Was Junia being a female really an apostle in Romans 16:7?
— Sarah, New York

Great question, Sarah! The identity of Junia has been a subject of much debate, especially regarding whether she was truly an apostle. Let’s explore the details.

In Romans 16:7, Paul sends greetings to Andronicus and Junia, describing them as “my kinsmen and my fellow prisoners, who are held in high esteem among the apostles, and who were [believers] in Christ before me.” At the heart of the question is whether Junia was one of the apostles or merely well-known by them.

There are two primary interpretations of this verse:

Option 1: “Outstanding Among the Apostles” #

The Greek phrase used here is “episēmoi en tois apostolois”, which most naturally translates as “outstanding among the apostles” or “notable among the apostles.” This would indicate that Junia herself was considered to be a highly respected member of the apostolic group.

When we examine the historical and linguistic context, it becomes clear that the most straightforward understanding of this phrase is that Junia was indeed an apostle. Early Church Fathers, such as John Chrysostom, affirmed this view. Chrysostom referred to Junia as an apostle in his homilies, praising her as a woman apostle, which was revolutionary for his time. His recognition of Junia highlights the fact that she was seen as a significant leader in the early church, and not just a figure on the periphery.

Furthermore, Junia’s placement among the apostles suggests she was part of the broader apostolic company—a group that included well-known figures like Barnabas, Silas, and Apollos. These individuals played crucial roles in spreading the Gospel, although they were not part of the original Twelve Apostles.

This view is supported by many scholars and translators, who recognise the natural reading of the text as affirming Junia’s role as an apostle. Gordon Fee, a respected New Testament scholar, notes that there is no substantial grammatical or historical reason to deny that Junia was considered an apostle.

Option 2: “Well Known to the Apostles” #

However, some later translations and scholars offer a different interpretation. They argue that the phrase should be translated as “well known to the apostles”, suggesting that Junia was not an apostle herself, but someone who was highly regarded by the apostles.

This interpretation first appeared in the 13th century and became more popular in subsequent centuries. Some believe this shift in translation was influenced by gender bias, as the idea of a woman being an apostle was difficult for some to accept. The phrase “well known to the apostles” would imply that Junia was respected, but not officially part of the apostolic ministry.

However, this interpretation doesn’t align as well with the Greek grammar. The phrase “episēmoi en tois apostolois” is not easily understood as “well known to the apostles.” To convey this idea in Greek, a different construction would have been needed, making the “well-known” interpretation grammatically awkward.

Greek Language Insight #

The Greek wording “episēmoi en tois apostolois” strongly favours the reading “outstanding among the apostles.” This means Junia wasn’t just admired by the apostles; she was seen as an apostle herself, highly esteemed within the apostolic circle.

It’s important to note that Greek grammar typically follows a structure that would make the “well-known” interpretation quite unusual. The “outstanding among the apostles” rendering is far more natural and consistent with how Greek would express this concept.

Summary #

To answer your question, Sarah: Yes, Junia was likely an apostle. The most natural reading of Romans 16:7, based on the Greek and historical context, indicates that she was considered “outstanding among the apostles.” This suggests she was indeed part of the apostolic circle, though not one of the original Twelve Apostles like Peter or John. Instead, she was a respected leader in the early church, similar to figures like Barnabas or Silas, who were also recognised as apostles in the broader sense.

In addition to her role, the fact that Paul himself holds her in high esteem, alongside Andronicus, further affirms her importance and influence within the early church. So, Junia wasn’t just an associate of the apostles—she was honoured by Paul as an apostle herself.

Hope this helps.

Shaliach.

Sources: #

• John Chrysostom, Homily on Romans 16:7
• Gordon D. Fee, The New Testament Expositor
• Richard Bauckham, Jesus and the Eyewitnesses
• L. Morris, The Apostolic Fathers and the New Testament