Romans 16:13 kjv
Salute Rufus chosen in the Lord, and his mother and mine.
Romans 16:13 nkjv
Greet Rufus, chosen in the Lord, and his mother and mine.
Romans 16:13 niv
Greet Rufus, chosen in the Lord, and his mother, who has been a mother to me, too.
Romans 16:13 esv
Greet Rufus, chosen in the Lord; also his mother, who has been a mother to me as well.
Romans 16:13 nlt
Greet Rufus, whom the Lord picked out to be his very own; and also his dear mother, who has been a mother to me.
Romans 16 13 Cross References
| Verse | Text | Reference |
|---|---|---|
| Matthew 27:32 | Simon of Cyrene compelled to carry cross | Son of Rufus, a prominent figure |
| Mark 15:21 | Simon of Cyrene, father of Alexander and Rufus | Confirms Rufus' parentage, associates him with Simon |
| Colossians 4:11 | Jesus who is called Justus, of the circumcision | Other notable Jewish believers greeted by Paul |
| Philemon 1:10 | Onesimus, my son whom I have begotten in my bonds | Paul's personal, paternal relationships in faith |
| 1 Corinthians 16:15-16 | Submission to believers, their households | Recognition of faithfulness and supportive service |
| Romans 12:13 | Contribute to the necessities of the saints | Practical demonstration of Christian love |
| Galatians 6:10 | Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all | Principle of active service to others |
| 2 John 1:4 | Your children walking in truth | Affirmation of faithful descendants |
| 3 John 1:4 | Seeing your children walking in truth | Shared joy in the faithfulness of others' families |
| Acts 19:22 | Timothy and Erastus sent to Macedonia | Paul sending trusted workers for ministry |
| 1 Corinthians 1:14 | Baptized no one but Gaius and Crispus | Paul distinguishing recipients of his ministry |
| 1 Timothy 1:2 | Timothy, my own son in the faith | Expressing spiritual parentage and close relationship |
| 2 Timothy 2:2 | Entrust to faithful men | Emphasis on entrusting ministry to reliable individuals |
| 1 Peter 5:13 | She who is in Babylon, elected together; and Mark, my son | Greetings from spiritual children/fellow workers |
| Philippians 2:19-20 | I trust in the Lord Jesus to send Timothy shortly | Paul's reliance on Timothy for encouragement |
| 2 Corinthians 12:13 | Forgive me this wrong | Paul's seeking acceptance and encouragement from Corinth |
| 1 Thessalonians 3:2 | Sent Timothy to establish and exhort concerning your faith | Paul's method of support and encouragement via others |
| John 15:5 | Apart from me you can do nothing | Dependence on Christ for fruitfulness |
| 1 John 4:7 | Beloved, let us love one another, for love is from God | The essence of Christian community |
| Acts 4:32 | The body of believers was one in heart and soul | Unity and shared commitment in the early church |
| 1 Corinthians 4:17 | As you do everywhere in every church | Consistent practice of godly living |
Romans 16 verses
Romans 16 13 Meaning
This verse offers a commendation to Rufus. Paul is personally greeting individuals, highlighting their positive impact within the Christian community. It suggests Rufus has been an encouragement and support to Paul himself.
Romans 16 13 Context
In Romans chapter 16, Paul is concluding his letter with numerous personal greetings to individuals and groups within the Roman church. He acknowledges their faithfulness and contributions to the Christian ministry. The specific mention of Rufus suggests he was a known and valued member of the church, whose presence or support was significant enough for Paul to specifically acknowledge him and his mother. The mention of Rufus being "in the Lord" signifies his inclusion in the Christian faith and community.
Romans 16 13 Word Analysis
- "Rufus": The Greek word is Ῥοῦφον (Rhōŭphos), a transliteration of the Latin "Rufus," meaning "red" or "red-haired." It was a common Roman cognomen.
- The inclusion of a Roman name indicates potential early Christian presence and influence within Roman society.
- Its appearance here, alongside his mother, suggests a family integrated into the church.
- "The elect" / "chosen": The Greek word is ἐκλεκτὸν (eklekton), referring to the chosen of God, those called into salvation and belonging to Christ.
- This emphasizes that Rufus is a believer set apart by God.
- This theme of God's election is central to Paul's letter to the Romans (e.g., Romans 8:33, Romans 9:11-16).
- "And his mother and mine": This phrase implies a significant relationship and deep affection between Paul and Rufus's mother.
- It suggests Paul views her as a spiritual mother, perhaps someone who nurtured him in the faith, similar to his relationship with Timothy's grandmother Lois (2 Timothy 1:5).
- The inclusion of his mother highlights the importance of family within the early church and the shared spiritual bonds that could exist across households.
- The possessive "mine" indicates a deep personal connection, conveying a sense of belonging and mutual care.
Romans 16 13 Bonus Section
The likely identification of this Rufus with the son of Simon of Cyrene, who carried Jesus' cross (Mark 15:21), is a compelling piece of historical context. If this is the same Rufus, it connects the Roman church to the very Passion of Christ. The family of Simon, having had a direct role in Jesus' suffering and death, then became part of the early church's growth and development, demonstrating the transformative power of the Gospel. Paul’s greeting signifies that Rufus, and likely his family, were instrumental in supporting the Gentile mission and contributing to the early Christian communities, particularly in Rome.
Romans 16 13 Commentary
Paul's commendation of Rufus and his mother speaks to the value of dedicated individuals within the body of Christ. Rufus is not just a name; he is recognized for his status as "chosen" in the Lord, implying a life lived in faith and obedience. The particular mention of his mother underscores the vital role mothers and family played in fostering and supporting the Christian faith. Paul's tender address towards Rufus's mother as "mine" reveals the deep familial bonds that characterized early Christian fellowship, extending beyond blood relations to spiritual kinship. It reminds believers to cherish and acknowledge those who nurture and support the work of the Gospel.