Narcissus
Summary
Narcissus was a Roman whose household included Christians whom Paul greeted in his letter to the Romans.
☩Biblical Reference
Paul sent greetings to 'those of the household of Narcissus who are in the Lord.' The phrase 'who are in the Lord' indicates that while only the Christians in this household received greetings, there were likely other non-Christian members as well. The Christians in the household would naturally form one of the distinct communities of which the church at Rome was made up. The name Narcissus was common among freedmen and slaves in Rome.
☩Possible Identification
Some scholars have identified this Narcissus with the powerful freedman of that name who was private secretary to the Emperor Claudius, exercised unbounded influence over him, and whose wealth was proverbial. However, this Narcissus was put to death by Agrippina shortly after the accession of Nero in AD 54, which is before the probable date of the epistle. If this identification is correct, his slaves would have become the property of the emperor while retaining the name of their former master (known as Narcissiani), swelling 'Caesar's household.' Other scholars suggest that the Narcissus mentioned may have been a different person of the same common name.
Related Verses1 mention
Romans· 1 verse
References
- 1.John McClintock and James Strong, "Narcissus," in Cyclopedia of Biblical, Theological and Ecclesiastical Literature, vol. VI (Harper & Brothers, 1867–1887).
- 2.James Hastings (ed.), "Narcissus," in Dictionary of the Apostolic Church, vol. II (T. & T. Clark, 1915–1918).