Olympas
/oh-LIM-pas/
Summary
Olympas was a Christian in Rome whom Paul greeted in his epistle to the Romans, likely a member of a household church.
☩Identity
Olympas is mentioned only once in Scripture, in Paul's greetings at the end of his letter to the Romans. The name is an abbreviated form of Olympiodorus, a common Greek name. He is grouped with Philologus, Julia, Nereus, and his sister, along with "all the saints that are with them," suggesting they formed a small community or household church within the larger Roman congregation. Some traditions suggest Olympas may have been part of the household of Philologus and Julia if they were husband and wife. According to pseudo-Hippolytus, Olympas was one of the seventy disciples and underwent martyrdom at Rome.
Key verses:Romans 16:15
Related Verses1 mention
Romans· 1 verse
References
- 1.John McClintock and James Strong, "Olympas," in Cyclopedia of Biblical, Theological and Ecclesiastical Literature, vol. VII (Harper & Brothers, 1867–1887).
- 2.James Orr (ed.), "Olympas," in International Standard Bible Encyclopedia, vol. IV (Howard-Severance Company, 1915).
- 3.James Hastings (ed.), "Olympas," in Dictionary of the Apostolic Church, vol. II (T. & T. Clark, 1915–1918).