Secundus
Secundus
Info
- #coworker #slave-freedman
- Home:: Thessalonica
- Other Locales:: Jerusalem (via the collection delegation)
- References:: Acts 20#20:4
Notes
- Represented the Thessalonian Church alongside Aristarchus in the collection delegation
- His Latin name ("Second") was common among slaves and freedmen
Summary
Secundus is mentioned only once in the New Testament, in Acts 20#20:4, as one of the delegates accompanying Paul on the journey from Greece to Jerusalem with the collection for the saints. Luke names him alongside Aristarchus as representing the Thessalonian Church: "Sopater the Berean, son of Pyrrhus, accompanied him; and of the Thessalonians, Aristarchus and Secundus."
His Latin name, Secundus, meaning "second," was common in the Roman world, particularly among slaves, freedmen, and their descendants. It was given to a second-born child or a second slave in a household. This naming pattern, combined with the #slave-freedman tag, indicates Secundus was of servile origin: a freedman or descendant of freedmen who had risen to a position of trust within the Thessalonian congregation.
The collection delegation was a carefully organized, multi-church enterprise in which each contributing church sent representatives to ensure accountability and symbolize the unity of Jewish and Gentile believers (2 Corinthians 8#8:18-24). That Secundus was chosen for this role shows he was trusted by the Thessalonian church, even if his social origins were humble. His selection alongside Aristarchus, who was prominent enough to travel with Paul to Rome, reflects the Thessalonian church's value for both social diversity and proven faithfulness.
Beyond this single appearance, nothing further is known of Secundus. He represents the many faithful believers whose service was essential to the Pauline mission.
References
- wrightChallengeActsRediscovering2024 - Wright's study of Acts as theological history, covering Secundus's role in Acts 20:4.
- polhillActs1992 - Polhill's Acts commentary covering Secundus in Acts 20:4.
- paoActsIsaianicNew2002 - Pao's study of Acts through the lens of Isaiah's new exodus, providing theological context for Secundus's narrative in Acts 20:4.
- addisonActsMovementGod2023 - Addison examines the Acts narrative as a movement model, including Secundus's contribution in Acts 20:4.
- Acts 20:4 Commentaries - BibleHub
- Secundus - Wikipedia