Romans 16:21
Timothy, my fellow worker, greets you; so do Lucius and Jason and Sosipater, my kinsmen.
English Standard Version (ESV)
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The verse mentions Timothy as Paul's "fellow worker," placing him in a position of equal partnership, but then lists Lucius, Jason, and Sosipater simply as his "kinsmen." This subtle difference highlights how Paul valued both shared ministry and familial bonds in his Christian fellowship.
Paul is wrapping up his letter, sending warm greetings from his companions who are with him. These individuals, including Timothy and several others who may be familiar from earlier parts of Acts, are sending their love and support to the Roman church as the letter concludes.
Paul doesn't just sign off alone; he brings his team with him! What does it say about the gospel that it was a shared, collaborative effort?
Paul often included his co-workers in his greetings, and Timothy is a prime example here. He calls Timothy his 'fellow worker,' a powerful description of their shared labor.
A Shared Calling
This wasn't just Paul's mission; it was a team effort. Timothy, a younger protégé, worked alongside Paul, sharing the burdens, joys, and sacrifices of spreading the gospel. This partnership wasn't based on hierarchy but on a common calling and a shared love for Christ.
More Than Just Colleagues
These weren't just employees or subordinates. They were brothers and sisters in Christ, united by the Spirit and dedicated to the same divine purpose. Their greetings demonstrate the deep bonds of fellowship forged in the crucible of ministry.
Beyond Timothy, other names pop up. Who were these folks, and what does their inclusion tell us about the church Paul was writing to?
The mention of Lucius, Jason, and Sosipater, described as Paul's 'kinsmen,' paints a picture of the diverse community within the early church.
Diverse Backgrounds, United Purpose
While Timothy was a close, long-term associate, these other individuals likely represent different connections and perhaps different ethnic or family ties to Paul. Some scholars suggest they might be the same individuals mentioned in the book of Acts, indicating a history of serving alongside Paul in various locations.
A Church for Everyone
Regardless of specific identities, their inclusion underscores a vital truth: the gospel unifies people from all walks of life and backgrounds. Paul's 'kinsmen' could refer to fellow Jews, but the broader context of Romans shows a church embracing both Jews and Gentiles. This family includes those who labor with Paul, those who share his heritage, and those who simply open their homes and lives to the ministry.
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.
The mention of Timothy, Lucius, Jason, and Sosipater in Romans 16 grounds the apostle's letter in the vibrant, interconnected network of early Christian communities and the personal relationships Paul forged during his extensive missionary journeys.
c. AD 49
Paul and Barnabas at Corinth
Paul established a significant ministry in Corinth, a bustling Roman capital. This period likely involved interactions with individuals who would later become prominent in early Christian communities.
c. AD 50
Jason's Hospitality in Thessalonica
Jason, a believer likely from Thessalonica, hosted Paul and Silas. This act of hospitality led to trouble for Jason when Jewish leaders stirred up a mob against Paul.
c. AD 52
Sopater of Beroea Travels with Paul
Sopater, possibly the same as Sosipater mentioned in Romans, accompanied Paul from Corinth on his journey towards Asia. He hailed from Beroea, a city known for its receptive attitude to the Gospel.
c. AD 53-56
Timothy's Ministry with Paul in Ephesus
Timothy served alongside Paul for an extended period in Ephesus. He was entrusted with significant responsibilities, including leading the church in Timothy's absence.
This passage introduces Timothy as a 'fellow worker' and disciple, highlighting his early association with Paul and his commitment to the gospel mission, just as mentioned in Romans 16:21.
Acts 17:5-9This account shows Jason providing hospitality to Paul and Silas in Thessalonica, demonstrating a willingness to support Paul's ministry, which aligns with the 'kinsmen' and association implied in Romans 16:21.
Acts 20:3-5This passage lists Sopater (likely the same as Sosipater) as accompanying Paul on his journey from Berea, indicating his close connection and shared mission with the apostle, mirroring the greeting in Romans 16:21.
Philippians 2:19-22Paul speaks highly of Timothy here, calling him his 'son' and 'fellow worker,' reinforcing the close relationship and shared labor mentioned in Romans 16:21 and his importance in the early church.
1 Thessalonians 3:2Paul sent Timothy to strengthen and encourage the Thessalonian believers, showing Timothy's role as a trusted delegate and partner in Paul's ministry, which further contextualizes his 'fellow worker' status 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…
The verse mentions Timothy as Paul's "fellow worker," placing him in a position of equal partnership, but then lists Lucius, Jason, and Sosipater simply as his "kinsmen." This subtle difference highlights how Paul valued both shared ministry and familial bonds in his Christian fellowship.
Paul is wrapping up his letter, sending warm greetings from his companions who are with him. These individuals, including Timothy and several others who may be familiar from earlier parts of Acts, are sending their love and support to the Roman church as the letter concludes.
Paul is wrapping up his letter, sending warm greetings from his companions who are with him. These individuals, including Timothy and several others who may be familiar from earlier parts of Acts, are sending their love and support to the Roman church as the letter concludes.
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c. AD 56-57
Paul Writes 1 Corinthians from Ephesus
During his time in Ephesus, Paul sent 1 Corinthians to the church there, mentioning Timothy's upcoming visit and his own plans. This letter shows the close working relationship between Paul and Timothy.
c. AD 57— this verse
Paul Writes Romans from Corinth
While in Corinth, Paul dictated his letter to the Romans to a scribe named Tertius. Timothy and several others, including Lucius, Jason, and Sosipater, were with him and sent their greetings.
"Timothy, my fellow worker, greets you; so do Lucius and Jason and Sosipater, my kinsmen." — The verse mentions Timothy as Paul's "fellow worker," placing him in a position of equal partnership, but then lists Lucius, Jason, and Sosipater simply as his "kinsmen." This subtle difference highl…
