A personal name meaning "praised" or "lauded," from epaineo (to praise/commend). Epainetus is greeted by Paul in Romans 16:5 as "the first convert to Christ in the province of Asia" — a remarkable historical designation.
Epainetos holds a unique place in the New Testament as the first recorded convert from the entire province of Asia. He is called "my dear friend" by Paul — an intimacy forged in mission. Paul's careful preservation of this name in Romans 16 shows the apostle's pastoral heart: the first fruit of any harvest is precious and worth honoring by name. Every revival, every awakening, every missions breakthrough begins with one person — one Epainetos — whose "yes" to Christ opens the door for thousands. The firstfruits belong to God (Leviticus 23:20) and are a pledge of the full harvest to come.