Romans 16:21

KJV

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

KJV (with Strong's)

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}.

Complete Jewish Bible

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

Berean Standard Bible

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

American Standard Version

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

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Romans 16:21 unveils a snapshot of the vibrant and collaborative community surrounding the Apostle Paul, as he concludes his letter to the Roman believers. This verse, nestled within an extensive chapter of personal greetings, highlights the deep fellowship and shared mission among early Christians, featuring salutations from key co-laborers like Timothy, alongside other faithful companions and "kinsmen" such as Lucius, Jason, and Sosipater, all extending their warm regards to the church in Rome.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Romans 16:21 is situated within the concluding chapter of Paul's magnum opus, the Epistle to the Romans, specifically within the extensive section of personal greetings (Romans 16:1-23). This chapter, often seen as a "Who's Who" of early Christianity, demonstrates the wide network of relationships Paul cultivated and valued. Following his profound theological exposition on justification by faith, sanctification, and God's plan for Israel, Paul transitions to practical exhortations and then to these personal salutations. The inclusion of these names, both those Paul greets and those who send greetings through him, underscores the deeply relational nature of early Christian ministry and community, serving to bridge geographical distances and foster a sense of unity between Paul's associates and the Roman church he had yet to visit.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Paul likely penned the Epistle to the Romans from Corinth during his third missionary journey, around A.D. 57-58, as he prepared to travel to Jerusalem and then on to Rome and Spain. In the Greco-Roman world, the sending of greetings was a common and significant epistolary convention, far more than a mere formality. It served to establish and affirm social bonds, vouch for individuals, and reinforce networks of influence and support. For Paul, these greetings were crucial for introducing himself and his mission to a church he did not found, preparing the way for his future visit, and solidifying the sense of a unified Christian movement. The mention of "kinsmen" (likely fellow Jews by birth) also subtly reflects the complex relationship between Jewish and Gentile believers within the early church, a theme Paul addresses extensively throughout the letter, particularly in [Romans 9-11](/romans/9 "Romans 9-11 - God's Plan for Israel").
* **Key Themes:** This verse, along with the broader chapter, contributes significantly to several key themes. Firstly, it powerfully illustrates **Partnership in Ministry**, showcasing Paul's reliance on a team of dedicated co-laborers, exemplified by Timothy, his "workfellow." This highlights that the spread of the Gospel was a collective endeavor, not a solitary pursuit. Secondly, the mention of "kinsmen" points to the theme of **Brotherhood and Kinship**, emphasizing the diverse yet interconnected nature of the early Christian community, encompassing both Jewish and Gentile believers united in Christ. This term likely refers to shared Jewish heritage, underscoring the Jewish roots of the Christian faith. Finally, the act of sending and receiving salutations reinforces the theme of **Community and Fellowship**, demonstrating the vital importance of mutual support, recognition, and communication in building and sustaining the body of Christ across geographical boundaries, as seen throughout Paul's letters, such as his exhortations in [Ephesians 4:1-16](/ephesians/4-1-16 "Ephesians 4:1-16 - Unity in the Body of Christ").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **workfellow (Greek, _synergós'_):** From a presumed compound of _sýn_ (with) and the base of _érgon_ (work), this term literally means "co-laborer" or "fellow worker." It signifies someone who labors alongside another, sharing in the same task or mission. Paul frequently uses this term to describe his closest associates in ministry, emphasizing the collaborative and shared nature of spreading the Gospel. It denotes a deep partnership and mutual effort in the divine work.
* **kinsmen (Greek, _syngenḗs'_):** Derived from _sýn_ (with) and _génos_ (race, family), this word refers primarily to a relative by blood. By extension, it can also mean a fellow countryman or someone of the same race or nation. In the context of Paul, especially when discussing his deep concern for his people, it often refers to fellow Jews. This term highlights shared heritage and a bond beyond mere acquaintance, suggesting a familial or national connection.
* **salute (Greek, _aspázomai'_):** This verb means "to enfold in the arms," and by implication, "to salute," "to greet," or "to welcome." Figuratively, it conveys a sense of warm reception or farewell. It is a term of affectionate greeting, indicating a personal and heartfelt expression of goodwill and connection between individuals.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Timotheus my workfellow":** This clause immediately identifies Timothy, Paul's trusted protégé and frequent companion, as a "workfellow." This designation underscores the deep bond of shared labor and common purpose between Paul and Timothy in the advancement of the Gospel. It highlights Timothy's active and vital role as a co-laborer in Paul's apostolic ministry, not merely a subordinate but a valued partner.
* **"and Lucius, and Jason, and Sosipater, my kinsmen":** This part of the verse introduces three other individuals who are with Paul and are identified as his "kinsmen." While "kinsmen" could mean blood relatives, in Paul's context, it most likely refers to fellow Jews, indicating their shared ethnic and religious heritage with Paul. This detail is significant, showing the continued presence and importance of Jewish believers within the early Christian community, even as the Gospel expanded to Gentiles. Their inclusion reinforces the idea of a diverse yet unified Christian family.
* **"salute you.":** This concluding phrase indicates that all the individuals named—Timothy, Lucius, Jason, and Sosipater—are collectively sending their greetings to the Roman church. The verb "salute" (Greek _aspázomai_) conveys a warm, personal, and affectionate greeting, signifying their solidarity with Paul and their desire to connect with and encourage the believers in Rome. It emphasizes the communal nature of early Christian fellowship and the network of mutual support that characterized the nascent church.

