Romans 16:10

KJV

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

KJV (with Strong's)

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

Complete Jewish Bible

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

Greet those in the household of Aristobulus.

Berean Standard Bible

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

American Standard Version

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

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Romans 16:10 forms part of Paul's extensive closing greetings, where he extends personal salutations to specific individuals and groups within the Roman Christian community. This verse particularly highlights Apelles, commended as "approved in Christ," signifying his tested and genuine faithfulness, alongside a greeting to those associated with Aristobulus' household, indicating the spread of the Gospel within domestic spheres and the inclusive nature of early Christian fellowship.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Romans 16 serves as the concluding chapter of Paul's profound theological treatise to the Roman believers. Unlike the preceding chapters which meticulously lay out foundational doctrines of sin, salvation, justification, sanctification, and God's plan for Israel, chapter 16 shifts to a deeply personal register. It functions as a series of commendations, greetings, and final exhortations, revealing the intricate web of relationships that sustained the early church. This shift from theological exposition to personal connection underscores Paul's pastoral heart and the importance of individual believers and their contributions to the collective body of Christ. The specific mention of Apelles and Aristobulus' household in [Romans 16:10](/romans/16-10 "Romans 16:10 - Paul's Greetings") is nestled among greetings to over two dozen individuals, demonstrating the extensive network of Christians Paul knew or knew of, even in a city he had not yet visited.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The Roman Empire of the 1st century CE was a vast and diverse entity, with Rome as its bustling capital. Early Christianity often spread through informal networks, facilitated by travel, trade, and personal connections. "Households" (Latin: *familia*; Greek: *oikos*) were the fundamental social and economic units, encompassing not only immediate family but also servants, freedmen, clients, and business associates. It was common for religious practices, including Christianity, to take root within these households, leading to the formation of "house churches" (e.g., [Colossians 4:15](/colossians/4-15 "Colossians 4:15 - Greetings to Nympha and the Church in Her House")). Paul's greetings to Aristobulus' household, even if Aristobulus himself was not a believer, illustrates this pervasive pattern of evangelism and community formation within domestic settings. The commendation "approved in Christ" for Apelles would have been a significant mark of honor in a society that valued reputation and integrity, particularly within a nascent religious movement facing external scrutiny and internal challenges.
* **Key Themes:** [Romans 16](/romans/16 "Romans 16 - Paul's Personal Greetings") as a whole, and [Romans 16:10](/romans/16-10 "Romans 16:10 - Paul's Greetings") specifically, contributes to several major themes. Firstly, it highlights the **importance of Christian fellowship and community**, demonstrating that the church is not merely an abstract theological concept but a living body composed of interconnected individuals. Secondly, it underscores the **inclusive nature of the Gospel**, reaching diverse people from various social strata, including those associated with prominent (possibly non-Christian) households. Thirdly, the commendation of Apelles as "approved in Christ" emphasizes the theme of **personal integrity and faithfulness** within the Christian walk, suggesting that genuine faith is tested and proven through one's life and service. This aligns with Paul's broader emphasis on living a life worthy of the calling, as seen in passages like [Ephesians 4:1](/ephesians/4-1 "Ephesians 4:1 - Live a Life Worthy of Your Calling").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Salute (Greek, _aspázomai'_):** This verb means "to enfold in the arms," and by implication, "to greet," "to welcome," or "to embrace." It conveys a sense of warm, personal affection and recognition, far beyond a mere formal acknowledgment. Paul's repeated use of this word throughout [Romans 16](/romans/16 "Romans 16 - Paul's Greetings") emphasizes the deep bonds of Christian fellowship and the genuine care he had for these individuals.
* **approved (Greek, _dókimos'_):** Derived from a word meaning "to test" or "to prove," _dókimos_ signifies something that has been tested and found to be genuine, reliable, or acceptable. It is often used in the context of metals assayed for purity. To be "approved in Christ" means that Apelles' faith, character, and service had been put to the test—perhaps through trials, persecution, or diligent ministry—and had been found to be true, steadfast, and pleasing to God through his union with Christ. It is a commendation of proven spiritual integrity.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Salute Apelles approved in Christ."**: Paul instructs the Roman believers to extend a warm, personal greeting to Apelles. The crucial descriptor "approved in Christ" sets Apelles apart, indicating that his faithfulness and character had been tested and validated within the context of his relationship with Jesus Christ. This is not a human approval based on outward appearance, but a divine commendation of his genuine spiritual standing and steadfastness.
* **"Salute them which are of Aristobulus' [household]."**: The command to greet is repeated, but this time directed towards a group: those belonging to Aristobulus' household. The phrase "which are of" (Greek: _ek_) denotes origin or belonging, suggesting that these individuals were members, servants, or associates of Aristobulus' extended family or establishment. The implication is that while Aristobulus himself may or may not have been a Christian, some within his sphere of influence had embraced the faith, forming a nucleus of believers within his household. This highlights the early church's growth through household conversions and the formation of domestic Christian communities.

