Romans 16:13

KJV

Salute Rufus chosen in the Lord, and his mother and mine.

KJV (with Strong's)

Salute {G782} Rufus {G4504} chosen {G1588} in {G1722} the Lord {G2962}, and {G2532} his {G846} mother {G3384} and {G2532} mine {G1700}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Greet Rufus, chosen by the Lord, and his mother, who has been a mother to me too.

Berean Standard Bible

Greet Rufus, chosen in the Lord, and his mother, who has been a mother to me as well.

American Standard Version

Salute Rufus the chosen in the Lord, and his mother and mine.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Romans 16:13 presents a concise yet profoundly personal greeting from the Apostle Paul to Rufus, identified as "chosen in the Lord," and to Rufus's mother, whom Paul tenderly acknowledges as a mother figure to himself. This brief salutation, embedded within Paul's extensive list of greetings at the close of his Epistle to the Romans, underscores the deep personal bonds, mutual affection, and spiritual recognition that characterized the early Christian community, highlighting the familial nature of fellowship and the significance of individual contributions to the gospel.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Romans 16:13 is situated within the concluding chapter of Paul's Epistle to the Romans, specifically as part of his extensive list of personal greetings (Romans 16:3-16). This section, often overlooked, is crucial for understanding the communal fabric of the early church and Paul's relational approach to ministry. Far from being a mere formality, these salutations reveal Paul's intimate knowledge of and deep affection for numerous individuals and households within the Roman Christian community. They demonstrate that Paul's ministry was not solitary but deeply interconnected with a network of co-laborers, benefactors, and fellow believers, emphasizing the importance of mutual support and recognition within the body of Christ, as also articulated in [Romans 12:4-5](/romans/12-4-5 "Romans 12:4-5 - Many Members, One Body").
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The practice of sending greetings through letters was common in the ancient world, but Paul elevates it to a theological statement, showcasing the global reach and diverse composition of the nascent Christian movement. Rome, as the capital of the empire, was a melting pot of cultures and social strata, and the Christian community there would have reflected this diversity. Early Christian gatherings often took place in house churches, making hospitality and personal relationships foundational to their existence and growth. The mention of individuals like Rufus and his mother highlights the significant role that ordinary believers, including women, played in supporting apostles and facilitating the spread of the gospel, often through acts of hospitality, financial support, and spiritual encouragement, mirroring the examples seen in the ministry of Jesus himself, supported by women like [Mary Magdalene and Joanna](/luke/8-1-3 "Luke 8:1-3 - Women Who Supported Jesus' Ministry").
* **Key Themes:** This verse contributes to several key themes prevalent in Romans and Paul's broader theology. It reinforces the theme of **Christian Community and Fellowship**, illustrating the familial bonds and mutual care that transcended biological ties among believers. It highlights **Divine Election and Calling**, particularly through the phrase "chosen in the Lord," signifying God's sovereign hand in selecting and setting apart individuals for His purposes. Furthermore, it underscores the theme of **Recognition and Affirmation in Ministry**, as Paul takes care to acknowledge the specific contributions and spiritual standing of individuals, demonstrating the value he placed on every member's role in advancing the gospel. This aligns with Paul's teaching on the diverse gifts and functions within the church, where each member is vital, as discussed in [1 Corinthians 12:12-27](/1_corinthians/12-12-27 "1 Corinthians 12:12-27 - The Body of Christ").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Salute (Greek, _aspázomai'_):** From G782, meaning "to enfold in the arms," and by implication, "to salute," "to welcome," or "to greet." This word conveys a sense of warm, affectionate greeting, more than a mere formal acknowledgment. It suggests a personal and heartfelt expression of regard, reflecting the deep emotional connection Paul felt toward those he was addressing.
* **chosen (Greek, _eklektós'_):** From G1588, meaning "select" or "elect," and by implication, "favorite." When applied to Rufus, it signifies not merely a human preference but a divine selection. It points to his genuine spiritual standing as one who has been called and set apart by God, indicating a person of true faith and perhaps one who was particularly distinguished in service or character within the Christian community. This term resonates with the broader biblical concept of election.
* **mother (Greek, _mḗtēr'_):** From G3384, a primary word meaning "mother" (literally or figuratively, immediate or remote). Paul's use of this term in conjunction with "mine" (G1700, _emoû_) is highly significant. While not implying a biological relationship, it powerfully conveys a profound spiritual and emotional bond, suggesting that Rufus's mother had provided Paul with maternal care, hospitality, or comfort that deeply impacted him, leading him to regard her as his own mother.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Salute Rufus chosen in the Lord":** Paul begins with a warm greeting to Rufus, a common name in the Roman world (G4504, _Rhoûphos_). The crucial descriptor "chosen in the Lord" (Greek: _eklektós en Kyriō_) elevates Rufus beyond a mere acquaintance. "Chosen" (G1588, _eklektós_) signifies divine election, indicating that Rufus was a genuine believer, one whom God had set apart. The phrase "in the Lord" (G1722, _en_ G2962, _kýrios_) further emphasizes that this "chosen" status is not based on human merit or preference, but on his spiritual union with Christ. This designation suggests Rufus was a person of significant spiritual standing and faithfulness within the Roman church, perhaps even a leader or a particularly devoted disciple.
* **"and his mother and mine":** This is the most tender and revealing part of the verse. Paul extends his greeting not only to Rufus but also to his mother. The possessive "mine" (G1700, _emoû_), following "his mother" (G846, _autós_ G3384, _mḗtēr_), indicates a deep personal connection. It does not imply a biological relationship, but rather that Rufus's mother had shown Paul such profound maternal care, hospitality, or support that he regarded her as his own mother. This speaks volumes about the familial warmth and mutual support that characterized the early Christian community, where spiritual bonds often transcended natural kinship, creating a powerful sense of belonging and shared identity.

