Romans 16:10
Salute Apelles approved in Christ. Salute them which are of Aristobulus' household.
Original Language Analysis
ἀσπάσασθε
Salute
G782
ἀσπάσασθε
Salute
Strong's:
G782
Word #:
1 of 11
to enfold in the arms, i.e., (by implication) to salute, (figuratively) to welcome
τῶν
them
G3588
τῶν
them
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
3 of 11
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
δόκιμον
approved
G1384
δόκιμον
approved
Strong's:
G1384
Word #:
4 of 11
properly, acceptable (current after assayal), i.e., approved
ἀσπάσασθε
Salute
G782
ἀσπάσασθε
Salute
Strong's:
G782
Word #:
7 of 11
to enfold in the arms, i.e., (by implication) to salute, (figuratively) to welcome
τῶν
them
G3588
τῶν
them
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
8 of 11
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ἐκ
which are of
G1537
ἐκ
which are of
Strong's:
G1537
Word #:
9 of 11
a primary preposition denoting origin (the point whence action or motion proceeds), from, out (of place, time, or cause literal or figurative; direct
Cross References
Romans 14:18For he that in these things serveth Christ is acceptable to God, and approved of men.Deuteronomy 8:2And 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.1 Peter 1:7That 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:1 Corinthians 11:19For there must be also heresies among you, that they which are approved may be made manifest among you.1 Timothy 3:10And let these also first be proved; then let them use the office of a deacon, being found blameless.2 Corinthians 2:9For to this end also did I write, that I might know the proof of you, whether ye be obedient in all things.2 Corinthians 8:22And we have sent with them our brother, whom we have oftentimes proved diligent in many things, but now much more diligent, upon the great confidence which I have in you.Philippians 2:22But ye know the proof of him, that, as a son with the father, he hath served with me in the gospel.2 Timothy 4:19Salute Prisca and Aquila, and the household of Onesiphorus.
Historical Context
Roman households (domus) included extended family, slaves, freedmen, clients—sometimes hundreds of people. Christianity spread through household conversions (Acts 16:15, 31-34; 1 Corinthians 1:16). Paul greets 'those of Aristobulus' household,' not Aristobulus himself, suggesting the master wasn't yet a believer but his servants were. This pattern repeats: servants and slaves often converted before masters, creating complex dynamics. The gospel's appeal to lower classes was both its strength (rapid spread among marginalized) and weakness (criticized as religion of slaves and women by elites).
Questions for Reflection
- What does it mean to be '<em>dokimos en Christō</em>' (approved in Christ)—how is faithfulness tested and proven in your life?
- How does greeting 'those of Aristobulus' household' (not Aristobulus) demonstrate the gospel's penetration into elite Roman households through servants?
- What would it look like to honor and equip believers who are 'approved through testing' in your church community?
Analysis & Commentary
Salute Apelles approved in Christ—Aspasasthe Apellēn ton dokimon en Christō (ἀσπάσασθε Ἀπελλῆν τὸν δόκιμον ἐν Χριστῷ). Dokimon (δόκιμος, approved/tested) means proven genuine through trial—like refined metal passing assay (1 Peter 1:7). En Christō (in Christ) qualifies: he's proven faithful in Christ, not merely morally upright. This implies Apelles endured persecution, testing, or suffering that demonstrated genuine faith. Paul's commendation honors tested faithfulness—the church esteems those who've endured for Christ.
Salute them which are of Aristobulus' household—Aspasasthe tous ek tōn Aristoboulou (ἀσπάσασθε τοὺς ἐκ τῶν Ἀριστοβούλου). Ek tōn Aristoboulou (those of Aristobulus) likely means his household slaves/freedmen—Aristobulus himself may not be a believer. Josephus mentions an Aristobulus, grandson of Herod the Great, who lived in Rome and was close to Emperor Claudius. If this is the same person, Christians among his household servants were strategically positioned in Rome's elite circles.