Romans 16:10

Salute Apelles approved in Christ. Salute them which are of Aristobulus' [household].

Salute {G782} Apelles {G559} approved {G1384} in {G1722} Christ {G5547}. Salute {G782} them {G3588} which are of {G1537} Aristobulus {G711}' household.

Greetings to Appeles, whose trust in the Messiah has been tested and proved.

Greet those in the household of Aristobulus.

Greet Apelles, who is approved in Christ. Greet those who belong to the household of Aristobulus.

Salute Apelles the approved in Christ. Salute them that are of the household of Aristobulus.

Commentary on Romans 16:10 KJV

Romans 16 serves as a deeply personal closing to Paul's epistle, where he sends specific greetings to numerous individuals and "households" within the Roman church. This chapter offers a unique glimpse into the fabric of the early Christian community, highlighting the diverse yet interconnected relationships that formed the backbone of the nascent church movement.

Context and Characters

In this verse, Paul singles out two groups for salutation: Apelles and "them which are of Aristobulus' [household]."

  • Apelles: The commendation "approved in Christ" suggests Apelles was a well-known and highly respected figure within the Roman Christian community. His approval likely stemmed from a consistent and evident faithfulness, perhaps through enduring trials or diligent service. Paul's direct mention indicates a personal acquaintance or strong reputation.
  • Aristobulus' Household: While Aristobulus himself is not identified as a believer (unlike Apelles), Paul's greeting to his household implies that some members of his family or associates were Christians. This points to the significant role of households as centers of early Christian evangelism and community. It was common for entire households, including family members, servants, and even freedmen, to embrace the faith together, often forming what we now call "house churches."

Key Themes and Messages

  • Recognition of Individual Faithfulness: Paul's specific mention of Apelles as "approved in Christ" underscores the value placed on personal integrity and spiritual steadfastness within the Christian community. It's an affirmation of a life genuinely lived for Christ.
  • The Inclusive Nature of the Early Church: The greetings extend beyond prominent leaders to include various individuals and even groups associated with a non-believer's household, illustrating the broad reach and welcoming nature of the Gospel.
  • Importance of Christian Fellowship: This verse, like the entire chapter, emphasizes the deep personal connections and communal bonds that sustained the early church. Paul's greetings were not mere formalities but expressions of genuine affection and solidarity among believers across geographical distances.

Linguistic Insights

The Greek word for "approved" is dokimos (δόκιμος). This term carries significant weight. It means "tested," "tried," and found "genuine" or "worthy." It's not a casual approval but one earned through proving oneself faithful, often through adversity or diligent service. For Apelles to be "approved in Christ" means his faith and character had been put to the test and found to be true and steadfast. This echoes the call to "study to shew thyself approved unto God" as mentioned by Paul elsewhere.

Practical Application

Romans 16:10 encourages us to:

  1. Value Individual Faithfulness: Like Apelles, believers are called to live lives that are "approved in Christ"—lives of genuine faith, integrity, and perseverance that stand the test of time and trial.
  2. Recognize and Affirm Others: Paul's example teaches us to acknowledge and appreciate the contributions and spiritual maturity of fellow believers within our own communities.
  3. Embrace the "Household" Concept: The inclusion of Aristobulus' household reminds us that the Gospel transforms families and communities. Our influence can extend beyond ourselves to those we live with and interact with daily, inviting them into the Christian fellowship.
Note: Commentary was generated by an advanced AI, utilizing a prompt that emphasized Biblical fidelity over bias. We've found these insights to be consistently reliable, yet we always encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

  • Romans 14:18

    For he that in these things serveth Christ [is] acceptable to God, and approved of men.

  • 1 Peter 1:7

    That the trial of your faith, being much more precious than of gold that perisheth, though it be tried with fire, might be found unto praise and honour and glory at the appearing of Jesus Christ:

  • Deuteronomy 8:2

    And thou shalt remember all the way which the LORD thy God led thee these forty years in the wilderness, to humble thee, [and] to prove thee, to know what [was] in thine heart, whether thou wouldest keep his commandments, or no.

  • 2 Corinthians 2:9

    For to this end also did I write, that I might know the proof of you, whether ye be obedient in all things.

  • 1 Timothy 3:10

    And let these also first be proved; then let them use the office of a deacon, being [found] blameless.

  • Philippians 2:22

    But ye know the proof of him, that, as a son with the father, he hath served with me in the gospel.

  • 1 Corinthians 11:19

    For there must be also heresies among you, that they which are approved may be made manifest among you.

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