Romans 16:10
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Greet Apelles, who is approved in Christ. Greet those who belong to the household of Aristobulus.
Commentaries
Excerpts gathered from published commentaries to ground the reading.
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 Rom 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.
Open source ↗Paul is now concluding this long and excellent epistle, and he does it with a great deal of affection. As in the main body of the epistle he appears to have been a very knowing man, so in these appurtenances of it he appears to have been a very loving man. So much knowledge and so much love are a very rare, but (where they exist) a very excellent and amiable - composition; for what is heaven but knowledge and love made perfect? It is observable how often Paul speaks as if he were concluding, and yet takes fresh hold again. One would have thought that solemn benediction which closed the foregoing chapter should have ended the epistle; and yet here he begins again, and in this chapter he repeats the blessing (Rom 16:20), "The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you, Amen." And yet he has something more to say; nay, again he repeats the blessing (Rom 16:24), and yet has not done; an expression of his tender love. These repeated benedictions, which stand for valedictions, speak Paul loth to part. Now, in this closing chapter, we may observe, I. His recommendation of one friend to the Roman Christians, and his particular salutation of several among them (v. 1-16). II. A caution to take heed of those who caused divisions (Rom 16:17-20). III. Salutations added from some who were with Paul (Rom 16:21-24). IV. He concludes with a solemn celebration of the glory of God (Rom 16:25-27).
Open source ↗16:10 This Aristobulus was probably the same man as the brother of Herod Agrippa I; Aristobulus was a member of the Roman aristocracy who lived in Rome many years prior to his death in AD 48 or 49 (see Josephus, Antiquities 18.8.4; War 2.11.6). His household probably refers to his family and their servants in Rome.
Open source ↗Original language
The Hebrew and Greek words behind this passage, with Strong's numbers — from openscriptures (CC BY-SA).
Cross-references
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For whoever serves Christ in this way is pleasing to God and approved by men.
so that the proven character of your faith—more precious than gold, which perishes even though refined by fire—may result in praise, glory, and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ.
Remember that these forty years the LORD your God led you all the way in the wilderness, so that He might humble you and test you in order to know what was in your heart, whether or not you would keep His commandments.
Additionally, they must first be tested. Then, if they are above reproach, let them serve as deacons.
My purpose in writing you was to see if you would stand the test and be obedient in everything.
And we are sending along with them our brother whose earnestness has been proven many times and in many ways, and now even more so by his great confidence in you.
But you know Timothy’s proven worth, that as a child with his father he has served with me to advance the gospel.
And indeed, there must be differences among you to show which of you are approved.
Greet Prisca and Aquila, as well as the household of Onesiphorus.