Apelles Ἀπελλῆς
Approved in Christ, greeted by Paul
Who is Apelles in the Bible?
Apelles was a Christian in Rome whom Paul greeted and commended in Romans 16:10 as "approved in Christ." This brief mention indicates that Apelles was a respected and faithful member of the early Christian community who had demonstrated trustworthiness and commitment to his faith. Paul's description suggests that Apelles had been tested in some way and had proven himself faithful, though the biblical text provides no further details about his life or ministry. The significance of his mention lies in Paul's public recognition of his steadfastness, offering an example of how individual believers were valued and acknowledged within the apostolic church.
Biography
Apelles is mentioned by Paul in his letter to the Romans as one of the individuals to whom he sends greetings. Paul describes Apelles as being "approved in Christ," indicating that he was a respected and trustworthy member of the Christian community in Rome. This commendation suggests that Apelles had demonstrated his faith and commitment to Christ in a notable way, earning the recognition and approval of the apostle. Beyond this brief mention and commendation, no further details about Apelles' life or ministry are provided in the biblical text.
In Scripture
1 biblical book ; 1 with study contentRomans 1 verse
- Romans 16:10
"Greet Apelles, who is approved in Christ. Greet those who belong to the household of Aristobulus."
Study Romans →
Names & Aliases
| Form | Language | Script |
|---|---|---|
| Named | Greek | Ἀπελλῆς |
Apelles
some way unknown to us Apelles had been tested and he had proved faithful (compare Jas 1:12; 2Ti 2:15). It is a common name. Many commentators refer to Horace (Satires, i.5.100): "Credat Judaeus Apella, non ego."
a-fer'-e-ma (Aphairema and Apherema; the King James Version Apherema). One of three districts taken from Samaria and added to Judea by Demetrius Nicator (1 Macc 11:34). Compare Ant., XIII, iv, 9.
<e