{Andronicus and Junias} (Andronicou kai Iounian). The
first is a Greek name found even in the imperial household. The
second name can be either masculine or feminine. {Kinsmen}
(suggeneis). Probably only fellow-countrymen as in 9:13 .
{Fellow-prisoners} (sunaichmal(9374)us). Late word and rare (in
Lucian). One of Paul's frequent compounds with sun. Literally,
fellow captives in war. Perhaps they had shared one of Paul's
numerous imprisonments ( 2Co 11:23 ). In N.T. only here, Phm
1:23 Col 4:10 . {Of note} (epis(886d)oi). Stamped, marked (epi
s(886d)a). Old word, only here and Mt 27:16 (bad sense) in N.T.
{Among the apostles} (en tois apostolois). Naturally this means
that they are counted among the apostles in the general sense
true of Barnabas, James, the brother of Christ, Silas, and
others. But it can mean simply that they were famous in the
circle of the apostles in the technical sense. {Who have been in
Christ before me} (hoi kai pro emou gegonan en Christ(9369)).
Andronicus and Junias were converted before Paul was. Note
gegonan (_Koin(825f) form by analogy) instead of the usual second
perfect active indicative form gegonasin, which some MSS. have.
The perfect tense notes that they are still in Christ.
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