#### Literary Devices
Paul's use of **Prosopography** (the listing of individuals) is the most prominent literary device in [Romans 16](/romans/16 "Romans 16 - Paul's Personal Greetings"), and [Romans 16:10](/romans/16-10 "Romans 16:10 - Paul's Greetings") is a prime example. This extensive list of names transforms the impersonal theological treatise into a vibrant, relational document, emphasizing the personal connections and communal fabric of the early church. The specific commendation "approved in Christ" for Apelles functions as a form of **Epithet**, a descriptive phrase expressing a quality characteristic of the person mentioned, serving to highlight his spiritual standing and provide an example for others. Furthermore, the mention of "Aristobulus' household" employs **Synecdoche**, where a part (the household) stands for the whole (the individuals within it who are believers), illustrating the organic growth of the church through family units and domestic spheres.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Romans 16:10 underscores the profound theological truth that Christian faithfulness is not merely a private conviction but a publicly discernible reality, tested and affirmed "in Christ." Apelles' commendation speaks to the value God places on genuine, enduring faith and character, forged often through spiritual trials. It also highlights the early church's communal nature, where individuals were recognized, affirmed, and connected through shared belief and mutual affection. The inclusion of "Aristobulus' household" illustrates the pervasive and inclusive nature of the Gospel, which permeated societal structures, transforming families and domestic units into centers of Christian life and witness. This verse, therefore, serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of both individual integrity and collective fellowship in the body of Christ.

* [1 Corinthians 9:27](/1_corinthians/9-27 "1 Corinthians 9:27 - Paul's Self-Discipline")
* [2 Timothy 2:15](/2_timothy/2-15 "2 Timothy 2:15 - Study to Show Yourself Approved")
* [Philippians 4:22](/philippians/4-22 "Philippians 4:22 - Greetings from Caesar's Household")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Romans 16:10 invites us to consider the quality of our own faith and the extent of our participation in the Christian community. Apelles' designation as "approved in Christ" challenges us to examine whether our lives genuinely reflect a tested and steadfast devotion to Christ, not merely in word but in deed and character. Are we living in such a way that our faith would be recognized as genuine and reliable by those who observe us, and more importantly, by God Himself? Furthermore, the greeting to Aristobulus' household reminds us of the profound impact our faith can have within our immediate spheres of influence—our families, workplaces, and neighborhoods. We are called to be salt and light, allowing the transforming power of the Gospel to extend beyond ourselves to those with whom we share our daily lives, fostering environments where others can encounter Christ and join the fellowship of believers. This verse encourages us to value both personal integrity and active participation in the body of Christ, recognizing and affirming the gifts and faithfulness of others while striving to live lives worthy of our calling.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what ways is my faith being "tested" or "approved" in my current circumstances, and how am I responding?**
* **How can I more intentionally live out my faith within my own "household" or immediate sphere of influence, inviting others to encounter Christ?**
* **How can I better recognize and affirm the "approved" faithfulness of others within my local church community?**

### FAQ
**Who was Apelles, and what does it mean to be "approved in Christ"?**

Answer: Apelles was a Christian believer in Rome whom Paul singled out for a special commendation. While the Bible provides no further biographical details, the phrase "approved in Christ" (Greek: _dókimos en Christō_) is highly significant. It means that Apelles' faith, character, and spiritual life had been tested, examined, and found to be genuine, reliable, and acceptable in the sight of God, specifically through his union with Christ. It implies a proven faithfulness, possibly through enduring trials, demonstrating steadfastness, or faithfully serving the Lord. This commendation sets him apart as an exemplary believer whose life was truly pleasing to God because it was lived in alignment with Christ. It echoes the concept of being a "workman who does not need to be ashamed," as described in [2 Timothy 2:15](/2_timothy/2-15 "2 Timothy 2:15 - Study to Show Yourself Approved").

**Why does Paul greet "Aristobulus' household" instead of Aristobulus himself?**

Answer: Paul's greeting to "them which are of Aristobulus' household" suggests that while Aristobulus himself may not have been a Christian, some members of his extended family, servants, or associates had come to faith in Christ. In the ancient world, a "household" (Greek: _oikos_) was a broad term encompassing not just immediate family but also slaves, freedmen, and dependents. It was common for the Gospel to spread within these domestic units, leading to the formation of "house churches." This indicates the pervasive nature of early Christian evangelism, which often took root in homes and within existing social structures. A similar situation is seen in [Philippians 4:22](/philippians/4-22 "Philippians 4:22 - Greetings from Caesar's Household"), where greetings are sent from "those of Caesar's household," implying Christians within the imperial staff.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Romans 16:10, though a personal greeting, powerfully points to Christ as the ultimate standard and source of all approval. Apelles is not merely "approved," but "approved *in Christ*," signifying that his genuineness, steadfastness, and spiritual integrity are not self-derived but are a direct result of his union with Jesus. Our standing before God, our worthiness, and our very identity are found solely in Christ, who is our righteousness and sanctification ([1 Corinthians 1:30](/1_corinthians/1-30 "1 Corinthians 1:30 - Christ Our Wisdom, Righteousness, Sanctification, and Redemption")). It is through His perfect life, atoning death, and glorious resurrection that we are made acceptable to God ([Ephesians 1:6](/ephesians/1-6 "Ephesians 1:6 - To the Praise of His Glorious Grace")). The "household" concept also finds its ultimate fulfillment in Christ, as He is the head of the "household of God," the church, which is built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, with Christ Jesus Himself as the chief cornerstone ([Ephesians 2:19-20](/ephesians/2-19-20 "Ephesians 2:19-20 - Fellow Citizens with the Saints")). Thus, both individual approval and communal belonging are found and perfected in Him, the one through whom all things are reconciled to God ([Colossians 1:20](/colossians/1-20 "Colossians 1:20 - Reconciliation Through Christ")).

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

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.