Romans 16:7

Romans 16:7, in plain English

Greet Andronicus and Junia, fellow Jews and fellow prisoners with Paul, who are highly respected among the apostles and became believers even before Paul did.

Why it's here

These two are remarkable. They were imprisoned for their faith, which means they faced serious persecution. And Junia—a woman's name—is described as outstanding among the apostles, which means she held significant authority and respect in the early church leadership.

Who's speaking

Paul, honoring two important early believers

Where it sits in the story

This verse shows you women in leadership roles in the earliest church, making decisions, taking risks, and earning Paul's respect. It's a corrective to any idea that women had no role in apostolic leadership.

The scholarly reading

Paul greets Andronicus and Junia, fellow Jews and prisoners, remarkable among the apostles and believers in Christ before Paul himself.

Language and setting

This verse presents one of scripture's most contested interpretive moments. The manuscript tradition preserved 'Junia' (Ἰουνία) in the accusative, making her female—though some medieval scholars emended to 'Junias' (masculine). Current scholarship, led by figures like Eldon Jay Epp and Bernadette Brooten, affirms Junia as a woman apostle. The phrase 'outstanding among the apostles' (ἐπίσημοι ἐν τοῖς ἀποστόλοις) permits readings either as 'well-known to' or 'notable among' the apostles. Their status as fellow prisoners suggests imprisonment for gospel witness, and their pre-Pauline conversion (they 'were in Christ before I was') places them among Christianity's very earliest adherents, possibly even Pentecost witnesses.

Voice

Paul, identifying two significant early believers.

Significance

Junia's prominence as an apostle in the Pauline corpus challenges readings of women's exclusion from apostolic authority—a challenge the patriistic and medieval churches managed partly through textual emendation, a hermeneutical strategy that reveals interpretive anxiety. Her inclusion anchors women's apostolic function in Paul's own recognition and commendation.

5Greet also the church that meets at their house.

6Greet Mary, who has worked very hard for you.

7Greet Andronicus and Junia, my fellow countrymen and fellow prisoners. They are outstanding among the apostles, and they were in Christ before I was.

8Greet Ampliatus, my beloved in the Lord.

9Greet Urbanus, our fellow worker in Christ, and my beloved Stachys.

Read all of Romans 16 — Paul names over two dozen co-workers — men and women, Jews and Gentiles — revealing a movement built on real relationships and shared sacrifice.