Tryphosa: A Christian Woman in Rome
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Tryphosa is mentioned in the New Testament of the Bible, specifically in the Apostle Paul's Epistle to the Romans. She is recognized as one of the early Christian women who played a significant role in the life of the early Church. Her mention, though brief, provides insight into the active participation of women in the early Christian communities.

Biblical Reference:

Tryphosa is referenced in Romans 16:12, where Paul writes, "Greet Tryphena and Tryphosa, those women who work hard in the Lord. Greet my beloved Persis, who has worked very hard in the Lord." . This verse is part of a larger section in which Paul sends personal greetings to various members of the Roman church, highlighting their contributions and dedication to the faith.

Name and Meaning:

The name Tryphosa is of Greek origin, meaning "delicate" or "dainty." It is often paired with Tryphena, suggesting that they may have been sisters or close companions, possibly even twins, given the similarity in their names. The pairing of their names in Paul's greeting indicates a close association in their ministry work.

Role in the Early Church:

Tryphosa, along with Tryphena, is commended by Paul for her hard work "in the Lord." This phrase suggests that she was actively involved in the ministry and service of the Christian community in Rome. The use of the term "work hard" implies a level of dedication and effort that was significant enough to be acknowledged by Paul in his letter. This acknowledgment highlights the important role that women played in the early Church, contributing to its growth and the spread of the Gospel.

Cultural and Historical Context:

In the context of the Roman Empire, where the early Church was emerging, women like Tryphosa were breaking cultural norms by participating in religious activities and leadership roles. The early Christian movement was notable for its inclusivity, allowing women to serve alongside men in various capacities. Tryphosa's mention in Romans 16 is a testament to the egalitarian nature of the early Christian communities, where spiritual gifts and dedication were valued over social status or gender.

Legacy:

Although little is known about Tryphosa beyond her mention in Romans, her inclusion in Paul's greetings serves as a reminder of the many unnamed and often overlooked individuals who contributed to the foundation and expansion of the early Church. Her example encourages modern believers to recognize and appreciate the diverse contributions of all members within the body of Christ, regardless of their visibility or prominence.

Tryphosa's legacy is preserved in the Scriptures as a testament to her faithfulness and hard work in the service of the Lord, inspiring future generations of Christians to serve with the same dedication and zeal.
Nave's Topical Index
Romans 16:12
Salute Tryphena and Tryphosa, who labor in the Lord. Salute the beloved Persis, which labored much in the Lord.
Nave's Topical Index

Greek
5173. Truphosa -- Tryphosa, a Christian woman
... Truphosa Phonetic Spelling: (troo-fo'-sah) Short Definition: Tryphosa Definition:
Tryphosa, a Christian woman in Rome, perhaps a sister of Tryphaena. ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/5173.htm - 6k
Library

Tryphena and Tryphosa
... toil was thought to be the woman's distinctive mark ... to threaten the great and eternal
Christian principle of ... Tryphena and Tryphosa were probably Roman ladies of ...
/.../maclaren/romans corinthians to ii corinthians chap v/tryphena and tryphosa.htm

Persis
... the loftiness, the purity, and truly Christian character of ... there before us, of what
a woman may be ... as my text, two sisters, Tryphena and Tryphosa, whose names ...
/.../maclaren/romans corinthians to ii corinthians chap v/persis.htm

The Women of the Apostolic Age
... sends greeting to Tryphaena and Tryphosa, who, with ... all indigent and unfortunate
Christian females were ... virginity greatly increased a woman's reputation for ...
/.../brittain/women of early christianity/ii the women of the.htm

Resources
What does the Bible say about idleness/being idle? | GotQuestions.org

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