Romans 16 21

Romans 16:21 kjv

Timotheus my workfellow, and Lucius, and Jason, and Sosipater, my kinsmen, salute you.

Romans 16:21 nkjv

Timothy, my fellow worker, and Lucius, Jason, and Sosipater, my countrymen, greet you.

Romans 16:21 niv

Timothy, my co-worker, sends his greetings to you, as do Lucius, Jason and Sosipater, my fellow Jews.

Romans 16:21 esv

Timothy, my fellow worker, greets you; so do Lucius and Jason and Sosipater, my kinsmen.

Romans 16:21 nlt

Timothy, my fellow worker, sends you his greetings, as do Lucius, Jason, and Sosipater, my fellow Jews.

Romans 16 verses

Romans 16 21 Meaning

Romans 16:21 conveys the greetings of several individuals who were with Paul as he wrote this epistle. These individuals include Timotheus, Paul's beloved spiritual son and fellow minister; Lucius, Jason, and Sosipater, whom Paul identifies as his kinsmen. These greetings underscore the communal nature of early Christian ministry and the strong bonds of fellowship among believers involved in spreading the Gospel.

Romans 16 21 Context

Romans 16:21 appears near the end of Paul's letter to the Romans, a chapter largely dedicated to personal greetings and commendations. After extensively outlining theological truths, Paul transitions to more practical and personal matters, expressing his deep personal connections and demonstrating the intricate network of relationships within the early church. He greets numerous individuals, often highlighting their contributions to the Gospel (Rom 16:1-16). Verses 17-20 issue a final warning against divisions, followed by the concluding greetings from those accompanying Paul (vv. 21-23), culminating in a powerful doxology (vv. 25-27). This specific verse showcases Paul's immediate circle of companions, demonstrating the collaborative effort behind the apostolic mission. The greetings from Paul's "kinsmen" also subtly highlight his continued connection to his Jewish heritage, even as he ministered to Gentiles.

Romans 16 21 Word analysis

• Timotheus (Τιμόθεος, Timótheos):

  • Meaning: "Honoring God" or "honored by God."
  • Significance: Paul's closest and most trusted disciple. A key associate throughout Paul's missionary journeys. He became a significant leader in his own right, often representing Paul and even receiving two epistles addressed directly to him. His name appears at the beginning of six of Paul's epistles as a co-sender (2 Co, Php, Col, 1 & 2 Th, Phm).
  • Original language: A common Greek name.

• my:

  • Significance: Indicates a personal, possessive relationship. Emphasizes Paul's deep connection and affection for Timothy as a spiritual son. This intimate bond facilitated trust and delegation in ministry.

• fellowlabourer (συνεργός, synergos):

  • Meaning: "Worker together with," "colleague," "co-worker."
  • Significance: A frequent term used by Paul to describe those who shared in the work of the Gospel. It implies a partnership, a joint effort in spreading the Good News. Not just an assistant, but an active participant. This highlights the collective, not solitary, nature of apostolic ministry.
  • Original language: From syn (with) and ergon (work).

• and Lucius, and Jason, and Sosipater:

  • Significance: Three specific individuals accompanying Paul. Their inclusion demonstrates the diverse group supporting Paul's mission. Their identities are subject to some scholarly discussion.
    • Lucius (Λούκιος, Loúkios): Possibly Lucius of Cyrene mentioned in Acts 13:1, who was a prophet and teacher in Antioch. Some also link him to Luke the Evangelist, but this is less likely as Luke is usually not identified as a kinsman.
    • Jason (Ἰάσων, Iásōn): Likely the Jason from Acts 17:5-9, who hosted Paul and Silas in Thessalonica and faced persecution for it.
    • Sosipater (Σωσίπατρος, Sōsípatros): Often identified with Sopater of Berea (Acts 20:4), who traveled with Paul from Greece to Asia during Paul's third missionary journey.
  • These individuals, though less prominent than Timothy, were integral to the team. Their presence underlines the network required for expansive ministry.

• my kinsmen (συγγενεῖς, syngeneis):

  • Meaning: "Related by birth," "kinsfolk," "countrymen." Refers to ethnic origin or blood relation.
  • Significance: Paul frequently expressed a deep concern for his Jewish people (Rom 9:1-5). Identifying these companions as kinsmen underscores his continuing connection to his Jewish heritage. It suggests these individuals were Jewish believers who had embraced Christ, serving alongside the apostle to the Gentiles. This term could be used broadly for fellow Jews, or more specifically for actual family members.
  • Original language: From syn (with) and genos (race, family, stock).

• salute (ἀσπάζονται, aspazontai):

  • Meaning: "Greet," "welcome," "embrace."
  • Significance: A standard epistolary closing convention, conveying warm Christian fellowship and goodwill. These greetings reinforced community and demonstrated unity among believers from different geographical locations, spanning between Paul's companions and the Roman church.

• Words-group analysis:

  • "Timotheus my fellowlabourer": This phrase perfectly encapsulates Paul's view of ministry. It is personal ("my") and collaborative ("fellowlabourer"). Timothy represents the younger generation of leaders discipled by Paul. His designation highlights the continuation of the apostolic mission through loyal and trusted co-workers.
  • "Lucius, and Jason, and Sosipater, my kinsmen": This grouping demonstrates Paul's enduring ties to his Jewish identity, even as his primary mission was to the Gentiles. These kinsmen were not just ethnic relatives but active participants in the Gospel, transcending typical boundaries. Their presence within Paul's Gentile mission illustrates the unified nature of the early Church where both Jew and Gentile work together in Christ. The blend of shared ethnicity and shared faith emphasizes a strong personal bond and common purpose.

Romans 16 21 Bonus section

• The naming of these individuals demonstrates the early church's emphasis on personal relationships and tangible human connection in the spread of the Gospel, rather than just abstract doctrines. Each name represents a history of shared ministry, struggles, and triumphs.
• Paul’s explicit mention of "kinsmen" likely had a dual purpose: to honor their shared ethnic heritage as Jewish Christians, potentially reassuring some Jewish believers in Rome, and to show that even in his Gentile-focused ministry, Paul retained a deep bond with his people, embodying his heart’s desire for their salvation (Rom 10:1).
• The fact that these co-workers are mentioned indicates their active involvement in the Gospel message, extending their personal affirmation and endorsement of Paul's ministry and the letter's contents to the Roman church. This strengthened the letter's authority and authenticity.

Romans 16 21 Commentary

Romans 16:21 serves as a vital snapshot of Paul's extended ministry team, showcasing the collaborative nature of early Christian missions. Timothy, often referred to as Paul's spiritual son, epitomizes the ideal synergos—a faithful co-worker fully entrusted with the apostolic message. The inclusion of Lucius, Jason, and Sosipater, distinctively identified as "my kinsmen," not only reinforces Paul's continuous connection to his Jewish heritage but also illustrates the diverse composition of his companions—both ethnically and functionally. These men were more than mere associates; they were integral partners who shared the burdens and joys of spreading the Gospel, their greetings forming a bridge of fellowship between Paul's present location and the church in Rome. The collective greetings affirm the unity of believers and the mutual support vital for sustaining such an expansive, cross-cultural ministry, fostering a sense of interconnectedness across geographical distances and diverse backgrounds.