Romans 16:5 – “Greet also the church that meets at their house. Greet my dear friend Epenetus, who was the first convert to Christ in the province of Asia.”

Extended Explanation

In this verse, Paul sends greetings to two specific groups: a house church and a man named Epenetus. First, he acknowledges “the church that meets at their house.” This refers to the fact that many early Christians gathered in homes rather than in separate church buildings, which didn’t exist yet. The “their” here likely refers to Priscilla and Aquila, who were mentioned in the previous verse and were known for opening their home for believers to meet and worship together.

Paul then greets Epenetus, whom he describes as “my dear friend” and “the first convert to Christ in the province of Asia.” This tells us that Epenetus was a special person to Paul—not only as a close companion but as the very first person in that region to believe in Jesus. His conversion marked the beginning of the gospel’s spread in Asia Minor (modern-day Turkey), making him a significant figure in the history of the early church.

This verse highlights the personal nature of Paul’s ministry. He wasn’t just preaching to crowds—he deeply valued individual believers, recognizing their faith and contributions to the body of Christ.

Historical Context

In the first century, churches often met in homes because Christianity was not yet a legally recognized religion. Wealthier believers, like Priscilla and Aquila, used their homes to host gatherings of worship, prayer, and teaching. These house churches became the foundation of Christian communities.

Epenetus is described as the first convert in the province of Asia, which refers to the Roman province that included cities like Ephesus, Smyrna, and Pergamum. His conversion may have happened during Paul’s missionary journeys recorded in Acts. Being the first believer in a region would have been a challenging role—he likely faced opposition and had to stand firm in his new faith while helping establish the church in that area.

This verse gives us a glimpse into the spread of Christianity. The gospel was moving from city to city, person to person, and home to home, building a growing network of believers across the Roman world.

Theological Implications

This verse teaches two key theological truths:

1. The importance of Christian fellowship. The mention of a house church reminds us that Christianity has always been about community. Gathering together to worship and encourage one another is essential to the faith.
2. The value of each believer. Paul singles out Epenetus as the first convert in Asia, showing that every believer—no matter how early or late in history—has a unique and valuable place in God’s plan.

Epenetus’s example also reminds us that the gospel spreads through personal relationships. He wasn’t just an anonymous figure—his faith mattered to Paul, and it mattered to God.

Literary Analysis

Romans 16 is filled with personal greetings, making it one of the most relational chapters in the Bible. Unlike the deep theological discussions earlier in Romans, this section shows Paul’s appreciation for individual believers.

The phrase “the church that meets at their house” reinforces the idea that churches were not institutions but gatherings of people. The word “church” here (Greek: ekklesia) refers to the assembly of believers, not a physical building.

The phrase “first convert to Christ in the province of Asia” is significant. In Greek, the word for “convert” (Greek: aparchē) can also mean “firstfruits,” which implies that Epenetus was just the beginning of a much greater harvest of believers in that region.

Biblical Cross-References

• Acts 2:46 – Early believers met in homes, breaking bread together.
• 1 Corinthians 16:19 – Paul again mentions a church meeting in Priscilla and Aquila’s home.
• Colossians 4:15 – Another reference to a house church, showing this was common in early Christianity.
• Acts 19:10 – The gospel spreads throughout the province of Asia, likely after Epenetus’s conversion.
• James 1:18 – “He chose to give us birth through the word of truth, that we might be a kind of firstfruits of all he created.” This connects with the idea of Epenetus as the “firstfruits” in Asia.

What This Verse Means for Today’s Christian

1. Church isn’t about a building—it’s about people. While many today worship in church buildings, the early believers met in homes, reminding us that what matters most is the people gathered, not the place. Whether in a house, a park, or a church building, believers are called to come together in worship and fellowship.
2. Every believer has a story and a purpose. Epenetus was just one man, but Paul took the time to honor him. In the same way, God sees and values each person’s faith journey. Whether someone is the first believer in their family, workplace, or community, their faith can be the start of something greater.
3. Relationships matter in the body of Christ. Paul’s personal greetings remind us to appreciate and encourage one another. Christianity isn’t just about doctrine—it’s about real people living out their faith together.

How This Verse Relates to a Loving God

God’s love is personal. This verse reminds us that He cares about individuals, not just groups. He saw Epenetus as significant, and He sees each of us the same way.

God also provides community for His people. He didn’t leave Epenetus alone—He placed him in a growing church family. The existence of house churches shows that God wants His people to live in fellowship, supporting and strengthening one another.

How This Verse Connects to Jesus Christ

Jesus often spoke about the importance of community and discipleship. In Matthew 18:20, He said, “For where two or three gather in my name, there am I with them.” This aligns with the idea of house churches, where small groups of believers gathered in His name.

Epenetus being the “first convert” reminds us of Jesus’ parable of the mustard seed (Matthew 13:31-32)—the kingdom of God starts small but grows into something much larger. Epenetus’s faith was just the beginning of Christianity’s spread in Asia.

Jesus also called His disciples to be “the firstfruits” of a new creation (John 15:16), chosen to bear lasting fruit. Epenetus was one of those early fruits, and every believer today continues that legacy.

Questions for Reflection and Discussion

1. What can we learn from the early church meeting in homes? How can we apply this sense of community today?
2. Why do you think Paul took the time to personally greet specific individuals like Epenetus?
3. Have you ever felt like the “first” Christian in your family, workplace, or group of friends? How does this verse encourage you?
4. How can we honor and encourage other believers the way Paul did?
5. What steps can we take to make sure our churches focus more on relationships and discipleship rather than just buildings and programs?