This is a personal name appearing in Paul's greetings in Romans 16:10: 'Greet Apelles, who is approved in Christ.' The name was common in the Greco-Roman world, particularly among those with connections to the imperial household. Paul's brief commendation—'approved in Christ'—suggests Apelles had demonstrated genuine faith through testing or trial. The name appears nowhere else in the NT, leaving us with only this single reference to a Roman believer whose faithful witness Paul recognized and honored.