559. Apellés
Lexical Summary
Apellés: Apelles

Original Word: Ἀπελλῆς
Part of Speech: Noun, Masculine
Transliteration: Apellés
Pronunciation: ah-pel-LAYS
Phonetic Spelling: (ap-el-lace')
KJV: Apelles
NASB: Apelles
Word Origin: [of Latin origin]

1. Apelles, a Christian

Strong's Exhaustive Concordance
Apelles.

Of Latin origin; Apelles, a Christian -- Apelles.

NAS Exhaustive Concordance
Word Origin
from the same as Apollónia
Definition
Apelles, a Christian at Rome
NASB Translation
Apelles (1).

Thayer's Greek Lexicon
STRONGS NT 559: Ἀπελλῆς

Ἀπελλῆς (better Ἀπελλῆς, with the circumflex (so all editions); see Chandler §§ 59, 60), Ἀπελλου, , Apelles, the proper name of a certain Christian: Romans 16:10. (Cf. Lightfoot on Philip., p. 174.)

Topical Lexicon
Name and Meaning

Apelles was a common Greek name in the first century, derived from a form of Apollō; in Scripture it designates a believer in Rome singled out by Paul for special commendation.

Biblical Occurrence

Romans 16:10 is the sole New Testament reference: “Greet Apelles, who is approved in Christ. Greet those who belong to the household of Aristobulus.” (Berean Standard Bible).

Historical and Cultural Context

Paul wrote Romans from Corinth around A.D. 57 to a congregation made up of Jewish and Gentile believers. His long list of greetings in chapter 16 reflects the diversity and maturity of the Roman assembly. Names that appear Jewish (like Herodion) stand beside clearly Gentile names (like Tryphena). Apelles, a Greek name, may have belonged to either background; Paul’s focus is spiritual character, not ethnicity.

Character and Commendation

“Approved in Christ” translates dokimos, “tested and proven genuine.” Elsewhere Paul employs the term for precious metal refined by fire (1 Corinthians 11:19; 2 Corinthians 10:18; 2 Timothy 2:15). The wording suggests Apelles had undergone trials—persecution, illness, or ministry hardship—and emerged with steadfast faith. Paul judges such endurance sufficient for an apostolic public commendation, making Apelles a model of persevering integrity for the entire Roman church.

Connection to the Roman Church

Apelles is greeted individually, unlike believers grouped under “the household of Aristobulus.” This may mean he lived apart from that household, had suffered separation because of his trials, or had rendered conspicuous service worthy of singular mention. His approval “in Christ” rather than “by men” underscores Pauline emphasis on divine—not merely communal—recognition.

Early Church Tradition

Second-century lists of the Seventy sometimes include an Apelles who became bishop of Smyrna or Heraclea. While Scripture does not confirm the identification, early Christians valued the name as emblematic of tested fidelity. Later, a Gnostic teacher named Apelles appeared in the mid-second century; patristic writers clearly distinguish him from Paul’s commendation, illustrating the enduring respect attached to the biblical Apelles.

Theological and Pastoral Significance

1. Proven faith pleases God. Approval follows testing, not mere profession.
2. Individual believers matter. Paul pauses in a densely packed epistle to honor one saint, showing pastoral attentiveness.
3. Commendation encourages others. By highlighting Apelles, Paul indirectly exhorts the rest of the Roman Christians to similar perseverance.

Related Biblical Themes

• Testing of faith: James 1:2-4; 1 Peter 1:6-7.
• Divine approval: 2 Timothy 2:15; 2 Corinthians 10:18.
• Fellowship among diverse believers: Romans 16:3-16; Ephesians 2:14-22.

Lessons for Contemporary Believers

• Seek authenticity; the Lord values a character refined by trial over outward success.
• Affirm faithful servants publicly; biblical precedent encourages the church to honor those whose lives withstand testing.
• Remember that every name in the body matters; individual recognition builds unity and inspires perseverance.

Key Scriptures

Romans 16:10; 1 Corinthians 11:19; 2 Corinthians 10:18; 2 Timothy 2:15; James 1:2-4; 1 Peter 1:6-7.

Forms and Transliterations
Απελλην Ἀπελλῆν Apellen Apellên Apellēn Apellē̂n
Links
Interlinear GreekInterlinear HebrewStrong's NumbersEnglishman's Greek ConcordanceEnglishman's Hebrew ConcordanceParallel Texts
Englishman's Concordance
Romans 16:10 N-AMS
GRK: ἀσπάσασθε Ἀπελλῆν τὸν δόκιμον
NAS: Greet Apelles, the approved in Christ.
KJV: Salute Apelles approved in
INT: greet Apelles the approved

Strong's Greek 559
1 Occurrence


Ἀπελλῆν — 1 Occ.

558
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