Outstanding among others (Dan Wells)

Greet Andronicus and Junias, my relatives who have been in prison with me. They are outstanding among the apostles, and they were in Christ before I was. (Romans 16:7)

This verse from Romans 16 has been a tricky one to fully understand. Andronicus and Junias (or Junia, who is probably female) are the two people highlighted as being outstanding among the apostles. It’s not clear, however, if Paul counts them as apostles or simply people highly regarded by the apostles. As you can imagine, theologians have written long and complicated essays all about this question!

What is clear is that Paul sees these two as outstanding. They are two Christians who stand out. Clearly they stand out in their perseverance, since they have been in prison for their faith. They stand out in their maturity, since they were Christians before Paul was. They stand out even among the apostles, chosen by Jesus to go out with the good news of the kingdom.

Here are two outstanding Christians. Yet, surprisingly, this is the only place in the Bible where we hear about them. You might expect people of this calibre to be all over the New Testament. But they are not. They are only mentioned here, as outstanding examples of faith.

To be outstanding as a Christian does not mean fame, recognition or even necessarily respect. It does not mean your name is in lights and known by everyone. You can be quiet, in the background, largely unknown, and still be outstanding. 

The point is that while others might not see, God always sees. If we trust and follow him, he will see our faith. We may not be outstanding in the world’s eyes but we will be outstanding in our Father’s eyes. And that is what matters.

Lord Jesus, thank you for the example of Andronicus and Junias. Thank you for their outstanding faith, being willing to even go to prison for what they believed. Help me to not seek fame or recognition but to be outstanding in the eyes of our Heavenly Father. Amen.