Timothy, my fellow worker, greets you; so do Lucius and Jason and Sosipater, my kinsmen.
English Standard Version (ESV)
While Timothy is called Paul's "fellow worker," the others mentioned are identified by their familial ties or ethnicity as "kinsmen." This distinction subtly highlights Paul's deep personal relationships and his hope that shared kinship would foster unity within the church, bridging divides even among believers in distant Rome.
Timothy, my fellow worker, greets you; so do Lucius and Jason and Sosipater, my kinsmen.
English Standard Version (ESV)
The Apostle Paul is nearing the end of his profound letter to the Romans, and after offering detailed theological instruction and warnings, he turns to personal greetings. This section includes well wishes from various companions who are with him in Corinth, highlighting the strong community and shared labor in the gospel, before the grand doxology that concludes the epistle.
In this final chapter, Paul doesn't just sign off; he introduces us to a vibrant community. Who are these people, and why does Paul mention them?
This verse is a snapshot of Paul's incredible network of co-workers and friends. While some names like Timothy are well-known, others like Lucius, Jason, and Sosipater might be less familiar.
What's powerful here is that Paul includes them, showing that the church isn't built by one person, but by a diverse team of individuals, each with their unique gifts and roles, all united in Christ.
Paul calls Timothy his 'fellow worker.' What does this intimate partnership look like in the life of faith?
The phrase 'fellow worker' (Greek: synergos) isn't just a casual term of endearment; it speaks to a deep, shared commitment to the work of the gospel. Paul didn't see ministry as a solo act, but as a collaborative effort.
Ask a follow-up
Understand the original words
synergos · Greek Noun
A co-laborer in the work of the ministry; one who shares the burden of the gospel and serves alongside others for the kingdom of God.
syngenes · Greek Noun
Used in the NT to denote physical relatives, fellow Israelites (the Jewish people), or metaphorically, fellow believers in Christ.
c. AD 49
Paul and Barnabas at Lystra
Timothy, a young disciple from Lystra, begins his close association with Paul, likely being discipled by him. This marks the start of Timothy's long journey as Paul's trusted companion.
c. AD 50-51
Paul's Second Missionary Journey
Paul, Timothy, Silas, and Luke travel through Asia Minor and Greece. During this journey, Timothy likely encounters Jason in Thessalonica, and Lucius (possibly from Cyrene) may also be involved in the mission.
c. AD 57— this verse
Paul's Third Missionary Journey & Corinthian Stay
While in Corinth, Paul writes the Epistle to the Romans. Timothy, having rejoined Paul after missions in Macedonia and Greece, is with him and sends his greetings to the Roman church.
c. AD 57
Sosipater's Journey from Beroea
Sosipater (possibly the same as Sopater mentioned in Acts 20:4) accompanies Paul from Greece. He is among the group in Corinth who send greetings, possibly having recently arrived from Beroea.
This passage introduces Timothy as Paul's faithful co-worker, establishing the close relationship mentioned in Romans 16:21 and highlighting Timothy's early involvement in Paul's ministry.
Acts 17:5-9This passage describes Jason's hospitality towards Paul in Thessalonica, which may explain why he is mentioned as a 'kinsman' and close associate in Romans 16:21, implying a shared heritage or strong bond.
Acts 13:1This verse names Lucius of Cyrene as a prophet and teacher alongside Paul, suggesting he is the same individual Paul greets in Romans 16:21, underscoring the diversity of Paul's ministry partners.
Acts 20:4This verse mentions Sopater (likely the same as Sosipater) accompanying Paul from Berea, reinforcing the idea that these individuals were fellow travelers and trusted companions in the early church.
Philippians 2:19-22This passage provides further insight into Timothy's character and his significant role as a trusted co-worker and genuine partner in the gospel, mirroring the description in Romans 16:21.
ellicottRomans 16:21: "Timotheus my workfellow, and Lucius, and Jason, and Sosipater, my kinsmen, salute you."
(21-23) The companions of St. Paul add their own greetings to the Roman Church. (21) Timotheus.—Timothy had been sent on in advance from Ephesus (Acts 20:22). He would seem to have gone on into Greece and to Corinth itself (1Corinthians 4:17; 1Corinthians 16:10). He had thence rejoined St. Paul on his way through Macedonia (2Corinthians 1:1), and he was now with him again in Greece. In the oth…
barnesRomans 16:21: "Timotheus my workfellow, and Lucius, and Jason, and Sosipater, my kinsmen, salute you."
Timotheus - Timothy; to whom the Epistles which bear his name were written. He was long the companion of Paul in his labors; Acts 16:1 ; 1 Corinthians 16:10 ; 2 Corinthians 1:1 , 2 Corinthians 1:19 ; Philippians 2:29 ; 1 Thessalonians 3:2 ; 1 Timothy 1:2 ; Hebrews 13:23 . And Lucius - He is mentioned in Acts 13:1, as a prophet and teacher, a native of Cyrene. Nothing more is known of him. My k…
While Timothy is called Paul's "fellow worker," the others mentioned are identified by their familial ties or ethnicity as "kinsmen." This distinction subtly highlights Paul's deep personal relationships and his hope that shared kinship would foster unity within the church, bridging divides even among believers in distant Rome.
The Apostle Paul is nearing the end of his profound letter to the Romans, and after offering detailed theological instruction and warnings, he turns to personal greetings. This section includes well wishes from various companions who are with him in Corinth, highlighting the strong community and shared labor in the gospel, before the grand doxology that concludes the epistle.
The Apostle Paul is nearing the end of his profound letter to the Romans, and after offering detailed theological instruction and warnings, he turns to personal greetings. This section includes well wishes from various companions who are with him in Corinth, highlighting the strong community and shared labor in the gospel, before the grand doxology that concludes the epistle.
"Timothy, my fellow worker, greets you; so do Lucius and Jason and Sosipater, my kinsmen." — While Timothy is called Paul's "fellow worker," the others mentioned are identified by their familial ties or ethnicity as "kinsmen." This distinction subtly highlights Paul's deep personal relations…
Get the original Greek and Hebrew, verse-by-verse context, and related passages inside the app.
Last reviewed October 2026