Daily Devotions
Romans
"Approved in Christ..."
Text: Romans 16:10
A LIST OF OUTSTANDING FRIENDS II
We continue with our look at the list of outstanding friends of the apostle Paul.
1. Urbanus
a) Nothing is known of him apart from this text.
b) He is honoured as a “fellow worker in Christ” (Romans 16:9a).
2. Stachys
a) Nothing is known of this person apart from this text.
b) He is however called “beloved” (Romans 16:9b).
3. Apelles
a) He is unknown apart from this mention.
b) He is however honoured as one “approved in Christ”.
c) He was one who had proved himself through testing and he had passed and thus he was “approved”.
4. Aristobulus
a) He is unknown to us
b) However his household seemed to have shared the same faith.
c) House churches (likely)
i) Aquila and Priscilla seemed to have had a house church (Romans 16:5).
ii) Aristobulus might also have had a house church (Romans 16:10)
5. Herodion and Narcissus
a) Nothing is known of both of them.
b) Nevertheless they must have proven themselves to be included in Paul’s list of outstanding friends!