Unlimited: The First Convert
Dec 27, 2023 289
Greet my dear friend Epenetus, who was the first convert to Christ in the province of Asia (Romans 16:5b).
The vast Roman province of Asia stretched east from what is today the country of Turkey. Under the Roman Empire, it was both prosperous and peaceful, holding great centres of learning and culture. These factors facilitated the spread of the Gospel in the first two centuries.
If you’ve ever helped to introduce someone to Jesus Christ, you will never forget that person. That’s why, next in his list of people whom he wishes to specifically farewell, Paul mentions Epenetus, one of the first converts to Christ in the province of Asia. Paul became especially close to Epenetus, distinguishing him by calling him “my dear friend.”
In his list of people whom he wishes to specifically farewell, Paul mentions Epenetus, one of the first converts to Christ in the province of Asia.
Toward the end of Paul’s second missionary journey, on his way back to Antioch, Paul passed through Ephesus, where he spent a little time. There, Paul spoke with the Jews in the synagogue and promised to return to Ephesus (Acts 18:19–21.) On his next missionary journey, Paul spent two years based in Ephesus. Luke reports that,
…all the Jews and Greeks who lived in the province of Asia heard the word of the Lord (Acts 19:10.)
Epenetus was one of the first converts in Ephesus. The name Epenetus in Greek means “praise.” His name was true to his impact, since his acceptance of Christ brought praise to God and praise to Paul’s lips.
Spiritual Application
Paul viewed the conversion of Epenetus as a milestone in his ministry. It is important to celebrate the milestones in your spiritual journey. Can you name three of them?
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