Philologus
“Fond of words; learned; lover of learning”
Summary
Philologus was a Christian in Rome whom Paul greeted in Romans 16:15, possibly the head of a household church that included Julia, Nereus, his sister, and Olympas.
☩Paul's Greeting
Paul sends greetings to Philologus along with Julia, Nereus and his sister, Olympas, 'and all the saints who are with them' (Romans 16:15). Philologus is coupled with Julia, suggesting they were likely husband and wife, with the others possibly being their children or household members. Origen suggests Philologus was the head of this Christian household. The phrase 'all the saints who are with them' indicates this family formed the nucleus of a house church that met under their leadership.
☩Connection to Imperial Household
The name Philologus has been found in the Columbarium 'of the freedmen of Livia Augusta' at Rome, showing there was a Philologus connected with the imperial household at a time when it included many Julias. Bishop Lightfoot suggests the name may have been given by a master to a freedman as appropriate to his occupation, possibly indicating the Philologus Paul knew held a learned or literary position. According to uncertain tradition, Philologus was one of the seventy disciples and was appointed by the apostle Andrew as bishop of Sinope in Pontus.
Related Verses1 mention
Romans· 1 verse
References
- 1.John McClintock and James Strong, "Philologus," in Cyclopedia of Biblical, Theological and Ecclesiastical Literature, vol. VIII (Harper & Brothers, 1867–1887).
- 2.James Orr (ed.), "Philologus," in International Standard Bible Encyclopedia, vol. IV (Howard-Severance Company, 1915).