Unlimited: In Christ Before I Was
Jan 1, 2024 323
and they were in Christ before I was (Romans 16:7b).
It is easy to conclude from the New Testament that Paul was solely responsible for the evangelisation of the Gentiles, however that is not the case. In fact, the first apostle sent to the Gentiles was Peter (Acts 10–11).
The story of Jesus would have travelled quickly through other eyewitnesses through the Empire in the first years after the resurrection, so that we find that there is already a well-established church in Rome before the apostle Paul even ever visited it. Paul, of course, was the principal apostle to the Gentiles, and his was a pioneering work in its breadth and penetration, but he was not the only one who had shared the Gospel among the Gentiles.
Paul mentions that Andronicus and Junia were in Christ before him, as a mark of distinction.
It isn’t surprising, therefore, that Paul states that Andronicus and Junia, members of the church in Rome, had become followers of Jesus in the early days, even before himself. This was also the case with Priscilla and Aquila, so it is evident that the church in Rome had been established well before Paul wrote to it.
Paul mentions that Andronicus and Junia were in Christ before him, as a mark of distinction. When he couldn’t see or accept it, others did. Paul honours those who had accepted the message of Jesus before he did. There is a beautiful humility in this.
Spiritual Application
The truth of the Gospel has come to you through a golden chain that stretches back to Jesus and his Cross. Think of someone whom you can honour, who was in Christ before you. Plan to encourage and affirm them this week.
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