Of the names in this and the next verse, Hermas, Patrobas, Hermes, Philologus, Julia, Nereus (with the corresponding female name Nereis) all occur with more or less frequency in inscriptions relating to the household. Hernias and Hermes are very common. The first is a contraction from several longer forms. Patrobas is contracted from Patrobius. We find that a freed-man of Nero’s who bore this name was put to death by Galba; but the person saluted 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 coincidence with the mention of “Cæsar’s household” in Philippians 4:22.