On May 17 certain Christian denominations celebrate the feast day of Saint Junia, and many others which do not recognize saints, honor her as an important Biblical figure and acknowledge her role in the early church. The service in her honor states that she suffered martyrdom for Christ.
You’ve never heard of The Apostle Junia or Saint Junia? You are not alone.
You’ve never heard of The Apostle Junia or Saint Junia? You are not alone.
WHO WAS JUNIA?
ROMANS 16:7 (King James Bible)
In St. Paul’s Letter to the Romans, he states, “…salute Andronicus and Junia, my kinsmen, and my fellow prisoners, who are of note among the apostles, who also were in Christ before me.”
◄ Icon of Andronicus and Junia with St. Paul
Image Source: www.oca.org/saints-lives
ROMANS 16:7 (King James Bible)
In St. Paul’s Letter to the Romans, he states, “…salute Andronicus and Junia, my kinsmen, and my fellow prisoners, who are of note among the apostles, who also were in Christ before me.”
◄ Icon of Andronicus and Junia with St. Paul
Image Source: www.oca.org/saints-lives
In the context in which Romans 16 takes place, Paul is sending his personal greetings to the Romans and lists individuals who have worked with him. He asks the people of Rome to welcome Phoebe, a deacon of the church at Cenchreae, and others who have had an important role in Christian history, including Junia. He gives thanks for their dedication and asks the people to of Rome to greet each of them. www.christianity.com
This is the only passage in the bible which mentions Junia by name, although some scholars have also identified her with a woman from the Gospels named Joanna, the wife of Chuza, who appears in Luke 8:1–3 and the narrative where the women visit the tomb of Jesus towards the end of the Gospels. en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Junia Other scholars believe she was the wife, sister or other relative of Andronicus.*
This Bible verse has engendered extensive discussion and research on several points, but primarily in relation to these questions:
● Was Junia a man or a woman?
● Was Junia an apostle? (i.e. Could a woman be an apostle?)
● Was Junia a relative of Saint Paul, from the same country or region as Paul, or another Jew?
WHAT IS THE REAL ISSUE?
The primary subject of debate within the academic and theological world concerns the implications of a female apostle leading within the early Church and what it might suggest regarding the ordination of women.
The debate over Junia’s identity affects how scripture is interpreted regarding apostleship and leadership, and it certainly flies in the face of 1 Timothy 2:12 which translate as “And I do not permit a woman to teach or to have authority over a man, but to be in silence.” (New King James Version)
▼Original text of John 3.16 Image Source: www.christianity.com
This is the only passage in the bible which mentions Junia by name, although some scholars have also identified her with a woman from the Gospels named Joanna, the wife of Chuza, who appears in Luke 8:1–3 and the narrative where the women visit the tomb of Jesus towards the end of the Gospels. en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Junia Other scholars believe she was the wife, sister or other relative of Andronicus.*
This Bible verse has engendered extensive discussion and research on several points, but primarily in relation to these questions:
● Was Junia a man or a woman?
● Was Junia an apostle? (i.e. Could a woman be an apostle?)
● Was Junia a relative of Saint Paul, from the same country or region as Paul, or another Jew?
WHAT IS THE REAL ISSUE?
The primary subject of debate within the academic and theological world concerns the implications of a female apostle leading within the early Church and what it might suggest regarding the ordination of women.
The debate over Junia’s identity affects how scripture is interpreted regarding apostleship and leadership, and it certainly flies in the face of 1 Timothy 2:12 which translate as “And I do not permit a woman to teach or to have authority over a man, but to be in silence.” (New King James Version)
▼Original text of John 3.16 Image Source: www.christianity.com
A WORD ABOUT TRANSLATIONS
Anyone who reads the Bible knows the translation from the original written text is everything. How words, particularly ones in ancient languages, are expressed in another more-modern language involves interpretations.
Biblehub.com identifies no less than 46 English translations, many of which translate the original words to mean something different -- some slightly, some more -- all subject to interpretation. biblehub.com/was_junia_an_apostle
WAS JUNIA A MALE OR FEMALE?
While most translations of this passage use the name “Junia”, some use “Junias.”
In terms of historical usage, “Junia” was a common Latin female name in the ancient world, whereas “Junias” (the proposed masculine form) is exceedingly rare and has little documentary evidence in Greco-Roman records.
