Epaenetus

Epaenetus, whose Greek name means praised, holds the distinction of being identified by Paul in Romans 16:5 as the firstfruits of Asia unto Christ—that is, the first convert from the Roman province of Asia (western Asia Minor) to embrace the Christian faith. Paul greets him warmly as his beloved friend, indicating a relationship of personal affection and shared ministry.

Beyond this single verse, nothing further is known of Epaenetus. His designation as the firstfruits of Asia suggests he may have been among the earliest converts of Paul's Ephesian ministry or the mission in the province of Asia that preceded it. The term firstfruits carries both temporal priority and the theological weight of dedication to God—the firstfruits were holy, set apart for divine purpose. In Christian tradition Epaenetus has been counted among the seventy disciples sent out by Jesus, though this is a later ecclesiastical tradition without direct scriptural support.