Likewise greet the church that is in their house. Salute my well-beloved Epaenetus, who is the firstfruits of Achaia unto Christ.
Also say hi to the church that meets at their place. And give my love to Epaenetus, he's so special to me, and he was actually the very first person in that whole region to follow Jesus.
Paul's shoutouts hit different when you realize he's celebrating the first person who ever said yes to Jesus in their entire area.
📚 Historical Context
In the first century AD, early Christians often met in private homes for worship and fellowship because there were no dedicated church buildings, and this was a practical way to gather amid potential persecution. Paul, writing his letter to the Romans from Corinth, is sending greetings to a house church likely led by Priscilla and Aquila, who were close coworkers in his ministry. He also highlights Epaenetus as the first known convert to Christ in the region of Achaia, emphasizing the early spread of the gospel in Greece.
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