ROMANS 16:7

Greet Andronicus and Junia, my kinsfolk and my fellow prisoners, who are outstanding in the view of the apostles, who also were in Christ before me.”

I grew up with a slew of cousins. We were always gathering at a grandma’s, aunt’s or uncle’s house for some kind of celebration. I was closer to some than the others, but we were all part of the family. I never felt belittled or put down by any of them. Most of them were older than me so I guess they took pity on their little pesty cousin, lol. We are all up in years now, but when we do see each other, that family love comes through.

Paul mentions two other people in today’s verse, and this time it is personal. Scholars disagree whether this was a husband and wife or two men. It doesn’t matter. They were Paul’s kinsfolk. Scholars disagree on this, as well. Some say Paul was referring to fellow Jews or some from his same tribe. Others say these were most probably close relations to him. I like that view, myself. But they were so much more than just “cousins.”

APPLICATION

Paul says they were “fellow prisoners.” We don’t know what imprisonment he was referring to. Perhaps they were already in a Roman prison. Maybe they had been arrested with Paul on one of his missionary journeys. We don’t really know, but we must believe Paul knew they had been persecuted, like he, for their faith.

Then he says they were “outstanding in the view of the apostles.” Obviously, their names were well known among the apostles back in Jerusalem. They had proven themselves in the early church and had won the admiration and respect of the early church leaders. Wow! What an honor to be identified in that manner.

And then finally, Paul says “they were in Christ before me.” Perhaps these two were in Jerusalem and had been converted directly by Christ. They may have even been two of the large group of early disciples who followed Christ before His crucifixion. I am purely speculating, but Paul says they were Christians before he was and we know when that occurred.

I bet Adronicus and Junia never dreamt their names would be recorded in history, much less in God’s Word. But their names are worthy of admiration by us all. Fellow prisoners, respected by the apostles and some of the earliest believers! I can’t wait to meet them. Could someone one day read about your life as a Christian and say such things? Let us all strive to bring honor to His name.

Father, I am amazed at how You use every follower who gives themselves to You fully.

If the Lord should lead you to support our ministry, check out our ministry page at Trans World Radio (www.twr.org/carl-willis).