Romans 16:7, Kinsmen and Fellow Prisoners

Romans 16:7 Salute Andronicus and Junia, my kinsmen, and my fellowprisoners, who are of note among the apostles, who also were in Christ before me.

The Apostle Paul salutes Andronicus and Junia, Jews who are prisoners for the sake of the gospel together with him. They serve with distinction, working alongside and together with others Apostles. They became Christians before the Apostle Paul. They were likely Jews from Jerusalem and possibly know that the Apostle Paul, known as Saul before his conversion,  was a persecutor of the church.

Andronicus and Junie like the Apostle Paul as champions of the gospel, indeed, sets the example for sacrificial service:

2 Timothy 1:8-12 Be not thou therefore ashamed of the testimony of our Lord, nor of me his prisoner: but be thou partaker of the afflictions of the gospel according to the power of God; 9 Who hath saved us, and called us with an holy calling, not according to our works, but according to his own purpose and grace, which was given us in Christ Jesus before the world began, 10 But is now made manifest by the appearing of our Saviour Jesus Christ, who hath abolished death, and hath brought life and immortality to light through the gospel: 11 Whereunto I am appointed a preacher, and an apostle, and a teacher of the Gentiles. 12 For the which cause I also suffer these things: nevertheless I am not ashamed: for I know whom I have believed, and am persuaded that he is able to keep that which I have committed unto him against that day. 

Thank God for raising many to carry the torch of the gospel. The Apostle Paul is not alone in his mission to fulfill the Great Commission. He has these comrades in arms whom he receives encouragement and mutual support. Indeed, God has His 7000 men who have not bowed the knee to Baal. We are not alone serving Him in our time. May we take heart and press on in our service for God’s kingdom. Amen.