In brief
Andronicus and Junia are two Christians greeted by the apostle Paul at the end of his letter to the Romans, in the middle of the first century. Paul calls them his relatives and fellow prisoners, says they are well known among the apostles, and says they were in Christ before him. The Bible tells us no more. What we keep is their long and tested faithfulness, and Paul's gratitude toward those who suffered with him for the gospel.
What does the name Andronicus and Junia mean?
Andronicus is a Greek name, generally linked to the words for man and victory. The second name, in its Greek form, can be read either as a man's name, Junias, or as a woman's name, Junia. The question is debated, and many English Bibles read Junia (Romans 16:7).
The story of Andronicus and Junia
A church greeted by name
Romans 16:1-6At the end of his letter to the Romans, Paul commends Phoebe, then greets a long list of believers: Prisca and Aquila, who risked their necks for him, the church that meets in their house, Epaenetus, and Mary, who worked hard. The apostle does not see the church as an anonymous crowd: he knows people, their stories and their service.
Relatives and fellow prisoners
Romans 16:7Paul writes: greet Andronicus and Junia, my relatives and fellow prisoners. The word translated relatives can mean members of his family or, more broadly, fellow Jews. They shared one of his imprisonments, though the Bible does not say which one. Paul speaks elsewhere of his many imprisonments (2 Corinthians 11:23).
Esteemed among the apostles
Romans 16:7Paul adds that they are well known among the apostles. The expression is understood in two ways: either they were themselves counted among the apostles, in the broad sense of missionaries who were sent out, or they were well known and respected by the apostles. In both cases, their reputation as faithful servants was firmly established.
In Christ before Paul
Romans 16:7One last detail: they were in Christ before him. Andronicus and Junia therefore believed in the Lord before Saul of Tarsus was converted on the road to Damascus. Paul, once a persecutor of the church, greets with respect believers who are older than he in the faith, without placing himself above them despite his calling as an apostle.
What Andronicus and Junia teaches us
- God sees and honors the faithfulness of servants of whom Scripture keeps only a few words.
- Suffering together for the gospel creates deep bonds of fellowship between believers.
- A great servant of God humbly acknowledges those who went before him in the faith.
- A good spiritual reputation is built over time, through tested faithfulness.
Key verses
The only verse that speaks of Andronicus and Junia. In one sentence, Paul sums up their journey: ties of family or people, shared prison, the esteem of the apostles and a faith older than his own.
Scripture invites us to remember our leaders, to consider the outcome of their way of life and to imitate their faith, just as Paul honors these believers who preceded him.
Bible verses to meditate on
Frequently asked questions
Was Junia a man or a woman?
The Greek text of Romans 16:7 can be read as a man's name, Junias, or as a woman's name, Junia. The question is still debated among scholars. Some see Andronicus and Junia as a couple, but the Bible does not say so. Translations differ on which form to use.
Were Andronicus and Junia apostles?
Paul says they are well known among the apostles. This can mean they belonged to the apostles in the broad sense of those sent out, distinct from the Twelve, or that they were respected by the apostles. The text allows both readings; above all it affirms their recognized faithfulness.
Where can I find Andronicus and Junia in the Bible?
They are named only once, in Romans 16:7, in the long list of greetings that closes Paul's letter to the Romans. Reading all of chapter 16 shows the variety of men and women whom Paul knew and thanked for their service.