Amplias is a biblical figure mentioned in the New Testament, specifically in the Apostle Paul's Epistle to the Romans. The reference to Amplias is found in Romans 16:8, where Paul writes, "Greet Amplias, my beloved in the Lord" . This brief mention places Amplias among the early Christian community in Rome, highlighting his significance and the affection Paul held for him.

Historical and Cultural Context

The name Amplias, or Ampliatus in some manuscripts, was a common Roman name during the first century. This suggests that Amplias was likely a Roman citizen or resident, possibly a Gentile convert to Christianity. The Roman church was a diverse congregation, comprising both Jewish and Gentile believers, and Amplias's inclusion in Paul's greetings underscores the unity and fellowship among early Christians, transcending ethnic and social boundaries.

Role in the Early Church

While the Bible provides limited information about Amplias, his mention by Paul indicates that he was a respected member of the Christian community in Rome. The term "beloved in the Lord" suggests a close spiritual relationship and mutual respect between Paul and Amplias. This phrase also implies that Amplias was actively involved in the ministry and mission of the early church, contributing to the spread of the Gospel and the strengthening of the Christian faith.

Theological Significance

Amplias's mention in Romans 16 is part of a larger passage where Paul greets various individuals and households, reflecting the personal and communal nature of the early church. This passage highlights the importance of personal relationships and mutual support among believers. Amplias's inclusion serves as a reminder of the value of each member within the body of Christ, regardless of their specific role or prominence.

Legacy and Influence

Although Amplias is not a prominent biblical figure, his mention in the Scriptures has inspired Christian tradition and scholarship. Some early Christian writings and traditions suggest that Amplias may have held a leadership position within the Roman church, though these accounts are not substantiated by the biblical text. His legacy is primarily one of faithfulness and love within the Christian community, serving as an example of the deep bonds formed among early believers.

In summary, Amplias is a testament to the diverse and interconnected nature of the early Christian church. His mention by Paul in Romans 16:8 reflects the personal relationships and spiritual kinship that were foundational to the growth and endurance of the Christian faith in the first century.Amplias

large; extensive

Amplias

(large), a Christian at Rome. (Romans 16:8) (A.D. 55.)

A Roman Christian saluted by Paul (Romans 16:8). AMPLIAS

am'-pli-as (Textus Receptus Amplias), the King James Version form: a contraction of AMPLIATUS (thus, the Revised Version (British and American); which see).

291. Ampliatos -- Ampliatus, a Roman Christian
... Part of Speech: Noun, Masculine Transliteration: Ampliatos Phonetic Spelling:
(am-plee'-as) Short Definition: Ampliatus Definition: Ampliatus (Amplias), a male ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/291.htm - 6k

The Same Hippolytus on the Seventy Apostles.
... 19. Ep??netus, bishop of Carthage. 20. Andronicus, bishop of Pannonia. 21. Amplias,
bishop of Odyssus. 22. Urban, bishop of Macedonia. 23. ...
/.../the extant works and fragments of hippolytus/the same hippolytus on the.htm

Rom. xvi. 5
... in Christ before me.". Ver.8. "Greet Amplias my beloved.". Here again he
passes encomiums upon his person by his love. For the love ...
/.../chrysostom/homilies on acts and romans/homily xxxi rom xvi 5.htm

The Collection for St Paul: the Farewell
... These inscriptions afford a curiously large number of coincidences with the list
in Romans 16./i> . . . Amplias, Urbanus, Apelles, Tryphaena, Tryphosa, Patrobas ...
/.../moule/philippian studies/chapter xii the collection for.htm

Amplias (1 Occurrence)
... Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia. AMPLIAS. ... Multi-Version Concordance Amplias (1
Occurrence). Romans 16:8 Greet Amplias, my beloved in the Lord. ...
/a/amplias.htm - 7k

Ampliatus (1 Occurrence)
... am-pli-a'-tus (Ampliatos, Codex Sinaiticus, A,B,F, Ampliatus; Amplias, D,E,L,P,
the Revised Version (British and American) form; the King James Version Amplias...
/a/ampliatus.htm - 7k

Beloved (117 Occurrences)
... 4 1 Corinthians 15:58 James 1:16; James 2:5). Many individuals are specified by
name: Timothy (2 Timothy 1:2); Philemon (Philemon 1:1); Amplias, Urbane, Stachys ...
/b/beloved.htm - 40k

Greet (46 Occurrences)
... Christ before me. (WEB NAS RSV NIV). Romans 16:8 Greet Amplias, my beloved
in the Lord. (WEB KJV WEY WBS NAS RSV NIV). Romans 16:9 ...
/g/greet.htm - 19k

Amplia'tus (1 Occurrence)
... Multi-Version Concordance Amplia'tus (1 Occurrence). Romans 16:8 Salute Amplias,
my beloved in the Lord; (See RSV). Ampliatus, Amplia'tus. Amply . ...
/a/amplia'tus.htm - 6k

Ample (4 Occurrences)

/a/ample.htm - 7k

Consist (7 Occurrences)
... Lightfoot has brought it out in an interesting way (see his Philippians, on 4:22)
that many of the names (eg Amplias, Urbanus, Tryphena) in Romans 16 are found ...
/c/consist.htm - 80k

Romans (8 Occurrences)
... Lightfoot has brought it out in an interesting way (see his Philippians, on 4:22)
that many of the names (eg Amplias, Urbanus, Tryphena) in Romans 16 are found ...
/r/romans.htm - 44k

Love (703 Occurrences)
... Christ before me. (BBE). Romans 16:8 Greet Amplias, my beloved in the Lord.
(Root in WEB KJV ASV BBE DBY WBS YLT NAS RSV NIV). Romans 16 ...
/l/love.htm - 65k

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