Romans 16:10-11
Greet Apelles, who is approved in Christ. Greet those who belong to the family of Aristobulus. Greet my kinsman Herodion. Greet those in the Lord who belong to the family of Narcissus.
English Standard Version (ESV)
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Paul's commendation of Apelles as "approved in Christ" isn't just a simple compliment; it signifies a deep, tested faithfulness that has stood up to scrutiny. This phrase highlights not just that Apelles is a believer, but that his faith has been thoroughly proven and found genuine within Christ's own refining presence.
Paul is wrapping up his letter to the Roman believers with a long list of personal greetings, a common practice to show his care for individuals and strengthen the sense of community. He mentions Apelles, a Christian whose faithfulness has been thoroughly tested and proven, and then extends greetings to those who were part of Aristobulus's household, likely slaves or servants, indicating they were believers even if Aristobulus himself wasn't. This personal touch highlights how deeply Paul cared for the fabric of the church, acknowledging each member, no matter their social standing or proximity to him.
Paul doesn't just greet people; he often includes a special word about them. What does it mean to be 'approved in Christ'?
When Paul calls Apelles 'approved in Christ,' he's not just saying Apelles is a 'nice guy.' This is a high compliment!
Tried and True
Think of it like a metal being tested for purity. In the ancient world, metals were heated and purified to reveal any impurities. The word Paul uses here suggests someone whose faith has been tested by challenges, difficulties, and maybe even temptations. They haven't cracked under pressure; instead, their faith has been refined and proven genuine.
Christ as the Standard
It's crucial that Apelles is 'approved in Christ.' This means his worthiness isn't based on his own performance or what others think, but on his standing and acceptance with Jesus. Christ is the one who sees the true heart, the genuine faith, and the steadfast loyalty. To be approved in Christ is to have your faith recognized and validated by the One who matters most.
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Paul sends greetings not only to individuals but also to entire households. What does this tell us about how faith spreads and is recognized?
In this verse, Paul greets 'those who belong to the family of Aristobulus.' This is fascinating because Aristobulus himself might not have been a believer.
Acknowledging Faith Where It's Found
Scholars suggest that Aristobulus was likely a man of some standing, perhaps even connected to royalty. The key here is that Paul isn't necessarily saluting Aristobulus, but the believers within his household. This could include his slaves or other dependents who had come to faith in Christ.
The Power of a Christian Household
This highlights how faith can permeate a household, even if the head of the household isn't yet a believer. It shows Paul's deep care for all believers, regardless of their social status or their master's faith. He recognizes and honors the faith of individuals, even when they are part of a larger, potentially mixed group. It’s a beautiful picture of how the 'family of God' can grow in unexpected places.
Understand the original words
dokimos · Greek Adjective
'Approved' (dokimos) describes something or someone that has been tested by fire or trials and found to be genuine, reliable, and acceptable, particularly regarding character or faith.
aspazomai · Greek Verb
In the NT, this term expresses the warm, formal welcome given to fellow believers, emphasizing Christian fellowship, unity, and the bonds of love within the body of Christ.
syngenes · Greek Noun
One belonging to the same nation, race, or extended family. In a spiritual context, it highlights the close relational and covenantal ties among God's people.
en Kyrio · Greek Prepositional Phrase
A designation indicating a person’s spiritual location and allegiance; it denotes those who are redeemed, under the authority of Christ, and living in vital union with Him.
c. 48 BC
Aristobulus Grandson of Herod the Great Born
Aristobulus, a grandson of Herod the Great, was born. He would later live in Rome and have connections with the Roman elite, including potentially Emperor Claudius.
c. AD 40-50
Apelles Name Appears in Literature
The name Apelles appears in Roman literature, such as Horace's Satires, suggesting it was a known name, possibly of Jewish origin, among people in Rome.
c. AD 50-55— this verse
Paul Writes Romans from Corinth
The Apostle Paul likely penned the Epistle to the Romans from Corinth during his third missionary journey. The city was a bustling Roman colony with a diverse population.
c. AD 60-62
Paul's Imprisonment in Rome
Later, Paul would be imprisoned in Rome. During this time, he wrote several letters, including those to Ephesians, Philippians, Colossians, and Philemon, many of which also contain personal greetings.
This passage highlights the divisions within the Corinthian church, showing that even in the early church, loyalties could become fragmented around different leaders, which might have been a concern Paul wanted to avoid by carefully naming individuals and households.
Philippians 4:22Similar to Romans 16:10, this verse includes greetings to 'Caesar's household,' indicating that the gospel was reaching into the homes and social structures of Roman society, including those of prominent figures or their dependents.
1 Timothy 5:8This verse discusses the responsibility to care for one's own family and household, which resonates with Paul's salutation to the 'family of Aristobulus,' reminding us of the Christian community's concern for all members, regardless of their social standing or direct relationship with the leader.
Colossians 4:15This verse, like Romans 16:10, involves a specific greeting to individuals within a household ('Nympha and the church in her house'), further illustrating Paul's practice of acknowledging and valuing the Christian gatherings and individuals within domestic settings.
jfbRomans 16:10: "Salute Apelles approved in Christ. Salute them which are of Aristobulus' household."
- Salute Apelles approved—"the approved"in Christ—or, as we should say, "that tried Christian"; a noble commendation.Salute them which are of Aristobulus' household—It would seem, from what is said of Narcissus in Ro 16:11, that this Aristobulus himself had not been a Christian; but that the Christians of his household simply were meant; very possibly some of his slaves.
vincentRomans 16:10: "Salute Apelles approved in Christ. Salute them which are of Aristobulus' household."
ApellesIt occurs in Horace as the name of a Jew, under the form Apella ("Satire," i. 5, 100).Them which are of Aristobulus' householdPossibly household slaves. They might have borne the name of Aristobulus even if they had passed into the service of another master, since household slaves thus transferred, continued to bear the name of their former proprietor. Lightfoot thinks that this Aristobulu…
Paul's commendation of Apelles as "approved in Christ" isn't just a simple compliment; it signifies a deep, tested faithfulness that has stood up to scrutiny. This phrase highlights not just that Apelles is a believer, but that his faith has been thoroughly proven and found genuine within Christ's own refining presence.
Paul is wrapping up his letter to the Roman believers with a long list of personal greetings, a common practice to show his care for individuals and strengthen the sense of community. He mentions Apelles, a Christian whose faithfulness has been thoroughly tested and proven, and then extends greetings to those who were part of Aristobulus's household, likely slaves or servants, indicating they were believers even if Aristobulus himself wasn't. This personal touch highlights how deeply Paul cared for the fabric of the church, acknowledging each member, no matter their social standing or proximity to him.
Paul is wrapping up his letter to the Roman believers with a long list of personal greetings, a common practice to show his care for individuals and strengthen the sense of community. He mentions Apelles, a Christian whose faithfulness has been thoroughly tested and proven, and then extends greetings to those who were part of Aristobulus's household, likely slaves or servants, indicating they were believers even if Aristobulus himself wasn't. This personal touch highlights how deeply Paul cared for the fabric of the church, acknowledging each member, no matter their social standing or proximity to him.
"Greet Apelles, who is approved in Christ. Greet those who belong to the family of Aristobulus. Greet my kinsman Herodion. Greet those in the Lord who belong to the family of Narcissus." — Paul's commendation of Apelles as "approved in Christ" isn't just a simple compliment; it signifies a deep, tested faithfulness that has stood up to scrutiny. This phrase highlights not just that Ape…
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