부산대학교 도서관

There are cogent reasons to challenge the current consensus that Junia(s) in Rom 16:7 was a female apostle. As suggested by Al Wolters, the name probably did not derive from Latin, but was the Greek translation of the Hebrew masculine name yḥwny. Not counting Rom 16:7, apparently no first-century Jewish woman bore the name Junia. Judging from 1 Cor 9:5, Paul regarded apostles as men, and some early Church Fathers viewed Junia(s) as male. The expression “notable among apostles” should preferably be translated “esteemed by the apostles.” First-century Greco-Roman society, the early orthodox church, and even heretical sects all imposed restrictions on the public roles of women. Even Chrysostom, who regarded Junia as a woman apostle, was no exception. In view of uncertainties over the sex and apostolic status of Junia(s), it is inadvisable to appeal to Rom 16:7 as a historical precedent to advocate for equal ministry opportunities for women and men or to charge various Christian leaders and institutions for the alleged “sex change” of the female Junia to a male named Junias due to androcentric bias. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]