THE HOUSEHOLD OF NARCISSUS

This is another household of which we know almost nothing, “Greet them that be of the household of Narcissus.” Such is the brief reference in Romans 16:11. And there is not even the word for “household” in the Greek Testament, only “those of Narcisuss.” But the Lord has allowed a very interesting old inscription to come to light, that may tell us a little more. Narcissus, (we do not know for certain that is it the same man) was the freed-man and favorite of Claudius Caesar, but was put to death by Nero. The old inscription records the name of “Dikoeosyne” which means “Righteousness”, the wife of T. Claudius Narcissus, who is described as “most devout and simple in her life.” This may well be the widow who was now head of the “household of Narcissus”, who had learnt from the Gospel that was true Righteousness. It is sweet to think of this devout and simple mother bringing up her household in Rome for the Lord, and rejoicing in His righteousness.

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“The Household of Aristobulus” in Romans 16:10, and “The House of Chloe” in 1 Corinthians 1:11, are similar in form of wording to that of the household of Narcissus. They are two more witnesses to the blessed fact that in those early days, the heads of the households brought their households with them to follow the Lord.