Apelles is a figure known only through the Apostle Paul’s final salutations in the Epistle to the Romans. His single mention, however, carries a profound commendation from Paul, testifying to his steadfast character and dedication to the Gospel.
👑 The Great Commendation
Apelles was a member of the early Christian community in Rome. In a chapter filled with greetings to various members of the fellowship, Paul singles out Apelles with a term of high praise:
“Salute Apelles approved in Christ. Salute them which are of Aristobulus’ household.” (Romans 16:10, KJV)
The key phrase here is “approved in Christ” (dokimos en Christō in Greek). This term (dokimos) means “tested,” “tried,” or “proved.” It was used for metals tested and found genuine, or for soldiers tried in battle and found reliable.
By using this language, Paul indicates that Apelles was a man whose faith had been tested—likely through hardship, persecution, or difficult spiritual duties—and had been found genuine and true in his devotion to Jesus Christ. This is one of the highest compliments Paul pays to any individual mentioned in his greetings.
🤝 The Household of Aristobulus
The verse immediately following the greeting to Apelles refers to believers who are part of the “household of Aristobulus.” While it is not explicitly stated that Apelles was part of this household, the context suggests he was closely associated with or a leader among this group of believers.
- Aristobulus himself may have been a Jewish nobleman or even a grandson of Herod the Great. If so, Apelles may have been a servant or freedman in this wealthy, influential household who had managed to establish a vibrant Christian cell within a place of high social standing.
- This context further underscores Apelles’s courage and conviction, as maintaining Christian loyalty in a wealthy Roman household, where one might be forced to participate in pagan rituals, would have required constant vigilance and a highly tested faith.
🔑 A Witness of Tested Faith
Apelles stands as a biblical model of tested and enduring faith. Though his specific actions are unrecorded, the apostolic commendation is his lasting legacy. He reminds believers that what truly matters is not the breadth of one’s public deeds, but the quality and genuineness of one’s devotion, a faith that has been thoroughly proved “in Christ.”