Olympas is a biblical figure mentioned in the New Testament, specifically in the Apostle Paul's Epistle to the Romans. The reference to Olympas is brief, yet it provides insight into the early Christian community and the network of believers who were instrumental in the spread of Christianity during the first century.

Biblical Reference:

Olympas is mentioned in Romans 16:15, where Paul writes, "Greet Philologus and Julia, Nereus and his sister, and Olympas, and all the saints with them" (Berean Standard Bible). This verse is part of a larger section in Romans 16 where Paul extends personal greetings to various individuals and groups within the Roman church. The mention of Olympas, along with others, highlights the communal and interconnected nature of the early Christian movement.

Context and Significance:

The Epistle to the Romans is one of Paul's most theologically rich letters, addressing both Jewish and Gentile believers in Rome. In the final chapter, Paul takes the opportunity to acknowledge and greet numerous individuals who have contributed to the church's mission. Olympas is included in this list, suggesting that he was a member of the Christian community in Rome and likely played a role in its activities.

The inclusion of Olympas alongside other believers such as Philologus, Julia, and Nereus indicates that he was part of a household or a group of Christians who gathered together. The phrase "and all the saints with them" implies that these individuals were part of a larger assembly or house church, a common practice in the early church due to the lack of formal church buildings.

Historical and Theological Insights:

While little is known about Olympas beyond this single mention, his inclusion in Paul's greetings underscores the diversity and unity of the early church. The Roman church was composed of both Jews and Gentiles, and the greetings in Romans 16 reflect a community that transcended social and ethnic boundaries. Olympas, as a member of this community, would have been part of the church's efforts to live out the gospel in a challenging and often hostile environment.

Theologically, the mention of Olympas and others in Romans 16 serves as a reminder of the importance of every believer in the body of Christ. Each individual, regardless of their prominence or obscurity, contributes to the mission and ministry of the church. Paul's greetings highlight the interconnectedness of the early Christians and their shared commitment to the faith.

Conclusion:

Although the biblical record provides limited information about Olympas, his mention in Romans 16:15 offers a glimpse into the vibrant and diverse community of believers in Rome. As part of the early church, Olympas represents the countless unnamed individuals who played vital roles in the spread of Christianity and the establishment of the church.Olympas

heavenly

Olympas

(heavenly), a Christian at Rome. (Romans 16:15) (A.D. 65.)

A Roman Christian whom Paul salutes (Romans 16:15). OLYMPAS

o-lim'-pas (Olumpas): The name of a Roman Christian to whom Paul sent greetings (Romans 16:15). Olympas is an abbreviated form of Olympiadorus. The joining in one salutation of the Christians mentioned in 16:15 suggests that they formed by themselves a small community in the earliest Roman church.

3652. Olumpas -- Olympas, a Christian
... Olympas, a Christian. Part of Speech: Noun, Masculine Transliteration: Olumpas Phonetic
Spelling: (ol-oom-pas') Short Definition: Olympas Definition: Olympas, a ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/3652.htm - 6k

Rom. xvi. 5
... For he says,. Ver.15. "Salute Philologus, and Julius, and Nereus and his sister,
and Olympas, and all the saints which are with them;". ...
/.../chrysostom/homilies on acts and romans/homily xxxi rom xvi 5.htm

Olympas (1 Occurrence)
...OLYMPAS. o-lim'-pas (Olumpas): The name of a Roman Christian to whom Paul sent
greetings (Romans 16:15). Olympas is an abbreviated form of Olympiadorus. ...
/o/olympas.htm - 7k

Olym'pas (1 Occurrence)
... Olympas, Olym'pas. Olympius . ... Romans 16:15 salute Philologus, and Julias, Nereus,
and his sister, and Olympas, and all the saints with them; (See RSV). ...
/o/olym'pas.htm - 6k

Olves

/o/olves.htm - 9k

Nereus (1 Occurrence)
... Nereus (1 Occurrence). Romans 16:15 Greet Philologus and Julia, Nereus and his
sister, and Olympas, and all the saints who are with them. ...
/n/nereus.htm - 7k

Julias (1 Occurrence)
... Julias (1 Occurrence). Romans 16:15 salute Philologus, and Julias, Nereus, and
his sister, and Olympas, and all the saints with them; (YLT). ...
/j/julias.htm - 6k

Julia (1 Occurrence)
... Julia (1 Occurrence). Romans 16:15 Greet Philologus and Julia, Nereus and his
sister, and Olympas, and all the saints who are with them. ...
/j/julia.htm - 7k

Greet (46 Occurrences)
... (WEB WEY NAS RSV NIV). Romans 16:15 Greet Philologus and Julia, Nereus and his sister,
and Olympas, and all the saints who are with them. (WEB NAS RSV NIV). ...
/g/greet.htm - 19k

Philologus (1 Occurrence)
... Philologus (1 Occurrence). Romans 16:15 Greet Philologus and Julia, Nereus and
his sister, and Olympas, and all the saints who are with them. ...
/p/philologus.htm - 7k

Philol'ogus (1 Occurrence)
... Philol'ogus (1 Occurrence). Romans 16:15 salute Philologus, and Julias, Nereus,
and his sister, and Olympas, and all the saints with them; (See RSV). ...
/p/philol'ogus.htm - 6k

Associated (9 Occurrences)
... WEY). Romans 16:15 to Philologus and Julia, Nereus and his sister and Olympas,
and to all God's people associated with them. (WEY). ...
/a/associated.htm - 9k

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