Charles Ellicott Commentary Romans 16:14

"Salute Asyncritus, Phlegon, Hermes, Patrobas, Hermas, and the brethren that are with them." — Romans 16:14 (ASV)

Regarding the names in this and the next verse, Hermas, Patrobas, Hermes, Philologus, Julia, Nereus (with the corresponding female name Nereis), all occur with varying frequency in inscriptions related to the household. Hermas and Hermes are very common. The first is a contraction from several longer forms. Patrobas is contracted from Patrobius. We find that a freedman of Nero's who bore this name was put to death by Galba, but the person greeted by St. Paul is more likely to have been a dependent of his than the man himself.

Taking the list of names as a whole, and comparing them with the inscriptions, we may—without going so far as to identify individuals, which would be precarious ground—nevertheless, note the general correspondence with the mention of Cæsar’s household in Philippians 4:22.