Nereus
Summary
Nereus was a Roman Christian whom Paul greeted along with his sister in his letter to the Romans.
☩Biblical Reference
Paul sent greetings to Nereus and his sister, along with Philologus, Julia, Olympas, and 'all the saints who are with them.' This group of five names appears to constitute a small community or 'house church' that met together. The name of Nereus's sister is not given, but the name Nereis (the feminine form) is found on inscriptions of this date containing names of the emperor's servants. The name Nereus was common among freedmen and slaves, being derived from a Greek sea deity.
☩Later Tradition
Among the early church traditions connected with Rome are the 'Acts of Nereus and Achilleus,' which describe them as chamberlains of Domitilla, the niece of Vespasian, and relate their influence over her in persuading her to remain a virgin. However, this tradition cannot be verified and may confuse different persons of the same common name.
Related Verses1 mention
Romans· 1 verse
References
- 1.James Orr (ed.), "Nereus," in International Standard Bible Encyclopedia, vol. IV (Howard-Severance Company, 1915).