ROMANS 16:10

“Greet Apelles, the approved in Christ. Greet those who are of the household of Aristobulus.”

I was reading today about the life of many believers in Pakistan who work in the brick kiln yards. They are essentially slaves for life. Their families incurred debt which was passed down to them to pay off. But after paying “rent” and buying a little food, they never have enough to even put a dent in that debt. But they are still trusting the Lord to sustain them. Their “employers” are hard on them and are cruel taskmasters. But whenever they can, they share about Jesus.

Paul addresses one individual, Apelles, and an unnamed group of people only referred to as “of the household of Aristobulus.” We’ll break those down. But as Paul continues sending greetings to those in Rome, you know he is thinking fondly of them as he writes their names. And even though he does not name individuals in Aristobulus’ household, I bet he knew a few. Paul was careful to make sure he could encourage as many believers as he could in this letter.

APPLICATION

Apelles was possibly “found in the dependents of the emperor” at the time. This is according to Horace, a writer at the time. All we really know is that this was a typical Jewish name. Perhaps Paul knew him from Jerusalem. Apelles is now in Rome and maybe a servant in the emperor’s home. What an opportunity? A Jewish servant could possibly influence the highest ranking family in Rome. Paul calls him “approved in Christ.” This implies he has passed the test of a true believer by his lifestyle and sacrifice. I desire only to be known as approved myself. How about you?

“Those who are of the household of Aristobulus” refers to the believers who either served in this house or were a part of it. Aristobulus was the either the grandson of Herod the Great, who lived in Rome but had died by the time Paul wrote this letter or this Aristobulus was the one who was a close associate of the emperor Claudius. Either way, Paul chooses his words carefully. He is not saying Aristobulus was a believer. He was addressing those in his household. These individuals were also living and serving among the noble class and had opportunities to be a witness.

Don’t ever think you can’t influence others whatever station of life you are in. The ministry I am a part of has some graduates who are in some pretty prestigious positions right now in our U.S. government and military. These men love Jesus and have been given a platform from which to influence other men toward a godlier lifestyle. We should all be given such opportunities, don’t you think?

Father God, if You give me the opportunity to be a witness I will take it in order to bring You glory.

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