Aristobulus Ἀριστόβουλος
Believer in Rome, greeted by Paul
Biography
Aristobulus is mentioned briefly in Paul's letter to the Romans, where the apostle sends greetings to "those who belong to the household of Aristobulus" (Rom. 16:10). This greeting suggests that Aristobulus was a prominent member of the Christian community in Rome, and that his household, which likely included family members, servants, and slaves, had also embraced the Christian faith.
The fact that Paul specifically mentions Aristobulus' household implies that Aristobulus himself was a well-known figure, either within the church or in Roman society. However, beyond this brief greeting, no further information is provided about Aristobulus' background, conversion, or role in the early church.
Some scholars speculate that Aristobulus may have been a member of Herod's family or a prominent Jewish figure in Rome, but there is no conclusive evidence to support these theories. The mention of his name in Paul's letter serves as a reminder of the diversity within the early church and the spread of the gospel message across various social and cultural boundaries.
In Scripture
1 biblical book ; 1 with study contentRomans 1 verse
- Romans 16:10
"Greet Apelles, the approved in Christ. Greet those who are of the household of Aristobulus."
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Names & Aliases
| Form | Language | Script | Strong's |
|---|---|---|---|
| Named | Greek | Ἀριστόβουλος | G0711 |
Aristobulus
egent, his brother Antigonus (Ant., XIII, xi), though by the will of his father the government was entrusted to his mother. Three other brothers and his mother he cast into prison, where they died of starvation. He murdered Antigonus, and died conscience-stricken himself in 104 BC. See MACCABEES.
(2) Aristobulus, nephew of the former, dethroned his mother, Alexandra (69 BC), and forced his brother Hyrcanus to renounce the crown and mitre in his favor. In 64 Pompey came to Palestine and supported the cause of Hyrcanus. See HYRCANUS. Aristobulus was defeated and taken prisoner, and Hyrcanus was appointed ethnarch in 63 BC. Aristobulus and his two daughters were taken to Rome, where he graced the triumph of Pompey. The father escaped later (56 BC) and appeared in Palestine again as a claimant to the throne. Many followers flocked to his standard, but he was finally defeated, severely wounded and taken prisoner a second time and with his son, Antigonus, again taken to Rome. Julius Caesar not only restored him to freedom (49 BC), but also gave him two legions to recover Judea, and to work in his interest against Pompey. But Quintus Metellus Scipio, who had just received Syria as a province, had Aristobulus poisoned as he was on his way to Palestine.CR
(3) Grandson of the preceding, and the last of the Maccabean family. See ASMONEANS.
(4) The Jewish teacher of Ptol. VII (2 Macc 1:10).
(5) An inhabitant of Rome, certain of whose household are saluted by Paul (Ro 16:10). He was probably a grandson of Herod and brother of Herod Agrippa, a man of great wealth, and intimate with the emperor Claudius. Lightfoot (Philippians, 172) suggests that "the household of Aristobulus" were his slaves, and that upon his death they had kept together and had become the property of the emperor either by purchase or as a legacy, in which event, however, they might, still retain the name of their former master. Among these were Christians to whom Paul sends greeting.
M. O. Evans
a-rith'-me-tik. See NUMBER.
a-ri'-us, a'-ri-us (Ares): The reading of the Vulgate (Jerome's Latin Bible, 390-405 A.D.) adopted in the Revise