Andronicus and Junia: Apostles?

"Greet Andronicus and Junia, my fellow Jews who are in prison with me and are prominent among the apostles. They belonged to the Messiah before I did." - Romans 16:7​

@garethindman8144 your proposed reading that they were of note among other apostles is a possible reading of Romans 16:7. However there is a more natural way to read it which simply states that they were apostles themselves. This view has also traditional and scholarly support:

1. John Chrysostom (4th Century Church Father): "Greet Andronicus and Junia... how great the wisdom of this woman must have been, that she was even deemed worthy of the title of apostle." ... "To be an apostle is something great. But to be outstanding among the apostles—just think what a wonderful song of praise that is!" - (Homily 31 on Romans)

2. Richard Bauckham (Modern Biblical Scholar): "The phrase 'notable among the apostles' does not mean that Andronicus and Junia were well known to the apostles, but that they themselves were distinguished members of the group designated 'apostles' in the early Church." - (Gospel Women: Studies of the Named Women in the Gospels)

3. N.T. Wright (New Testament Scholar): "Andronicus and Junia were apostles, part of the foundational missionary group who were sent out to plant churches, preach the gospel, and represent the risen Jesus in the wider world." - (Paul for Everyone: Romans, Part Two)

4. James D.G. Dunn (New Testament Theologian): "The most natural way to understand 'outstanding among the apostles' is that they were themselves apostles, not simply well known to the apostles. The term 'apostle' was used more widely in the early Church than simply of the Twelve and Paul... It applied to key figures in missionary outreach and church planting." - (Word Biblical Commentary on Romans)

5. Eldon Jay Epp (Biblical Scholar): "Andronicus and Junia were apostles, recognized as such by Paul, because they fulfilled the role of being sent out (Greek: apostolos) to proclaim the Gospel and establish Christian communities. Paul’s praise of them reflects their apostolic authority and prominence." - (Junia: The First Woman Apostle)

6. Ben Witherington III (New Testament Scholar): "The phrase ‘notable among the apostles’ indicates that Andronicus and Junia were part of the apostolic circle, involved in missionary activity, and distinguished by their efforts. This phrase, within the broader Pauline usage of the term 'apostle,' implies a recognized leadership role." - (Paul's Letter to the Romans)