#### Literary Devices
Romans 16:13, though brief, effectively employs several literary devices to convey its profound message. The most prominent is **Personal Address**, as Paul directly names and greets specific individuals, creating a sense of intimacy and personal connection with the recipients of his letter. This personal touch humanizes the theological discourse of the epistle and highlights the relational nature of early Christian community. Furthermore, the verse utilizes **Familial Language**, particularly in the phrase "his mother and mine." This expression is a powerful **Implied Metaphor**, where the spiritual care and nurture provided by Rufus's mother are likened to the love and support of a biological mother. This metaphor underscores the deep, familial bonds formed within the body of Christ, where believers are called to treat one another with the same love and care as family members, embodying the spirit of adoption into God's household. The **Affectionate Tone** conveyed through these personal greetings and the "mother" designation reveals Paul's deep emotional investment in the lives of these believers, transforming a simple salutation into a testament of Christian love and fellowship.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Romans 16:13 powerfully illustrates the theological truth that the Christian community is more than a mere assembly of individuals; it is a spiritual family, bound by divine election and mutual love. The recognition of Rufus as "chosen in the Lord" speaks to the doctrine of election, emphasizing God's sovereign initiative in drawing individuals into relationship with Himself and His purposes. This divine choice bestows a unique dignity and purpose upon every believer. Furthermore, Paul's tender acknowledgment of Rufus's mother as "mine" beautifully exemplifies the profound familial bonds forged within the church, where believers extend care, hospitality, and affection to one another that transcends biological ties. This communal love is a tangible expression of the new identity believers share in Christ, reflecting the very nature of God's love for His children.

* [Galatians 3:28](/galatians/3-28 "Galatians 3:28 - No Jew or Gentile, Slave or Free, Male or Female in Christ")
* [Ephesians 2:19](/ephesians/2-19 "Ephesians 2:19 - Fellow Citizens with God's People")
* [1 Peter 2:9](/1_peter/2-9 "1 Peter 2:9 - A Chosen Race, a Royal Priesthood")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Romans 16:13, though a brief greeting, offers profound insights for contemporary believers. It reminds us that Christian community is built on genuine, personal relationships and mutual care, not just shared beliefs or activities. Paul's deep appreciation for Rufus and his mother challenges us to actively recognize and affirm those who serve faithfully, often behind the scenes, providing hospitality, encouragement, and support within our churches and ministries. Just as Rufus's mother extended maternal care to Paul, we are called to cultivate a spirit of familial love, extending warmth, practical help, and spiritual nurture to those around us, especially those who may be serving tirelessly or are far from their biological families. This verse also affirms the inherent worth and divine calling of every believer; whether prominent or obscure, each is "chosen in the Lord" and has a vital, God-given role in the body of Christ. Our acts of love and service, no matter how small, contribute significantly to the health and mission of the church.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what ways can I more intentionally recognize and affirm those who serve faithfully in my local church or Christian community, especially those whose contributions might often go unnoticed?**
* **How can I cultivate a more familial and hospitable atmosphere within my Christian relationships, offering practical and emotional support to fellow believers as Rufus's mother did for Paul?**
* **What does it mean for me personally to be "chosen in the Lord," and how should this understanding impact my sense of identity, purpose, and service within the church?**
* **Are there individuals in my life or community who might benefit from me extending "maternal" or "paternal" care, hospitality, or spiritual encouragement, even if we are not biologically related?**

