Greet Rufus, chosen in the Lord; also his mother, who has been a mother to me as well.
English Standard Version (ESV)
Paul calls Rufus "chosen in the Lord," not just meaning he's a believer, but a standout Christian. Even more touching is how he refers to Rufus's mother as "his mother and mine," tenderly highlighting how she showed him the same loving care as his own mother would have.
Greet Rufus, chosen in the Lord; also his mother, who has been a mother to me as well.
English Standard Version (ESV)
In this final section of his letter, Paul wraps up by sending a cascade of personal greetings to individuals and households in the Roman church. These aren't just generic well-wishes; they reveal deep relationships, shared struggles, and the vibrant, interconnected life of the early Christian community. He highlights people like Rufus and his mother, whose lives evidently touched Paul deeply, as he bids the Romans to remember and honor these fellow believers.
Paul calls Rufus 'chosen in the Lord.' What does that mean beyond just being a believer?
When Paul uses the term 'chosen' (or 'elect'), he’s not just saying someone believes. He’s highlighting a special distinction, a level of excellence or particular usefulness within God's purposes. Think of it like being selected for a specific, important role. This term was used for those who stood out for their character and service in the Christian community, individuals the church could really count on.
This doesn't mean others aren't chosen for salvation, but for some, God highlights a particular calling and gifting that makes them stand out for service and impact.
Paul’s tender words about Rufus’s mother reveal a beautiful, unexpected depth of relationship.
Paul’s mention of Rufus's mother as 'his mother and mine' is incredibly touching. He’s not saying she’s his literal mother, of course. Instead, he’s using a powerful idiom to express his profound gratitude. She showed him the same deep, nurturing care and affection that a mother would give her own son.
This highlights how the Christian faith creates a unique, familial bond. It transcends biological ties and forms deep, spiritual connections where believers act as spiritual parents and children to one another. Paul’s own parents were likely gone, making this maternal care all the more precious to him. It’s a testament to the tenderness that flourishes within God’s family.
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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 connects the Roman church to the earliest days of Jesus' ministry, suggesting deep, personal bonds formed through shared faith and hardship.
c. AD 30-33
Simon of Cyrene carries Jesus' cross
Simon of Cyrene, the father of Rufus and Alexander, is compelled to carry Jesus' cross. This event, mentioned in Mark's Gospel, likely occurred in Jerusalem during Jesus' crucifixion.
c. AD 40s-50s
Early Christian community in Rome forms
The Christian faith begins to spread, with Jewish believers returning to Rome after being expelled by Emperor Claudius. This lays the groundwork for the church Paul addresses.
c. AD 57-59— this verse
Paul writes Romans from Corinth
Paul is likely in Corinth when he writes this letter to the Roman church. He sends greetings from many individuals, including Rufus and his mother.
c. AD 60-62
Mark writes his Gospel in Rome
Mark's Gospel, which mentions Rufus and his brother Alexander, is likely written in Rome. This suggests Rufus and his family were known and respected within the Roman Christian community.
This passage mentions Simon of Cyrene, who was compelled to carry Jesus' cross, as the father of Alexander and Rufus, suggesting Rufus was a well-known figure in the early church and possibly connected to a significant event.
1 Corinthians 16:18Paul commends the believers at Corinth to receive the brothers who had come to visit, and he specifically mentions that they refreshed his spirit, mirroring the sentiment of Rufus's mother refreshing Paul's spirit.
1 Thessalonians 2:7Paul describes himself and his companions as having been gentle among the Thessalonians, 'like a nursing mother taking care of her own children,' highlighting the maternal care and tenderness he valued and experienced from others.
Philippians 2:22Paul speaks of Timothy's proven worth and how he served alongside Paul like a son serving his father, illustrating the deep, familial bonds that could form within the Christian community, similar to the bond Paul shared with Rufus and his mother.
Philemon 1:10Paul appeals to Philemon on behalf of Onesimus, whom he calls his 'own heart' and whom he 'fathered' in the faith, demonstrating the profound spiritual fatherhood and affection Paul felt and expressed for those he discipled.
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 a standout Christian. Even more touching is how he refers to Rufus's mother as "his mother and mine," tenderly highlighting how she showed him the same loving care as his own mother would have.
In this final section of his letter, Paul wraps up by sending a cascade of personal greetings to individuals and households in the Roman church. These aren't just generic well-wishes; they reveal deep relationships, shared struggles, and the vibrant, interconnected life of the early Christian community. He highlights people like Rufus and his mother, whose lives evidently touched Paul deeply, as he bids the Romans to remember and honor these fellow believers.
In this final section of his letter, Paul wraps up by sending a cascade of personal greetings to individuals and households in the Roman church. These aren't just generic well-wishes; they reveal deep relationships, shared struggles, and the vibrant, interconnected life of the early Christian community. He highlights people like Rufus and his mother, whose lives evidently touched Paul deeply, as he bids the Romans to remember and honor these fellow believers.
"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 a standout Christian. Even more touching is how he refers to Rufus's mother as "his mother and mine," tenderly highlightin…
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Last reviewed October 2026