Epaenetus is a name found in the King James Bible, appearing 1 time in the text.
Who This Was
Epaenetus appears only once in the King James Bible, in Paul’s letter to the Romans, where he is named among the believers in Rome to whom Paul sends personal greetings. Paul calls him “my well-beloved Epaenetus, who is the firstfruits of Achaia unto Christ” (Romans 16:5). The greeting is set within a longer list of salutations at the close of the letter, where Paul greets a church that met in the house of Priscilla and Aquila, and then names Epaenetus directly.
According to the source note, Epaenetus was one of the first converts to Christianity in Asia, and he was highly praised by Paul. Paul’s language bears this out: he calls him “well-beloved,” indicating a warm personal affection, and describes him as “the firstfruits of Achaia unto Christ.” The word “firstfruits” presents Epaenetus as an early harvest—the first of many to come to faith in that region. The reference to Achaia places his conversion in connection with the region of Greece where Paul labored, and the source note further identifies him as one of the earliest believers in Asia.
What Scripture records of Epaenetus is brief but significant. He is not mentioned for any deed, miracle, or office, but for his standing as an early believer and for the affection Paul held for him. He stands among the ordinary members of the early church whose names survive only because Paul took care to greet them personally. His inclusion in Romans 16 shows that he was known and valued within the network of early Christian communities, and that his early faith was remembered and honored by the apostle himself.
The Name
The name Epaenetus is Greek, and its meaning is well established. It derives from the Greek word *epainetos*, meaning “praiseworthy” or “commendable”—formed from *epaineō*, “to praise.” The name was a common one in the Greek-speaking world, and its sense of “worthy of praise” fits naturally with the way Paul singles him out for commendation as the firstfruits of Achaia. Unlike many biblical names whose meanings are uncertain or disputed, this one is clearly recoverable from the Greek.
A Closing Thought
Epaenetus did nothing recorded in Scripture beyond believing early. He held no title and performed no feat; he was simply among the first to trust Christ in his region, and Paul loved him for it. That is a quiet encouragement. God does not require a long résumé of service before a life counts for something. To be an early fruit—one of the first in a place, faithful when few others were—is itself a worthy thing. The Lord remembers those who come to Him first, and He does not forget the love His servants bear one another.
At a Glance
- Gender: Male
- Testament: New
- Mentions in the KJV: 1
Where It Appears in Scripture
- Romans 16:5 — Likewise greet the church that is in their house. Salute my well-beloved Epaenetus, who is the firstfruits of Achaia unto Christ.