Rom 16:3, 5 | Clarke | e4.org | Verse 3. Greet Priscilla and Aquila ] This pious couple had been obliged to leave Rome, on the edict of Claudius, see , and take refuge in Greece. It is likely that they returned to Rome at the death of Claudius, or whenever the decree was annulled. It seems they had greatly contributed to assist the apostle in his important labours. Instead of Priscilla , the principal MSS. and versions have Prisca , which most critics suppose to be the genuine reading.

‏ Romans 16:3

Verse 3. Greet Priscilla and Aquila] This pious couple had been obliged to leave Rome, on the edict of Claudius, see Ac 18:2, and take refuge in Greece. It is likely that they returned to Rome at the death of Claudius, or whenever the decree was annulled. It seems they had greatly contributed to assist the apostle in his important labours. Instead of Priscilla, the principal MSS. and versions have Prisca, which most critics suppose to be the genuine reading.

‏ Romans 16:5

Verse 5. The Church that is in their house.] In these primitive times no such places existed as those which we now term churches; the word always signifying the congregation or assembly of believers, and not the place they assembled in. See the term defined at the end of the notes, Mt 16:28.

Epenetus-the first fruits of Achaia] In 1Co 16:15, the house or family of Stephanas is said to be the first fruits of Achaia: how then can it be said here, that Epenetus was the first fruits, or first person who had received the Gospel in that district? Ans.-Epenetus might have been one of the family of Stephanas; for it is not said that Stephanas was the first fruits, but his house or family; and there can be no impropriety in supposing that one of that house or family was called Epenetus; and that this person, being the only one of the family now at Rome, might be mentioned as the first fruits of Achaia; that is, one of that family which first received the Gospel in that country. This would rationally account for the apparent difficulty, were we sure that αχαιας, of Achaia, was the true reading: but this is more than doubtful, for ασιας, of Asia, is the reading of ABCDEFG, some others; the Coptic, AEthiopic, Armenian, Vulgate, and Itala; and some of the chief of the fathers. On this evidence Griesbach has admitted it into the text. Yet the other reading is sufficiently natural, for the reasons already assigned.