Romans 16:10

‘Salute Apelles the approved in Christ.'

The name Apelles is again found in Roman inscriptions. Horace uses it as a typical Jewish name. ‘The approved in Christ' (one who has endured testing) may indicate that in some way he had suffered for Christ's sake. He is the only one described in this way. The word can simply mean ‘generally approved' (compare Romans 14:18, but there it is ‘of men').

‘Salute those who are of Aristobulus.'

It is possible, although not certain, that the Aristobulus mentioned is the one who was the brother of Herod Agrippa I who lived in Rome as a private citizen and was known to Claudius as a friend. Note in this regard that ‘Herodion' is mentioned immediately afterwards, possibly as a prominent member of that household especially known to Paul. To be ‘of Aristobulus' simply indicated that they were connected at some stage with his large household of slaves and freedmen. They would carry the name with them when they moved on, probably into Caesar's household, after Aristobulus died.