Lexical Summary Apellés: Apelles Original Word: Ἀπελλῆς Strong's Exhaustive Concordance Apelles. Of Latin origin; Apelles, a Christian -- Apelles. NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom the same as Apollónia Definition Apelles, a Christian at Rome NASB Translation Apelles (1). Thayer's Greek Lexicon STRONGS NT 559: ἈπελλῆςἈπελλῆς (better Ἀπελλῆς, with the circumflex (so all editions); see Chandler §§ 59, 60), Ἀπελλου, ὁ, Apelles, the proper name of a certain Christian: Romans 16:10. (Cf. Lightfoot on Philip., p. 174.) Topical Lexicon Name and Meaning Apelles was a common Greek name in the first century, derived from a form of Apollō; in Scripture it designates a believer in Rome singled out by Paul for special commendation. Biblical Occurrence Romans 16:10 is the sole New Testament reference: “Greet Apelles, who is approved in Christ. Greet those who belong to the household of Aristobulus.” (Berean Standard Bible). Historical and Cultural Context Paul wrote Romans from Corinth around A.D. 57 to a congregation made up of Jewish and Gentile believers. His long list of greetings in chapter 16 reflects the diversity and maturity of the Roman assembly. Names that appear Jewish (like Herodion) stand beside clearly Gentile names (like Tryphena). Apelles, a Greek name, may have belonged to either background; Paul’s focus is spiritual character, not ethnicity. Character and Commendation “Approved in Christ” translates dokimos, “tested and proven genuine.” Elsewhere Paul employs the term for precious metal refined by fire (1 Corinthians 11:19; 2 Corinthians 10:18; 2 Timothy 2:15). The wording suggests Apelles had undergone trials—persecution, illness, or ministry hardship—and emerged with steadfast faith. Paul judges such endurance sufficient for an apostolic public commendation, making Apelles a model of persevering integrity for the entire Roman church. Connection to the Roman Church Apelles is greeted individually, unlike believers grouped under “the household of Aristobulus.” This may mean he lived apart from that household, had suffered separation because of his trials, or had rendered conspicuous service worthy of singular mention. His approval “in Christ” rather than “by men” underscores Pauline emphasis on divine—not merely communal—recognition. Early Church Tradition Second-century lists of the Seventy sometimes include an Apelles who became bishop of Smyrna or Heraclea. While Scripture does not confirm the identification, early Christians valued the name as emblematic of tested fidelity. Later, a Gnostic teacher named Apelles appeared in the mid-second century; patristic writers clearly distinguish him from Paul’s commendation, illustrating the enduring respect attached to the biblical Apelles. Theological and Pastoral Significance 1. Proven faith pleases God. Approval follows testing, not mere profession. Related Biblical Themes • Testing of faith: James 1:2-4; 1 Peter 1:6-7. Lessons for Contemporary Believers • Seek authenticity; the Lord values a character refined by trial over outward success. Key Scriptures Romans 16:10; 1 Corinthians 11:19; 2 Corinthians 10:18; 2 Timothy 2:15; James 1:2-4; 1 Peter 1:6-7. Forms and Transliterations Απελλην Ἀπελλῆν Apellen Apellên Apellēn Apellē̂nLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel Texts |
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