16:5b-7
Epaenetus was Paul’s first convert in Asia. Andronicus and Junia are introduced as his “kinsmen and fellow prisoners”. They were believers before Paul was. We are also told that “they are well known to the apostles” (ESV). There is great debate about Junia. First is whether it is Junia (female) or Junias (male). Early Greek manuscripts did not have accent marks. However, the evidence strongly supports Junia. The major debate point is whether Junia was an apostle, or was highly regarded by the apostles. Then there is the use of the word apostle. Apostle can have an “official” meaning, as it usually does when applied to Paul, and the likes of Peter and John. However, it can have a much broader meaning as “messenger of the gospel”. It is dubious to build an argument for female apostles on the basis of this verse.
16:8-15
We then get a whole list of names. The main positive characteristics for which they are commended is being in Christ, and working hard. Without wishing to get involved in debates about the role of women in the church (debates which are often unhelpful, and miss the point). It is clear that Paul had a great respect for women and that they played an important role in the early church. Paul was certainly no misogynist.
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