Anyone who reads the Bible knows the translation from the original written text is everything. How words, particularly ones in ancient languages, are expressed in another more-modern language involves interpretations.
Biblehub.com identifies no less than 46 English translations, many of which translate the original words to mean something different -- some slightly, some more -- all subject to interpretation. biblehub.com/was_junia_an_apostle
WAS JUNIA A MALE OR FEMALE?
While most translations of this passage use the name “Junia”, some use “Junias.”
In terms of historical usage, “Junia” was a common Latin female name in the ancient world, whereas “Junias” (the proposed masculine form) is exceedingly rare and has little documentary evidence in Greco-Roman records.
St. John Chrysostom (347 CE – 407AD), an early Christian bishop and theologian known for his homilies and commentaries on the Bible, in his Homily 31 on Romans, writes about “Junia” as a female. His commentary expresses surprise that a woman could be held in such esteem. He indicates delight at her faithfulness and distinction, gives no indication that the name could be masculine, and lauds her as worthy of honor among believers.
◄ Image Source: www.pinterest.com
The male name "Junias" has been discovered only once in non-biblical Greek literature, referring to the bishop of Apameia of Syria, while the name “Junia” is found often on inscriptions, tombstones and records, most notably, the half sister, Junia Secunda, of Marcus Junius Brutus. Therefore, prior to the 13th century, most Bible commentators and translators favored the female name “Junia.” Based on this, scholars and theologians have generally accepted that Junia was female, consistent with many standard references.
The first texts regarding Junia as a male named Junias come from 12th century manuscripts and the first named author to describe Junia as a male was Giles of Rome in the 13th century.
A number of sources contend that by the 13th century the church would no longer consider the idea of a woman being an apostle or leader in the church and purposely had scribes change the name “Junia” to “the male name “Junias.”
According to Christine Schenk – American Catholic nun, author, and founding director of the international group FutureChurch -- "transcribers could not believe a woman would bear the title apostle, even though virtually all early Christian writers, from Chrysostom to Origen to Peter Lombard, assumed that Junia was a woman apostle.” Finding no equivalent male name in ancient sources, while the female Junia is common, they changed the name to “Junias”. www. en.wikipedia.org
The source faithward.org states that “There was no evidence in ancient manuscripts that anyone understood Junia as a male, no evidence in translations she was a male, and there was no ancient evidence that Junias was a man’s name. Still, the church got into a rut and rode it out until some courageous folks said, “Oh yes, Junia was a woman and she was an apostle, and we’ve been wrong, and we’re going to do something about it.”
www.faithward.org/women-of-the-bible
Finally, she was canonized by Pope Francis on July 5, 2015.
▼ Image Source: www.bibleodyssey.org/junia
◄ Image Source: www.pinterest.com
The male name "Junias" has been discovered only once in non-biblical Greek literature, referring to the bishop of Apameia of Syria, while the name “Junia” is found often on inscriptions, tombstones and records, most notably, the half sister, Junia Secunda, of Marcus Junius Brutus. Therefore, prior to the 13th century, most Bible commentators and translators favored the female name “Junia.” Based on this, scholars and theologians have generally accepted that Junia was female, consistent with many standard references.
The first texts regarding Junia as a male named Junias come from 12th century manuscripts and the first named author to describe Junia as a male was Giles of Rome in the 13th century.
A number of sources contend that by the 13th century the church would no longer consider the idea of a woman being an apostle or leader in the church and purposely had scribes change the name “Junia” to “the male name “Junias.”
According to Christine Schenk – American Catholic nun, author, and founding director of the international group FutureChurch -- "transcribers could not believe a woman would bear the title apostle, even though virtually all early Christian writers, from Chrysostom to Origen to Peter Lombard, assumed that Junia was a woman apostle.” Finding no equivalent male name in ancient sources, while the female Junia is common, they changed the name to “Junias”. www. en.wikipedia.org
The source faithward.org states that “There was no evidence in ancient manuscripts that anyone understood Junia as a male, no evidence in translations she was a male, and there was no ancient evidence that Junias was a man’s name. Still, the church got into a rut and rode it out until some courageous folks said, “Oh yes, Junia was a woman and she was an apostle, and we’ve been wrong, and we’re going to do something about it.”
www.faithward.org/women-of-the-bible
Finally, she was canonized by Pope Francis on July 5, 2015.
▼ Image Source: www.bibleodyssey.org/junia
WAS JUNIA AN APOSTLE?
