Lexical Summary Linos: Linus Original Word: Λίνος Strong's Exhaustive Concordance Linus. Perhaps from linon; Linus, a Christian -- Linus. see GREEK linon NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originthe name of a mythical minstrel, perhaps from linon (for the string of a musical instrument) Definition Linus, a Christian NASB Translation Linus (1). Thayer's Greek Lexicon STRONGS NT 3044: ΛίνοςΛίνος (not Λίνος (with R G Tr); see Passow (or Liddell and Scott), under the word; cf. Lipsius, Gramm. Untersuch., p. 42), Λινου, ὁ, Linus, one of Paul's Christian associates; according to ecclesiastical tradition bishop of the church at Rome (cf. Hase, Polemik, edition 3, p. 131; Lipsius, Chronologie d. röm. Bischöfe, p. 146; (Dict. of Chris. Biog. under the word)): 2 Timothy 4:21. Topical Lexicon Biblical SettingLinus is named once in the New Testament, in Paul’s final epistle: “Make every effort to come before winter. Eubulus sends you greetings, as do Pudens, Linus, Claudia, and all the brothers.” (2 Timothy 4:21). The greeting occurs as Paul, awaiting execution, lists believers who remained steadfast at his side in Rome. Though brief, the mention places Linus among the inner circle that supported the apostle during his climactic testimony of the gospel (2 Timothy 4:6-8). Historical Identity Early Christian writers consistently identify this Linus with the man who succeeded the Apostle Peter as overseer of the church in Rome: • Irenaeus (Against Heresies 3.3.3) records, “After the apostles were gone, Linus…was entrusted with the office of the episcopate in Rome.” Because Irenaeus wrote within a century of Paul, his testimony is weighty. These sources do not merely preserve ecclesiastical legend; they witness to an unbroken memory in the early church that links the Linus of 2 Timothy with the earliest post-apostolic leadership at Rome. Linus among Paul’s Companions 2 Timothy 4 contrasts deserters such as Demas (2 Timothy 4:10) with steadfast co-workers. Linus appears alongside Pudens and Claudia—names that suggest a diverse, possibly mixed-marriage household. Their greeting, conveyed by Paul, demonstrates: 1. Perseverance under pressure—Nero’s persecution was still fresh, yet these believers openly align with the imprisoned apostle. Significance for Church Leadership If the patristic identification is accepted, Linus represents the earliest transition from apostolic to post-apostolic oversight: • Continuity of doctrine—Linus’ ministry safeguarded the deposit Paul urged Timothy to guard (2 Timothy 1:13-14). Theological and Pastoral Lessons 1. God notices the seemingly obscure. Linus receives no further description, yet his name is forever preserved in Scripture, reminding believers that steadfastness, not prominence, secures lasting honor (Hebrews 6:10). Conclusion Though mentioned only in a single verse, Linus stands at the crossroads of apostolic history and early church leadership. His quiet loyalty to Paul, his reputed oversight of the Roman congregation, and the unbroken testimony of early writers combine to make him a vital link in God’s providential preservation of the gospel from the first century to every generation that follows. Forms and Transliterations ελίπανας ελίπανε ελιπάνθη ελιπάνθησαν Λινος Λίνος λιπαίνει λιπανάτω Linos LínosLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel Texts |