ACC ~ Romans 16 v5

THE FIRST CONVERT IN ASIA. AMBROSIASTER: Paul mentions Epaenetus’s claim to fame, in order to show that important people believe and turn to the faith and in order to invite the leaders of the Romans to accept Christ, and if they have already done so, to become humble. COMMENTARY ON PAUL’S EPISTLES.

THEIR HOUSE HAS BECOME A CHURCH. CHRYSOSTOM: Priscilla was noble enough to make their house a church, both by converting everyone in it and by opening it to strangers. Paul did not normally call houses churches, except when there was much godliness in them. … For even married people may become worthy of esteem and noble. These were married and became very honorable, even though their profession was that of tentmaker, which is far from honorable in itself.

Note how Paul calls Epaenetus “beloved,” which is high praise indeed. For Paul did not use a word like this to show favoritism; rather, it was the result of calm, cool reflection. Moreover, he was the first convert in Achaea, either in time or in quality. … Given that it was likely that all these people were of humble birth, Paul shows what true nobility is and honors them accordingly. HOMILIES ON ROMANS 31.

HOW THE ROMANS LEARNED FROM FOREIGNERS. PELAGIUS: Paul shows that a gathering of believers is called a “church.” Epaenetus was the firstborn of the church in Asia Minor. We learn from their names that all the people Paul greets were foreigners, and it is not unreasonable to suppose that the Romans came to faith through their example and teaching. PELAGIUS’S COMMENTARY ON ROMANS.

THEODORET OF CYR: Evidently Prisca and Aquila had preached the gospel to their servants and converted them to the Lord. St. Luke mentions them [in Acts 18:24-28] and shows how they led Apollos to the truth. INTERPRETATION OF THE LETTER TO THE ROMANS.

Rom