Aristobulus: A Christian at Rome
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Aristobulus is a figure mentioned in the New Testament, specifically in the Apostle Paul's Epistle to the Romans. In Romans 16:10, Paul writes, "Greet those who belong to the household of Aristobulus" . This brief mention has led to various interpretations and discussions among biblical scholars and theologians regarding his identity and role within the early Christian community.

Historical Context and Identity

The name Aristobulus was relatively common in the Greco-Roman world, and several historical figures bore this name, including members of the Herodian dynasty. However, the Aristobulus mentioned by Paul is not explicitly identified with any known historical figure, leaving his precise identity open to speculation. Some scholars suggest that he may have been a Jewish convert to Christianity, possibly of Hellenistic background, given the Greek origin of his name.

The Household of Aristobulus

Paul's greeting to "those who belong to the household of Aristobulus" implies that Aristobulus himself may not have been a Christian, or he may have been deceased at the time of Paul's writing. The phrase "household of Aristobulus" could refer to family members, servants, or a community of believers associated with him. In the context of the early church, households often served as centers for Christian worship and fellowship, suggesting that Aristobulus's household played a significant role in the Roman Christian community.

Role in the Early Church

While the New Testament provides limited information about Aristobulus, his mention in Romans 16 highlights the interconnectedness of early Christian communities across the Roman Empire. The greeting indicates that members of his household were part of the church in Rome, suggesting that Aristobulus's influence or resources may have contributed to the spread of Christianity in the city.

Theological Implications

From a theological perspective, the mention of Aristobulus and his household underscores the diverse and inclusive nature of the early church. The early Christian movement transcended social, ethnic, and cultural boundaries, bringing together individuals from various backgrounds. Aristobulus's household, likely comprising both Jews and Gentiles, reflects the unity and fellowship that characterized the body of Christ.

Conclusion

The brief reference to Aristobulus in Romans 16:10 serves as a testament to the widespread and diverse nature of the early Christian community. While much about Aristobulus remains unknown, his household's inclusion in Paul's greetings highlights the significant role that various individuals and groups played in the growth and development of the early church.
Nave's Topical Index
Romans 16:10
Salute Apelles approved in Christ. Salute them which are of Aristobulus' household.
Nave's Topical Index

Greek
711. Aristoboulos -- "best-counseling," Aristobulus, a Christian ...
... "best-counseling," Aristobulus, a Christian at Rome. Part of Speech: Noun, Masculine
Transliteration: Aristoboulos Phonetic Spelling: (ar-is-tob'-oo-los) Short ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/711.htm - 6k
Library

How Gabinius Caught Aristobulus after He had Fled from Rome, and ...
... Battle. 1. Now Aristobulus ran away from Rome to Judea, and set about the
rebuilding of Alexandrium, which had been newly demolished. ...
/.../josephus/the antiquities of the jews/chapter 6 how gabinius caught.htm

How During Antipater's Abode at Rome, Herod Brought Alexander and ...
... CHAPTER 4. How During Antipater's Abode At Rome, Herod Brought Alexander
And Aristobulus Before Caesar And Accused Them. Alexander's ...
/.../josephus/the antiquities of the jews/chapter 4 how during antipaters.htm

The Murder of Aristobulus and Hyrcanus, the High Priests, as Also ...
... of Alexander, the son of Aristobulus; on whose account disturbances arose in his
family, and that in part very soon, but chiefly after his return from Rome. ...
/.../chapter 22 the murder of.htm

Aristobulus is Taken Off by Pompey's Friends, as is his Son ...
... 1. Now, upon the flight of Pompey and of the senate beyond the Ionian Sea, Caesar
got Rome and the empire under his power, and released Aristobulus from his ...
/.../chapter 9 aristobulus is taken.htm

How Aristobulus and Hyrcanus came to Pompey in Order to Argue who ...
... However, we ourselves saw that present reposited at Rome, in the temple of ... valued
at five hundred talents; and the report is, that Aristobulus, the governor of ...
/.../josephus/the antiquities of the jews/chapter 3 how aristobulus and.htm

The War Between Aristobulus and Hyrcanus About the Kingdom;
... seventh olympiad, when Quintus Hortensius and Quintus Metellus, who was called Metellus
of Crete, were consuls at Rome; when presently Aristobulus began to ...
/.../josephus/the antiquities of the jews/chapter 1 the war between.htm

How Scaurus Made a League of Mutual Assistance with Aretas; and ...
... 2. Some time after this, when Alexander, the son of Aristobulus, made an incursion
into Judea, Gabinius came from Rome into Syria, as commander of the Roman ...
/.../josephus/the antiquities of the jews/chapter 5 how scaurus made.htm

Tryphena and Tryphosa
... Aristobulus was a grandson of Herod the Great, and Narcissus was a well-known ... The
Church of Rome would have seemed to any non-Christian observer a ...
/.../maclaren/romans corinthians to ii corinthians chap v/tryphena and tryphosa.htm

Two Households
... two households would probably be Jews"if Aristobulus were indeed ... but he had never
been in Rome, and his ... And here the foremost of Christian teachers, who was ...
/.../maclaren/romans corinthians to ii corinthians chap v/two households.htm

Alexander
... After This Aristobulus Escapes From Rome And Gathers An Army Together; But Being
Beaten By The Romans, He Is Brought Back To Rome; With Other Things Relating ...
/.../chapter 8 alexander.htm

Resources
Who were the Hasmoneans? | GotQuestions.org

Who was Herod the Great? | GotQuestions.org

Who was Salome in the Bible? | GotQuestions.org

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