Romans 16:13
Greet Rufus, chosen in the Lord; also his mother, who has been a mother to me as well.
English Standard Version (ESV)
This page isn't yet indexed by search engines.
Paul calls Rufus "chosen in the Lord," not just meaning he's a believer, but likely highlighting his exceptional character and usefulness to the church. More subtly, calling Rufus's mother "mine" isn't about literal family ties, but a tender acknowledgment of her profound maternal care for Paul himself, weaving a beautiful picture of Christian kinship.
Paul concludes his letter by sending personal greetings to various individuals and their households, highlighting their contributions to the early church and their close relationships with him. He specifically mentions Rufus, calling him "chosen in the Lord," and also greets Rufus's mother, affectionately referring to her as "his mother and mine," indicating she had shown him immense maternal care. These personal connections reveal the deep bonds of fellowship and mutual support within the nascent Christian community.
Paul calls Rufus 'chosen in the Lord.' What does that mean beyond just being a believer?
The term 'chosen in the Lord' for Rufus signifies more than just being a follower of Christ. It implies he was a distinguished, excellent, and highly valued member of the Christian community.
Paul refers to Rufus's mother as 'his mother and mine.' What a tender, powerful connection!
This phrase reveals the deep, familial bonds forged within the early church, transcending biological ties.
Understand the original words
eklektos · Greek Adjective
Selected or elected by God for a specific purpose or salvation. It emphasizes the divine initiative and sovereign grace involved in being part of God's people.
The mention of Rufus and his mother provides a glimpse into the intimate social networks of early Christianity, where familial bonds were extended through shared faith and maternal care.
c. AD 30-33
Simon of Cyrene carries Jesus' cross
Simon of Cyrene, identified as the father of Rufus and Alexander in Mark's Gospel, is compelled to carry the cross. This event suggests Rufus and his family may have been known in early Christian circles, particularly in Jerusalem.
c. AD 40s-50s
Mark's Gospel likely written in Rome
The Gospel of Mark, which names Rufus and his father Simon, is believed by many scholars to have been written in Rome. This context suggests Rufus was known to Christians in Rome.
c. AD 50s-60s— this verse
Paul's Ministry in Rome
The Apostle Paul likely spent time in Rome during his imprisonment or during his ministry there. During this period, he may have formed a close relationship with Rufus and his mother, receiving her maternal care.
c. AD 60s
Paul writes Romans from Corinth
Paul likely penned the Epistle to the Romans from Corinth, the bustling port city in Greece. He sends greetings to many individuals, including Rufus and his mother, indicating their connection to the Roman Christian community or his personal network.
This passage mentions Simon of Cyrene, the father of Alexander and Rufus, suggesting Rufus may have been a known figure in the early church, possibly connected to Jesus' crucifixion.
1 Timothy 5:9-10This passage discusses the qualifications for widows to be supported by the church, highlighting the importance of women who have demonstrated hospitality and care for others, a quality Paul recognizes in Rufus' mother.
1 Corinthians 16:18Paul acknowledges his personal debt to others for their labor and care, similar to how he feels indebted to Rufus' mother for her maternal support.
Philemon 1:10-12In this letter, Paul speaks of Onesimus, who has become like a 'child' to him, mirroring the tender, familial language he uses to describe Rufus' mother's impact on him.
Galatians 3:28This verse speaks of unity in Christ where distinctions like gender are overcome, showing how spiritual relationships can transcend natural family ties, as exemplified by Paul's bond with Rufus' mother.
vincentRomans 16:13: "Salute Rufus chosen in the Lord, and his mother and mine."
RufusMeaning red. Possibly the son of Simon of Cyrene, Mark 15:21. Mark probably wrote in Rome.And mineDelicately intimating her maternal care for him.
clarkeRomans 16:13: "Salute Rufus chosen in the Lord, and his mother and mine."
Rufus, chosen in the Lord - Τον εκλεκον, one of great excellence in Christianity; a choice man, as we would say. So the word εκλεκτος often signifies. Psalm 78:31 : They smote τους εκλεκτους, the chosen men that were of Israel. So εκλεκτα μνημεια are choice sepulchres, Genesis 23:6 : εκλεκτα των δωρων choice gifts, Deuteronomy 12:11 ; and ανδρες εκλεκτοι, choice men, Judges 20:16 . By the same use of the word, the compani…
Paul calls Rufus "chosen in the Lord," not just meaning he's a believer, but likely highlighting his exceptional character and usefulness to the church. More subtly, calling Rufus's mother "mine" isn't about literal family ties, but a tender acknowledgment of her profound maternal care for Paul himself, weaving a beautiful picture of Christian kinship.
Paul concludes his letter by sending personal greetings to various individuals and their households, highlighting their contributions to the early church and their close relationships with him. He specifically mentions Rufus, calling him "chosen in the Lord," and also greets Rufus's mother, affectionately referring to her as "his mother and mine," indicating she had shown him immense maternal care. These personal connections reveal the deep bonds of fellowship and mutual support within the nascent Christian community.
Paul concludes his letter by sending personal greetings to various individuals and their households, highlighting their contributions to the early church and their close relationships with him. He specifically mentions Rufus, calling him "chosen in the Lord," and also greets Rufus's mother, affectionately referring to her as "his mother and mine," indicating she had shown him immense maternal care. These personal connections reveal the deep bonds of fellowship and mutual support within the nascent Christian community.
Get the original Greek and Hebrew, verse-by-verse context, and related passages inside the app.
Ask a follow-up
Ask Sola things like:
Live chat about Romans 16:13 is available in the Sola app.
"Greet Rufus, chosen in the Lord; also his mother, who has been a mother to me as well." — Paul calls Rufus "chosen in the Lord," not just meaning he's a believer, but likely highlighting his exceptional character and usefulness to the church. More subtly, calling Rufus's mother "mine" isn…
