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Early Converts - Session 7.pdf

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Introduction: The First Fruits of Pauline Evangelism

• Paul’s ministry marked the beginning of a distinct gospel, revealed to him by the risen Christ (Galatians 1:11–12).
• The following individuals and households received that message early and became foundational figures in the spread of Pauline Christianity.
• Whether Jews or Gentiles, prominent or unknown, these converts were instrumental in the early days of the faith.

I. Andronicus and Junia – In Christ Before Paul

• Who: Two Jewish believers noted by Paul as “kinsmen” and “fellowprisoners,” known and respected among the apostles.
• What Scripture Says:
  • “Salute Andronicus and Junia, my kinsmen, and my fellowprisoners, who are of note among the apostles, who also were in Christ before me.” (Romans 16:7).
  • Note: there is a long-standing debate over Junia (masculine) or Junias (feminine). In the accusative, as it is here, the masculine/feminine endings for this particular word disappear. The KJV has made it a masculine, while most modern translations go with the feminine “Junias.”
• Where: Likely located in Rome at the time Paul wrote his epistle, though their earlier activities may have involved Jerusalem or other mission fields.
• Additional Insight:
  • Paul refers to them as “kinsmen,” which likely means fellow Jews, though some traditions take this as literal family.
  • Being “in Christ before me” means they were believers before Paul’s Damascus Road conversion, possibly part of the original church in Jerusalem.
    • Note that they were kingdom believers, adhering to the message of Peter.
    • We would assume that they later trusted that Paul received the revelation of the mystery and also adopted this message, as did so many others.
  • The phrase “of note among the apostles” could mean either that they were well known to the apostles or counted among them. Patristic tradition often favors the latter.
  • “Fellowprisoners” implies that they were, at some point, imprisoned for the sake of the gospel, either with Paul or under similar conditions.
• Why They Matter:
  • They demonstrate that Paul recognized faithful workers who had been following Christ even before his own conversion.
  • Their inclusion in the greeting list of Romans shows they were known not only for past service but also for continued influence.
  • Junia, in particular, has long drawn attention for her potential role as a female apostle or leading figure in the early church.

Traditional and Historical Information

• Church Recognition: Celebrated in Eastern Orthodox (May 17) and some Roman Catholic (May 29) traditions as Saints Andronicus and Junia, Equal-to-the-Apostles. Eastern tradition considers them among the Seventy Apostles, with Andronicus later serving as bishop of Pannonia. Some accounts suggest they were martyred, though details are uncertain.

II. The Household of Stephanas – Firstfruits of Achaia

• Who: Stephanas and his family, among the earliest converts in the region of Achaia (likely Corinth).
• What Scripture Says:
  • “And I baptized also the household of Stephanas.” (1 Corinthians 1:16).
  • “Ye know the house of Stephanas, that it is the firstfruits of Achaia, and that they have addicted themselves to the ministry of the saints.” (1 Corinthians 16:15).
  • Paul commends them as exemplary laborers and mentions Stephanas alongside Fortunatus and Achaicus as refreshing his spirit (1 Corinthians 16:17–18).
• Where: Achaia (southern Greece), likely based in Corinth where Paul labored for 18 months (Acts 18:11).
• Additional Insight:
  • “Firstfruits of Achaia” suggests they were among the very first to respond to Paul’s gospel in that province.
  • Being baptized by Paul suggests that they accepted the “Gospel of Christ” (i.e.: the identity of the Messiah) based on Paul’s teaching. Compare Acts 18:5.
  • Their self-initiated commitment to ministry set a tone for service and spiritual leadership in the local assembly.
  • Paul urges the Corinthian church to submit to them and others who “helpeth with us and laboureth” (1 Corinthians 16:16).
  • The household likely included adult children or extended family, based on the language of devotion to ministry.
• Why They Matter:
  • Their example legitimizes lay leadership and voluntary service as vital to the early church experience.

Traditional and Historical Information