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Apelles

Biblical
Pronunciation

Understanding ARPABET Pronunciation

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The pronunciation guide uses the ARPABET phonetic system—the same system used in speech recognition and text-to-speech applications.

Vowel Examples:
AE1 = cat, bat
EH1 = bed, head
IY1 = see, me
OW1 = go, boat
UW1 = boot, do
Stress Numbers:
0 = no stress (unstressed)
1 = primary stress (loud)
2 = secondary stress (medium)
Example:
AH0 TH IY1 N AH0
= a-THEE-na (Athena)

The stressed syllable (marked with 1) is pronounced louder and clearer than others.

Quick Definition

Early Christian greeted by Paul in Romans, possibly a leader in the Roman church

Detailed Definition
Apelles is mentioned in Romans 16:10 as “approved in Christ,” suggesting faithful service. Though little is known, his recognition implies a respected role in the early church. In poetry, such figures embody steadfast faith in obscurity, reminding readers that divine approval matters more than historical fame.
Example
Example in poetry:
In John Milton’s "Paradise Lost," Apelles (Romans 16:10) is part of the network of early Christian witnesses; In George Herbert’s "The Church-porch," Apelles’s name (“approved”) models tested faith; In Elizabeth Barrett Browning’s "The Seraphim," Apelles symbolizes the approved servant; In John Keble’s "Lyra Apostolica," Apelles represents the dignity of obscure saints; In Christina Rossetti’s devotional verse, Apelles’s approval by Paul prefigures divine commendation; In T.S. Eliot’s "Four Quartets," names like Apelles illustrate the communion of the faithful.
Additional Notes
Apelles: Greeting recipient in Romans 16:10; name possibly linked to Greek philosopher or artisan. Though obscure, Apelles may symbolize the network of early Christian communities. In poetry, such names evoke the hidden saints—the faithful unknowns who sustained the church. Useful in minimalist or liturgical verse that honors unsung discipleship. The name’s classical resonance adds cultural texture.
Also Known As
Apelles of the Pauline circle
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