Epaenetus

AI summary: Epaenetus matters because his single cross reference preserves the memory of one of the first believers from a region reached by the gospel. The affectionate way Paul names him gives warmth and historical texture to the spread of early Christianity. Taken together, the material presents Epaenetus as an early and beloved convert in the Pauline mission.¹

Commendable, a Christian at Rome to whom Paul sent his salutation (Rom. 16:5). He is spoken of as “the first fruits of Achaia” (R.V., “of Asia”, i.e., of proconsular Asia, which is probably the correct reading). As being the first convert in that region, he was peculiarly dear to the apostle. He calls him his “well beloved.” ³