### FAQ
**Who was Rufus, and why is he called "chosen in the Lord"?**

Answer: Rufus (G4504, _Rhoûphos_) was a Christian in Rome to whom Paul sends a personal greeting. While his identity is not definitively established, some scholars speculate he might be the same Rufus mentioned in [Mark 15:21](/mark/15-21 "Mark 15:21 - Simon of Cyrene, Father of Alexander and Rufus"), as the son of Simon of Cyrene, who carried Jesus' cross. If so, it would mean Simon's family became believers and were known in early Christian circles. The phrase "chosen in the Lord" (Greek: _eklektós en Kyriō_) signifies that Rufus was a genuine believer, divinely elected and set apart by God for His purposes. It points to his authentic faith and likely his distinguished standing or service within the Christian community, emphasizing that his spiritual status was rooted in his union with Christ.

**What is the significance of Paul referring to Rufus's mother as "his mother and mine"?**

Answer: This tender and unique phrase does not imply a biological relationship between Paul and Rufus's mother. Instead, it conveys a profound spiritual and emotional bond. It suggests that Rufus's mother had extended significant maternal care, hospitality, or support to Paul during his ministry, perhaps providing him with shelter, food, comfort, or emotional encouragement when he was far from his own family. Her kindness and nurture were so impactful that Paul felt a deep sense of indebtedness and affection, regarding her as a mother figure to himself. This highlights the familial spirit, deep love, and mutual support that characterized the early Christian community, where believers often treated each other with a love that transcended biological ties, embodying the principle of [Galatians 6:10](/galatians/6-10 "Galatians 6:10 - Do Good to All, Especially Believers").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Romans 16:13, with its intimate greetings and familial language, finds its ultimate fulfillment in Christ, who is the cornerstone and head of the new spiritual family of God. The concept of being "chosen in the Lord" for Rufus directly points to Christ as the one in whom all believers are chosen before the foundation of the world, as articulated in [Ephesians 1:4](/ephesians/1-4 "Ephesians 1:4 - Chosen in Christ Before the Foundation of the World"). Our election is not based on our merit but on God's gracious purpose in Christ. Furthermore, the tender bond between Paul and Rufus's mother, where spiritual ties transcend biological ones, beautifully prefigures the new family created by Christ's redemptive work. Jesus Himself redefined family, stating that those who do the will of God are His "brother and sister and mother" ([Mark 3:35](/mark/3-35 "Mark 3:35 - Doing the Will of God as Family")). Through His sacrifice, Christ broke down barriers and united diverse peoples into one body, where believers are no longer strangers but "fellow citizens with the saints and members of the household of God" ([Ephesians 2:19](/ephesians/2-19 "Ephesians 2:19 - Fellow Citizens with the Saints")). Thus, the familial love and mutual support exemplified in Romans 16:13 are a direct outflow of the Spirit of Christ dwelling within His church, transforming individual lives into a loving, interdependent community that reflects the very heart of God.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

2 John 1:1

¶ The elder unto the elect lady and her children, whom I love in the truth; and not I only, but also all they that have known the truth;

1 Timothy 5:2

The elder women as mothers; the younger as sisters, with all purity.

Mark 15:21

And they compel one Simon a Cyrenian, who passed by, coming out of the country, the father of Alexander and Rufus, to bear his cross.

John 15:16

Ye have not chosen me, but I have chosen you, and ordained you, that ye should go and bring forth fruit, and [that] your fruit should remain: that whatsoever ye shall ask of the Father in my name, he may give it you.

Ephesians 1:4

According as he hath chosen us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before him in love:

Matthew 20:16

So the last shall be first, and the first last: for many be called, but few chosen.

2 Thessalonians 2:13

¶ But we are bound to give thanks alway to God for you, brethren beloved of the Lord, because God hath from the beginning chosen you to salvation through sanctification of the Spirit and belief of the truth: