Herodion

/heh-ROH-dee-ahn/

Summary

Herodion was a Jewish Christian at Rome whom Paul greeted as his kinsman in his letter to the Romans.

☩Biblical Reference

Herodion is mentioned only in Romans 16:11, where Paul sends him greetings and describes him as 'my kinsman.' This likely means fellow Jew rather than blood relative, as Paul uses the same term for other Jewish Christians in the chapter. His name, a Greek derivative of Herod, suggests possible connection with the Herodian family or their household. Some scholars connect him with 'the household of Aristobulus' mentioned in the preceding verse, as Aristobulus may have been a member of the Herodian family whose household would naturally include many Jews.

Key verses:Romans 16:11

☩Tradition

According to Hippolytus, Herodion became bishop of Tarsus, though according to others he became bishop of Patrae. These traditions cannot be verified historically but reflect the early church's interest in tracing their leaders to apostolic connections.

Key verses:Romans 16:11

Related Verses1 mention

Romans· 1 verse

16:11

References

1.John McClintock and James Strong, "Herodion," in Cyclopedia of Biblical, Theological and Ecclesiastical Literature, vol. IV (Harper & Brothers, 1867–1887).
2.James Hastings (ed.), "Herodion," in Dictionary of the Apostolic Church, vol. I (T. & T. Clark, 1915–1918).