Charles Ellicott Commentary Romans 16:11

"Salute Herodion my kinsman. Salute them of the [household] of Narcissus, that are in the Lord." — Romans 16:11 (ASV)

My kinsman.—See the Note on Romans 16:7.

Them that be of the household of Narcissus.—A phrase similar to that which is translated, “Them which are of Aristobulus’ household,” above. Narcissus, too, is a historical name.

There had been a famous Narcissus, a freedman and favorite of Claudius, who had been put to death three or four years before this Epistle was written. His household would naturally pass into the hands of the emperor, though still keeping his name. In the case of Aristobulus, the transference would be effected by bequest, and in that of Narcissus, by confiscation. Many instances of both methods occur in the history and records of the time.

The interpretation given here, and the identification of Aristobulus and Narcissus with the historical bearers of those names, falls somewhat short of certainty, but may be said to have some degree of probability.