Aristobu'lus
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Aristobu'lus is a figure mentioned in the New Testament, specifically in the Apostle Paul's Epistle to the Romans. While the Bible provides limited information about him, his mention has sparked interest and discussion among biblical scholars and theologians.

Biblical Reference:

Aristobu'lus is referenced in Romans 16:10, where Paul writes, "Greet Apelles, who is approved in Christ. Greet those who belong to the household of Aristobulus" . This brief mention suggests that Aristobu'lus was a person of some standing, likely a leader or head of a household, whose family or household members were part of the early Christian community in Rome.

Historical Context:

The name Aristobu'lus was not uncommon in the Greco-Roman world, and it is possible that he was a Hellenistic Jew. Some scholars speculate that he might have been related to the Herodian dynasty, as the name Aristobu'lus was used by several members of that family. However, there is no definitive historical evidence to confirm this connection.

Theological Significance:

The mention of Aristobu'lus in Romans 16 highlights the diverse and interconnected nature of the early Christian communities. The greeting to his household indicates that the Christian faith was spreading across different social strata and that entire households were coming to faith. This aligns with the New Testament pattern of household conversions, as seen in the accounts of Cornelius (Acts 10) and the Philippian jailer (Acts 16:31-34).

Interpretation and Speculation:

Some early Christian traditions and writings outside the canonical texts have attempted to identify Aristobu'lus with other historical figures, but these are largely speculative. The lack of additional biblical or historical data leaves much about Aristobu'lus to conjecture.

Role in the Early Church:

While Aristobu'lus himself is not described as a leader within the church, the mention of his household suggests that his family played a role in the Christian community. This reflects the broader New Testament theme of the gospel reaching various households and social groups, contributing to the growth and establishment of the early church.

In summary, Aristobu'lus is a minor yet intriguing figure in the New Testament, representing the spread of Christianity into diverse households and communities in the first-century Roman world. His mention in Romans 16 serves as a testament to the interconnectedness and expansion of the early Christian movement.
Concordance
Aristobu'lus (1 Occurrence)

Romans 16:10
salute Apelles, the approved in Christ; salute those of the 'household' of Aristobulus;
(See RSV)

Thesaurus
Aristobu'lus (1 Occurrence)
Aristobu'lus. Aristobulus, Aristobu'lus. Arithmetic . Multi-Version
Concordance Aristobu'lus (1 Occurrence). Romans 16:10 salute ...
/a/aristobu'lus.htm - 6k

Aristobulus (1 Occurrence)

/a/aristobulus.htm - 9k

Arithmetic

/a/arithmetic.htm - 6k

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