Who was Epenetus of Carthage?

Epenetus of Carthage was a close friend of the apostle Paul and is recognized as “the first convert to Christ in the province of Asia” (Romans 16:5). While not much information is available about Epenetus, he is regarded as a saint in both the Greek Orthodox Church and the Roman Catholic Church. Some believe him to be one of the seventy-two disciples (see Luke 10:1)—although that would seem to conflict with the biblical detail of his being the first convert in Asia Minor—and the first bishop of Carthage. His name is also spelled Epaenetus.

Paul mentions Asia (what we would call Asia Minor today) in Romans 16:5. Epenetus is noted as the “first convert” in this region. His conversion during the early days of Christianity meant he likely helped in the first missionary efforts to spread the gospel.

Paul asks the Roman Christians to “greet my beloved Epaenetus” in Romans 16:5 (ESV). The Greek word translated as “beloved” is agapéton, another form of which also appears in Acts 15:25: “It has seemed good to us, having come to one accord, to choose men and send them to you with our beloved Barnabas and Paul” (ESV, emphasis added). The word describes someone who is dearly loved or cherished. It is related to agape and can refer to God’s unconditional love for His people and the love that believers should have for one another. Epenetus was loved with a selfless, sacrificial, and intentional love.

It is unclear why Paul uses this term to describe his bond with Epenetus. It could be due to Epenetus’ dedication to the gospel or the collaborative work they engaged in to advance it. Regardless of the reason, Epenetus was indeed beloved by Paul. Their close relationship fulfills Jesus’ words in John 13:35: “By this all people will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another” (ESV).

Some have traditionally associated Epenetus with Carthage, a North African city. Carthage was a central hub for early Christianity and theological training, producing influential figures like Tertullian and Cyprian. Despite the tradition that says Epenetus was the first bishop of Carthage, no historical evidence exists that Epenetus lived in or shared the gospel in Carthage.

Of course, Epenetus may have traveled to North Africa to spread the gospel. It was not uncommon for early Christian evangelists to undertake dangerous journeys to share the good news of Christ. He was certainly in Rome when Paul wrote to the church there.

In some Christian traditions, a feast day is dedicated to Epenetus and others who are supposed to have been numbered among the 72 disciples. Epenetus’ life and legacy remind believers of early Christianity and the dedicated service of those who laid its foundation: “You are no longer strangers and aliens, but you are fellow citizens with the saints and members of the household of God, built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Christ Jesus himself being the cornerstone” (Ephesians 2:20, ESV).

Epenetus is a reference point for understanding the early church’s spread away from Judea and into the rest of the world. Epenetus’ connection to Paul illustrates the bonds formed among early Christian communities through faith and love: “If there is any encouragement in Christ, any comfort from love, any participation in the Spirit, any affection and sympathy, complete my joy by being of the same mind, having the same love, being in full accord and of one mind” (Philippians 2:1 –2, ESV).