Phlegon
“Burning; zealous”
Summary
Phlegon was a Christian at Rome whom Paul greeted in Romans 16:14, listed among a group of five believers who likely formed a house church together.
☩Mention in Romans
Phlegon is the second of five names (all Greek) mentioned in Romans 16:14, along with Asyncritus, Hermas, Patrobas, and Hermes, with whom Paul sends greetings to 'the brethren with them.' These five persons, along with unnamed brethren, likely formed a household church in Rome under the leadership of Asyncritus, who is named first. Nothing further is known of Phlegon from Scripture.
☩Later Traditions
According to later legend, Phlegon was one of the seventy disciples sent out by Christ and became bishop of Marathon. He is said to have suffered martyrdom on April 8, which day is commemorated in both the Roman Martyrology and the calendar of the Byzantine Church. These traditions, however, cannot be verified and are of uncertain historical value.
Related Verses1 mention
Romans· 1 verse
References
- 1.John McClintock and James Strong, "Phlegon," in Cyclopedia of Biblical, Theological and Ecclesiastical Literature, vol. VIII (Harper & Brothers, 1867–1887).
- 2.James Hastings (ed.), "Phlegon," in Dictionary of the Apostolic Church, vol. II (T. & T. Clark, 1915–1918).
- 3.James Orr (ed.), "Phlegon," in International Standard Bible Encyclopedia, vol. IV (Howard-Severance Company, 1915).