laid down their own necks; unto whom not only I give thanks, but also all the churches of the Gentiles:

v.5This passage

v.6Salute Mary, who bestowed much labor on you.

Cross references

Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.

  • Matthew 18:20

    For where two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst of them.

  • 2 Corinthians 9:2

    for I know your readiness, of which I glory on your behalf to them of Macedonia, that Achaia hath been prepared for a year past; and your zeal hath stirred up very many of them.

  • Acts 18:12

    But when Gallio was proconsul of Achaia, the Jews with one accord rose up against Paul and brought him before the judgment-seat,

  • Romans 16:8

    Salute Ampliatus my beloved in the Lord.

  • 3 John 1:1

    The elder unto Gaius the beloved, whom I love in truth.

  • 1 Corinthians 16:19

    The churches of Asia salute you. Aquila and Prisca salute you much in the Lord, with the church that is in their house.

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