Bible Dictionary
Nereus
Nereus was a Christian in Rome to whom Paul sent greetings. He and his unnamed sister were associated with a household Christian gathering.
Definition
Nereus was a Christian living at Rome. He is mentioned with his unnamed sister among those to whom Paul sent greetings.
Biblical Usage
Paul greeted Nereus and his sister in his letter to the Romans. Nereus and the others greeted with him appear to have formed a small Christian community or house church.
Historical Background
A later tradition says that Nereus was beheaded at Terracina, probably during the reign of Nerva, but the biblical material gives no further biography.
Scripture References
Related Figures
Historical Bible Dictionaries
Easton's Bible Dictionary
A Christian at Rome to whom Paul sent his salutation (Rom. 16:15).
Smith's Bible Dictionary
(lamp), a Christian at Rome, saluted by St. Paul. (Romans 16:15) According to tradition he was beheaded at Terracina, probably in the reign of Nerva.
International Standard Bible Encyclopedia (ISBE)
<p>ne'-rus, ne'-re-us (Nereus): The name of a Roman Christian to whom with his sister Paul sent greetings (Ro 16:15). Nereus and the others saluted with him (Ro 16:15) formed small community or "house church." The name of the sister is not given, but the name Nereis is found on an inscription of this date containing names of the emperor's servants (Lightfoot, Phil, 176). Among the Acta Sanctorum connected with the early church in Rome are the "Ac of Nereus and Achilleus" which call them chamberlains of Domitilla, the niece of Vespasian, and relate their influence over her in persuading her to remain a virgin.</p><p>S. F. Hunter</p>