What Does Romans 16:10 Mean?

Salute Apelles approved in Christ—Aspasasthe Apellēn ton dokimon en Christō (ἀσπάσασθε Ἀπελλῆν τὸν δόκιμον ἐν Χριστῷ). Dokimon (δόκιμος, approved/tested) means proven genuine through trial—like refined metal passing assay (1 Peter 1:7). En Christō (in Christ) qualifies: he's proven faithful in Christ, not merely morally upright. This implies Apelles endured persecution, testing, or suffering that demonstrated genuine faith. Paul's commendation honors tested faithfulness—the church esteems those who've endured for Christ.

Salute them which are of Aristobulus' household—Aspasasthe tous ek tōn Aristoboulou (ἀσπάσασθε τοὺς ἐκ τῶν Ἀριστοβούλου). Ek tōn Aristoboulou (those of Aristobulus) likely means his household slaves/freedmen—Aristobulus himself may not be a believer. Josephus mentions an Aristobulus, grandson of Herod the Great, who lived in Rome and was close to Emperor Claudius. If this is the same person, Christians among his household servants were strategically positioned in Rome's elite circles.