Topical Encyclopedia
Phlegon is a biblical figure mentioned in the New Testament, specifically in the Apostle Paul's Epistle to the Romans. His name appears in a list of individuals to whom Paul sends greetings, indicating his presence within the early Christian community in Rome. The reference to Phlegon is found in
Romans 16:14: "Greet Asyncritus, Phlegon, Hermes, Patrobas, Hermas, and the brothers with them" .
Context and SignificanceThe mention of Phlegon occurs in the final chapter of Romans, where Paul extends personal greetings to various members of the Roman church. This chapter is notable for its extensive list of names, reflecting the diverse and interconnected nature of the early Christian communities. Phlegon, along with the others mentioned, is likely a member of a house church or a smaller fellowship within the larger body of believers in Rome.
The inclusion of Phlegon's name, though brief, is significant as it highlights the communal and relational aspects of the early Church. Each individual mentioned by Paul played a role in the life and ministry of the Christian community, contributing to the spread of the Gospel and the strengthening of the Church. The greeting to Phlegon and his companions suggests a close-knit group of believers who were actively engaged in the faith.
Historical and Cultural BackgroundThe name Phlegon is of Greek origin, meaning "burning" or "zealous." This reflects the Hellenistic influence present in the Roman Empire during the first century. The early Church was composed of both Jewish and Gentile converts, and names like Phlegon indicate the diverse cultural backgrounds of its members.
Rome, as the capital of the Roman Empire, was a melting pot of cultures and ideas. The Christian community there would have been exposed to various philosophical and religious influences. Despite this, the believers maintained their distinct identity in Christ, as evidenced by Paul's epistle, which addresses both theological and practical aspects of living out the Christian faith in such a context.
Theological ImplicationsPhlegon's mention, though brief, underscores the importance of every member within the body of Christ. The New Testament frequently emphasizes the value of each believer, regardless of their role or prominence. In
1 Corinthians 12:12-27, Paul elaborates on the metaphor of the Church as a body, where each part is essential for the functioning of the whole. Phlegon, like many others, represents the countless faithful individuals who contributed to the growth and vitality of the early Church.
Furthermore, the greeting to Phlegon and others in
Romans 16 reflects the unity and fellowship that characterized the early Christian communities. Despite potential differences in background, status, or ethnicity, believers were united in their faith in Jesus Christ. This unity is a recurring theme in Paul's writings, as he exhorts the Church to live in harmony and love, reflecting the transformative power of the Gospel.
ConclusionWhile little is known about Phlegon beyond his mention in
Romans 16:14, his inclusion in Paul's greetings serves as a testament to the vibrant and diverse community of believers in Rome. His presence in the biblical narrative reminds us of the countless individuals who have faithfully served the Church throughout history, contributing to the spread of the Gospel and the edification of the body of Christ.
Hitchcock's Bible Names Dictionary
Phlegonzealous; burning
Smith's Bible Dictionary
Phlegon(burning), a Christian at Rome whom St. Paul salutes. (Romans 16:14) (A.D.55.) Pseudo-Hippolytus makes him one of the seventy disciples and bishop of Marathon.
Easton's Bible Dictionary
Burning, a Roman Christian to whom Paul sent salutations (
Romans 16:14).
International Standard Bible Encyclopedia
PHLEGONfle'-gon, fleg'-on (Phlegan): The name of a Roman Christian to whom Paul sent greetings (Romans 16:14). Of him nothing is known.
Greek
5393.Phlegon --Phlegon, a Christian... 5392, 5393.
Phlegon. 5394 .
Phlegon, a Christian. Part of Speech: Noun,
Masculine Transliteration:
Phlegon Phonetic Spelling: (fleg
...Library
Two Happy Bridals
... OldPhlegon opened the door at his summons, started to see him, trembled, and then,
in the sudden rush of emotion, fell back and almost fainted....
Elucidations.
... In former instances, where thought has turned toPhlegon the Trallian, [1615] I
have failed to refer to an author whose excess of candour sometimes gives away...
Sec. Ii. What Facts in the History of Our Saviour Might be Taken...
... "That our Saviour foretold several things which came to pass according to his
predictions;" this was attested byPhlegon in his annals, as we are assured by...
"But," Continues Celsus, "What Great Deeds did Jesus Perform as...
... eclipse in the time of Tiberius C??sar, in whose reign Jesus appears to have been
crucified, and the great earthquakes which then took place,Phlegon too, I...
Two visitors by Night
...Phlegon, the slave, who opened it"a slave in name only, but treated like a brother
beloved"hesitated to interrupt his master's studies, and told the...
The Earthquake
... But Philip's heart was heavy. My father,' he asked, what will Kallias do,
and poor Eutyches, and oldPhlegon, and your servants?...
Preface to the Letters of Dionysius the Areopagite.
... thirty-six. Dionysius describes the darkness at the time of the Crucifixion,
as it appeared in Egypt, and is recorded byPhlegon. We...
Fragment xiii. 1. Up to the Time of the Olympiads There is no...
... 55th Olympiad, as may be ascertained from the Bibliothec?? of Diodorus and the histories
of Thallus and Castor, and also from Polybius andPhlegon, and others...
Fragment xviii. On the Circumstances Connected with Our Saviour's...
... [1126]Phlegon records that, in the time of Tiberius C??sar, at full moon, there
was a full eclipse of the sun from the sixth hour to the ninth"manifestly...
Anxieties and Troubles, Friends and Foes
... OldPhlegon was installed as porter at the Patriarcheion; and when he was vexed
with the throngs of visitors and the incessant summonses which brought him out...
Thesaurus
Phlegon (1 Occurrence)...PHLEGON. fle'-gon, fleg'-on (Phlegan): The name of a Roman Christian to whom Paul
sent greetings (Romans 16:14). Of him nothing is known.
...Phlegon (1 Occurrence).
...Phoebe (1 Occurrence)
Greetings (48 Occurrences)
... (WEY). Romans 16:14 Greetings to Asyncritus,Phlegon, Hermes, Patrobas, Hermas,
and to the brethren associated with them; (WEY). Romans...
Greet (46 Occurrences)
... (WEB WEY NAS RSV NIV). Romans 16:14 Greet Asyncritus,Phlegon, Hermes, Patrobas,
Hermas, and the brothers who are with them. (WEB WEY NAS RSV NIV)....
Patrobas (1 Occurrence)
... Multi-Version Concordance Patrobas (1 Occurrence). Romans 16:14 Greet Asyncritus,
Phlegon, Hermes, Patrobas, Hermas, and the brothers who are with them....
Pat'robas (1 Occurrence)
... Multi-Version Concordance Pat'robas (1 Occurrence). Romans 16:14 salute Asyncritus,
Phlegon, Hermas, Patrobas, Hermes, and the brethren with them; (See RSV)....
Phinoe
Asyncritus (1 Occurrence)
... Multi-Version Concordance Asyncritus (1 Occurrence). Romans 16:14 Greet Asyncritus,
Phlegon, Hermes, Patrobas, Hermas, and the brothers who are with them....
Asyn'critus (1 Occurrence)
... Multi-Version Concordance Asyn'critus (1 Occurrence). Romans 16:14 salute Asyncritus,
Phlegon, Hermas, Patrobas, Hermes, and the brethren with them; (See RSV)....
Associated (9 Occurrences)
... (WEY). Romans 16:14 Greetings to Asyncritus,Phlegon, Hermes, Patrobas, Hermas,
and to the brethren associated with them; (WEY). Romans...
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