“Greet Andronicus and Junia, my kinsmen…, who also were in Christ before me” (Rom. 16:7 NKJ).
Three times in this chapter Paul makes mention of his relatives. In this verse it is Andronicus and Junta (most likely a husband-and-wife team in ministry). In verse 11, it is Herodian. In verse 21, it is Sosipater.
In addition to these personal references, in Acts 23:16 we read where Luke spoke of the son of Paul’s sister. These are the only references in the New Testament which indicate that Paul had any living relatives.
In this verse Paul mentions the fact that Andronicus and Junia were converted to Christ before he was. Paul himself was born again early in the Christian era. Some scholars believe Andronicus and Junia were converted either when Jesus sent out the seventy or on the day of Pentecost.
Can you imagine what it must have been like for these two to try to witness to Paul while he was still Saul, the persecutor of the Christians? Can you picture how unreceptive and hostile he must have been whenever these two kinsmen of his were around him?
You may have loved ones who are as violently opposed to you and your witness to them as Paul was to Andronicus and Junia. In spite of his animosity, I believe Paul’s kinsmen planted a seed within his heart which took root and prepared him for his eventual conversion experience.
Do not give up on your relatives. You may have another Apostle Paul in your family. God’s mercy touched a murderer and made him a messenger. Don’t give up!
Excerpt permission granted by Harrison House Publishers
Dick Mills was ordained at The International Church of the Foursquare Gospel in 1949. He and his wife Betty traveled as evangelists all over the United States, Canada, Mexico, Latin America, Europe, and Australia. Dick and Betty are now home in heaven.
In 1966 Dick and Betty became a part of the then-emerging Charismatic Renewal. Passing through all denominational barriers, Dick has had the opportunity to speak in thousands of churches of varied backgrounds all over the world.
He ministered within several Christian organizations, including the Full Gospel Business Men, Women's Aglow, Inter-church Renewal Catholic Pentecostals, mainline Charismatic groups, CBN and TBN television networks, and many other independent Christian TV stations.
Dick appeared on numerous radio talk shows, written several magazine articles, and spoke at many Bible conferences and universities. He served as an adjunct professor at six Schools of the Bible and Seminaries.
In addition, Dick authored and co-authored several books and tapes. Dick's ministry was characterized by the unique gifts God has blessed him with. His services informed, enlightened, and motivated people to a higher level of commitment to God.