First, we must ask what constitutes an “apostle”?
The word is derived from the Greek word “apostolops,” which means “one who is sent on a mission.” One source indicates its origin as a military term but was subsequently employed to refer to messengers or envoys in various contexts.
An apostle, in the Biblical sense, is “one whom God has sent on an errand or with a message. An apostle is accountable to his Sender and carries the authority of his Sender. An apostleship is the office an apostle holds. Jesus Christ Himself has an ‘postleship.’ He wears ‘Apostle’ as one of His descriptive titles (Hebrews 3:1). He was sent to earth by the Heavenly Father with God’s authoritative message, which He faithfully delivered (John 17:1–5).”
In the New Testament, an apostle can be one of the Twelve and, later, Paul (although he never claimed to be included among the original twelve), or the term can apply in a broader sense, as “one who is sent,” which would include apostolic delegates tasked with spreading the gospel.
So, depending on context, someone “well-known among the apostles” could be recognized as holding a distinguished ministry or could be understood as part of the wider group of commissioned individuals entrusted with proclaiming the gospel, or that they enjoyed a high reputation among the apostles. However, because Paul makes a special point of emphasizing how well known the couple is to him, and his references to the couple's imprisonment with him, one can reach the conclusion that he feels confident to introduce them as "apostles" on the basis of his own involvement with them.
It is interesting to note that the issue of what Paul really meant when he referred to Junia an apostle, never came into question until scholars and theologians began to focus on Junia as a female.
Another observation is that the earliest interpreters saw no major conflict in identifying Junia as a female co-laborer in the gospel, potentially recognized for evangelistic work and missionary activity. biblehub.com/junia_an_apostle.htm
There is no doubt Junia was an important figure in spreading the Christian faith. In later centuries, saints who significantly spread the Word are often referred to as “equal to the Apostles,” and this title is given without reference to gender.
WAS JUNIA A RELATIVE OF PAUL?
While this interpretation may not be as significant as the first two questions, there are several differences in translation of the relationship between Paul, Andronicus, and Junia.
● New Living Translation
“…Andronicus and Junia, my fellow Jews, who were in prison with me.”
● English Standard Version
“…Andronicus and Junia, my kinsmen and my fellow prisoners.”
● Berean Standard Bible
“…Andronicus and Junia, my fellow countrymen and fellow prisoners.”
● New American Standard Bible
“…Andronicus and Junia, my kinsfolk and my fellow prisoners,”
● World English Bible
“...Andronicus and Junia, my relatives and my fellow prisoners,”
In some translations, Junia is identified as a "fellow countryman" of Paul, which suggests that she was of Jewish descent and possibly related to Paul by blood or at least through a shared cultural heritage. This connection underscores the diverse backgrounds of early Christian leaders and the inclusive nature of the Gospel message. biblehub.com/junia--a_relative_of_paul.htm
Junia's status as "outstanding among the apostles" highlights her importance regardless of familial connection. Theologically, her relationship to Paul could influence interpretations of gender roles in ministry. Image Source: en.wikipedia.org/Andronicus_of_Pannonia ▼
First, we must ask what constitutes an “apostle”?
The word is derived from the Greek word “apostolops,” which means “one who is sent on a mission.” One source indicates its origin as a military term but was subsequently employed to refer to messengers or envoys in various contexts.
An apostle, in the Biblical sense, is “one whom God has sent on an errand or with a message. An apostle is accountable to his Sender and carries the authority of his Sender. An apostleship is the office an apostle holds. Jesus Christ Himself has an ‘postleship.’ He wears ‘Apostle’ as one of His descriptive titles (Hebrews 3:1). He was sent to earth by the Heavenly Father with God’s authoritative message, which He faithfully delivered (John 17:1–5).”
In the New Testament, an apostle can be one of the Twelve and, later, Paul (although he never claimed to be included among the original twelve), or the term can apply in a broader sense, as “one who is sent,” which would include apostolic delegates tasked with spreading the gospel.
So, depending on context, someone “well-known among the apostles” could be recognized as holding a distinguished ministry or could be understood as part of the wider group of commissioned individuals entrusted with proclaiming the gospel, or that they enjoyed a high reputation among the apostles. However, because Paul makes a special point of emphasizing how well known the couple is to him, and his references to the couple's imprisonment with him, one can reach the conclusion that he feels confident to introduce them as "apostles" on the basis of his own involvement with them.
It is interesting to note that the issue of what Paul really meant when he referred to Junia an apostle, never came into question until scholars and theologians began to focus on Junia as a female.
Another observation is that the earliest interpreters saw no major conflict in identifying Junia as a female co-laborer in the gospel, potentially recognized for evangelistic work and missionary activity. biblehub.com/junia_an_apostle.htm
There is no doubt Junia was an important figure in spreading the Christian faith. In later centuries, saints who significantly spread the Word are often referred to as “equal to the Apostles,” and this title is given without reference to gender.
WAS JUNIA A RELATIVE OF PAUL?
While this interpretation may not be as significant as the first two questions, there are several differences in translation of the relationship between Paul, Andronicus, and Junia.
● New Living Translation
“…Andronicus and Junia, my fellow Jews, who were in prison with me.”
● English Standard Version
“…Andronicus and Junia, my kinsmen and my fellow prisoners.”
● Berean Standard Bible
“…Andronicus and Junia, my fellow countrymen and fellow prisoners.”
● New American Standard Bible
“…Andronicus and Junia, my kinsfolk and my fellow prisoners,”
● World English Bible
“...Andronicus and Junia, my relatives and my fellow prisoners,”
In some translations, Junia is identified as a "fellow countryman" of Paul, which suggests that she was of Jewish descent and possibly related to Paul by blood or at least through a shared cultural heritage. This connection underscores the diverse backgrounds of early Christian leaders and the inclusive nature of the Gospel message. biblehub.com/junia--a_relative_of_paul.htm
Junia's status as "outstanding among the apostles" highlights her importance regardless of familial connection. Theologically, her relationship to Paul could influence interpretations of gender roles in ministry. Image Source: en.wikipedia.org/Andronicus_of_Pannonia ▼
A WORD ABOUT SAINT ANDRONICUS*
Andronicus of Pannonia was a 1st-century Christian who had become a follower of Jesus Christ before Paul's Damascus road conversion. He and Junia were among the Seventy Apostles chosen and sent forth to preach by Christ (Luke 10:1). It is generally assumed that Junia was his wife, but they could have been brother and sister, or father and daughter, or no close relation to each other, but to Paul as kinsmen.
Andronicus was appointed bishop of Pannonia, but instead of staying in one place he preached all over Pannonia with Junia as his helper. By faith they converted many pagans to Christ, destroyed many idolatrous temples, drove out demons, worked miracles and healed every type of disease and illness. Both were martyred, and their relics were discovered on the outskirts of Constantinople together with the relics of other martyrs at the gate of Eugenius.
He was canonized in the 4th century during the early Christian period, and his contributions to spreading Christianity were significant in the early church history. The Catholic Archbishopirc of Moravia was originally established by Pope Nicholas I in the 9th century as a revival of the see founded by Andronicus.
TAKE AWAYS
● The average person must depend on the work of numerous scholars, linguists, and theologians who spend many years studying, translating, and interpreting the original text of the Bible. Today, the majority of these dedicated individuals believe that Junia was a female, that she was among the Seventy Apostles chosen and sent forth to preach by Christ (Luke 10:1), and suffered martyrdom for Christ.
● Whether Junia was a relative of Paul or not is, in my view, essentially irrelevant. Her contributions to the early Christian church are relevant and worthy of note.
● For anyone who takes exception to this belief, there are numerous, long and tedious analyses of the original written text which you can study yourself and come to your own conclusion. Ultimately, each of us choose to believe what we believe regardless of the evidence.
JUST SAYIN’
Sources:
Junia A Woman An Apostle by David Williams (Mar 5, 2014)
Junia: The First Woman Apostle by Eldon Jay Epp (Sep 22, 2005)
https://biblehub.com/q/was_junia_considered_an_apostle.htm
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Junia_(New_Testament_person)
https://www.faithward.org/women-of-the-bible-study-series/junia-the-hidden-apostle/
https://www.christianity.com/wiki/people/who-junia-in-the-bible.html#google_vignette
https://www.cbeinternational.org/resource/junia-female-apostle-examination-historical-record/
https://juniaproject.com/who-was-junia/
https://www.bibleodyssey.org/articles/junia/
https://www.antiochpatriarchate.org/en/page/546/
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Andronicus_of_Pannonia
https://orthodoxwiki.org/Apostle_Junia
https://www.oca.org/saints/all-lives/2024/05/17
https://www.saintforaminute.com/saints/saint_andronicus
https://biblehub.com/q/was_junia_considered_an_apostle.htm
https://www.britannica.com/biography/Saint-John-Chrysostom
https://www.gotquestions.org/apostleship.html
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Christine_Schenk
https://www.seminary.edu/center-for-women-in-leadership/junia-the-female-apostle-imprisoned-for-the-gospel/
https://www.oca.org/saints/lives/0201/10/09/102907-venerable-andronicus-and-his-wife-athanasia-of-egypt
https://www.goarch.org/chapel/saints?contentid=58
https://byzantinela.com/may-17-2025/
Other References
The Lost Apostle, Searching for the Truth about Junia By Rena Pederson
Junia: A Forgotten Apostle – Rediscovering Her Legacy in Early Christianity By Dr. Ferris W Corbett
Junia Arise: Apostolic Women On The Frontlines By Axel Sippach
end
Andronicus of Pannonia was a 1st-century Christian who had become a follower of Jesus Christ before Paul's Damascus road conversion. He and Junia were among the Seventy Apostles chosen and sent forth to preach by Christ (Luke 10:1). It is generally assumed that Junia was his wife, but they could have been brother and sister, or father and daughter, or no close relation to each other, but to Paul as kinsmen.
Andronicus was appointed bishop of Pannonia, but instead of staying in one place he preached all over Pannonia with Junia as his helper. By faith they converted many pagans to Christ, destroyed many idolatrous temples, drove out demons, worked miracles and healed every type of disease and illness. Both were martyred, and their relics were discovered on the outskirts of Constantinople together with the relics of other martyrs at the gate of Eugenius.
He was canonized in the 4th century during the early Christian period, and his contributions to spreading Christianity were significant in the early church history. The Catholic Archbishopirc of Moravia was originally established by Pope Nicholas I in the 9th century as a revival of the see founded by Andronicus.
TAKE AWAYS
● The average person must depend on the work of numerous scholars, linguists, and theologians who spend many years studying, translating, and interpreting the original text of the Bible. Today, the majority of these dedicated individuals believe that Junia was a female, that she was among the Seventy Apostles chosen and sent forth to preach by Christ (Luke 10:1), and suffered martyrdom for Christ.
● Whether Junia was a relative of Paul or not is, in my view, essentially irrelevant. Her contributions to the early Christian church are relevant and worthy of note.
● For anyone who takes exception to this belief, there are numerous, long and tedious analyses of the original written text which you can study yourself and come to your own conclusion. Ultimately, each of us choose to believe what we believe regardless of the evidence.
JUST SAYIN’
Sources:
Junia A Woman An Apostle by David Williams (Mar 5, 2014)
Junia: The First Woman Apostle by Eldon Jay Epp (Sep 22, 2005)
https://biblehub.com/q/was_junia_considered_an_apostle.htm
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Junia_(New_Testament_person)
https://www.faithward.org/women-of-the-bible-study-series/junia-the-hidden-apostle/
https://www.christianity.com/wiki/people/who-junia-in-the-bible.html#google_vignette
https://www.cbeinternational.org/resource/junia-female-apostle-examination-historical-record/
https://juniaproject.com/who-was-junia/
https://www.bibleodyssey.org/articles/junia/
https://www.antiochpatriarchate.org/en/page/546/
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Andronicus_of_Pannonia
https://orthodoxwiki.org/Apostle_Junia
https://www.oca.org/saints/all-lives/2024/05/17
https://www.saintforaminute.com/saints/saint_andronicus
https://biblehub.com/q/was_junia_considered_an_apostle.htm
https://www.britannica.com/biography/Saint-John-Chrysostom
https://www.gotquestions.org/apostleship.html
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Christine_Schenk
https://www.seminary.edu/center-for-women-in-leadership/junia-the-female-apostle-imprisoned-for-the-gospel/
https://www.oca.org/saints/lives/0201/10/09/102907-venerable-andronicus-and-his-wife-athanasia-of-egypt
https://www.goarch.org/chapel/saints?contentid=58
https://byzantinela.com/may-17-2025/
Other References
The Lost Apostle, Searching for the Truth about Junia By Rena Pederson
Junia: A Forgotten Apostle – Rediscovering Her Legacy in Early Christianity By Dr. Ferris W Corbett
Junia Arise: Apostolic Women On The Frontlines By Axel Sippach
end
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