Romans 16:21

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

Timotheus {G5095} my {G3450} workfellow {G4904}, and {G2532} Lucius {G3066}, and {G2532} Jason {G2394}, and {G2532} Sosipater {G4989}, my {G3450} kinsmen {G4773}, salute {G782} you {G5209}.

Timothy, my fellow-worker, sends greetings to you; so do Lucius, Jason and Sosipater, my relatives.

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

Timothy my fellow-worker saluteth you; and Lucius and Jason and Sosipater, my kinsmen.

Romans 16:21 offers a glimpse into the vibrant network of relationships that characterized the early Christian movement. As Paul concludes his profound letter to the church in Rome, he includes personal greetings from several individuals who were with him, highlighting the deep fellowship and collaborative spirit of the apostolic ministry.

Context

This verse is part of the extensive closing greetings in Romans chapter 16, where Paul sends salutations to and from a significant number of believers. Paul was likely writing this letter from Corinth during his third missionary journey, prior to his planned visit to Rome. The inclusion of these names underscores the personal nature of Paul's ministry and the strong communal bonds within the burgeoning Christian church. These greetings weren't mere formalities but served to connect various groups of believers, fostering a sense of unity and shared purpose across geographical distances.

Key Themes

  • Partnership in Ministry: The designation of Timothy as "my workfellow" (Greek: synergos) emphasizes the collaborative nature of spreading the Gospel. Paul rarely worked alone, relying on a team of dedicated co-laborers.
  • Brotherhood and Kinship: The term "kinsmen" (Greek: syngeneis) used for Lucius, Jason, and Sosipater likely refers to their shared Jewish heritage with Paul, indicating fellow Jewish believers. This highlights the continued presence and importance of Jewish followers within the early Christian community, even as the church expanded to Gentiles.
  • Community and Fellowship: The numerous greetings throughout Romans 16, including these, showcase the profound sense of community and mutual support among early Christians. It illustrates that the Christian faith was not a solitary pursuit but a shared journey of faith and service.

Linguistic Insights

The Greek word for "workfellow" is synergos (συνεργός), from which we get "synergy." It signifies a fellow worker or helper, someone who labors alongside another. This term is frequently used by Paul to describe his close associates in ministry, such as those mentioned in Philippians 4:3. The word for "kinsmen" is syngeneis (συγγενεῖς), meaning "related by birth" or "of the same race/nation." While it can mean blood relatives, in the context of Paul's letters, especially his deep concern for his people in Romans 9:3, it often refers to fellow Jews. This detail reminds us of the Jewish roots of the Christian faith and Paul's enduring connection to his heritage.

Related Scriptures

  • Timotheus (Timothy): A faithful companion and trusted delegate of Paul, Timothy is first introduced in Acts 16:1 as joining Paul's missionary team. He is frequently mentioned alongside Paul in the opening salutations of many epistles (e.g., 2 Corinthians, Philippians, Colossians, 1 & 2 Thessalonians, Philemon).
  • Lucius, Jason, Sosipater: While less prominent than Timothy, these individuals were clearly part of Paul's inner circle. Sosipater is likely the same person as Sopater of Berea, mentioned in Acts 20:4 as accompanying Paul on his return to Jerusalem. Jason could be the host who suffered persecution with Paul in Acts 17:5.

Practical Application

Romans 16:21 teaches us the enduring value of Christian community and partnership in ministry. Just as Paul relied on his "workfellows" and "kinsmen," believers today are called to support one another, recognizing that we are all part of God's family. This verse encourages us to value the diverse contributions of every member of the body of Christ, whether they are prominent leaders like Timothy or lesser-known but equally vital contributors like Lucius, Jason, and Sosipater. It serves as a reminder that the work of the Gospel is a collective effort, strengthened by genuine fellowship and mutual encouragement, echoing the call to bear one another's burdens.

Note: Commentary was generated by an advanced AI, utilizing a prompt that emphasized Biblical fidelity over bias. We've found these insights to be consistently reliable, yet we always encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

  • Acts 20:4

    And there accompanied him into Asia Sopater of Berea; and of the Thessalonians, Aristarchus and Secundus; and Gaius of Derbe, and Timotheus; and of Asia, Tychicus and Trophimus.

  • Acts 17:5

    But the Jews which believed not, moved with envy, took unto them certain lewd fellows of the baser sort, and gathered a company, and set all the city on an uproar, and assaulted the house of Jason, and sought to bring them out to the people.

  • Acts 13:1

    ¶ Now there were in the church that was at Antioch certain prophets and teachers; as Barnabas, and Simeon that was called Niger, and Lucius of Cyrene, and Manaen, which had been brought up with Herod the tetrarch, and Saul.

  • Romans 16:11

    Salute Herodion my kinsman. Greet them that be of the [household] of Narcissus, which are in the Lord.

  • Romans 16:7

    Salute Andronicus and Junia, my kinsmen, and my fellowprisoners, who are of note among the apostles, who also were in Christ before me.

  • 2 Thessalonians 1:1

    ¶ Paul, and Silvanus, and Timotheus, unto the church of the Thessalonians in God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ:

  • Acts 17:14

    And then immediately the brethren sent away Paul to go as it were to the sea: but Silas and Timotheus abode there still.

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