#### Literary Devices
Romans 16:21 employs several literary devices that enhance its meaning and impact. The most prominent is **Prosopography**, the listing of names, which serves to personalize the epistle and demonstrate the extensive network of relationships within the early Christian movement. This list is not merely a roll call but a testament to the collaborative nature of ministry. The verse also functions as an **Epistolary Convention**, specifically a closing greeting, a common feature in ancient letters that served to establish and reinforce social bonds. By including these specific individuals, Paul utilizes **Ethos** (appeal to credibility), as these were known and respected figures within the broader Christian community, lending weight to Paul's message and his upcoming visit. Furthermore, the use of terms like "workfellow" and "kinsmen" employs **Communal Language**, emphasizing shared identity, purpose, and familial bonds within the body of Christ, fostering a sense of unity and mutual belonging among believers.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Romans 16:21 powerfully illustrates the New Testament emphasis on community, partnership, and the diverse yet unified nature of the body of Christ. Theologically, it underscores that the work of God's kingdom is not a solitary endeavor but a collaborative mission, where individuals with varied backgrounds and roles contribute to a common purpose. The inclusion of "workfellows" and "kinsmen" highlights the interwoven threads of shared spiritual calling and natural human relationships (whether familial or ethnic) within the church. This verse reminds us that Christian fellowship is a vital component of discipleship, reflecting God's design for His people to live in interdependent relationship, supporting, encouraging, and laboring alongside one another for the advancement of the Gospel. It speaks to the beauty of God's inclusive plan, bringing together people from different walks of life into one family, united by faith in Christ.

* [1 Corinthians 12:12-27](/1_corinthians/12-12-27 "1 Corinthians 12:12-27 - The Body of Christ")
* [Philippians 4:3](/philippians/4-3 "Philippians 4:3 - Paul's Fellow Laborers")
* [2 Corinthians 8:23](/2_corinthians/8-23 "2 Corinthians 8:23 - Paul's Partners and Messengers")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Romans 16:21 serves as a profound reminder of the enduring value of Christian community and the indispensable nature of partnership in ministry. In an age that often prioritizes individualism, this verse calls us back to the biblical model of shared life and shared labor. Just as Paul relied on his "workfellows" and "kinsmen," believers today are called to actively seek out and cultivate genuine relationships within the body of Christ. This means valuing the diverse contributions of every member, recognizing that whether one is a prominent leader like Timothy or a less-known but equally vital contributor like Lucius, Jason, or Sosipater, each plays a crucial role in God's grand design. It encourages us to be intentional about supporting one another, bearing one another's burdens, and celebrating one another's gifts, understanding that the work of the Gospel is a collective effort, strengthened by authentic fellowship and mutual encouragement. This verse challenges us to move beyond mere acquaintance to true partnership, fostering environments where collaboration flourishes and where every individual feels seen, valued, and essential to the shared mission of glorifying God and making His name known.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **Who are your "workfellows" in the faith, and how are you actively partnering with them for the sake of the Gospel?**
* **In what ways can you better support and affirm the "kinsmen" (fellow believers, whether by blood or by faith) in your own Christian community?**
* **How does the example of Paul's extensive greetings in Romans 16 challenge your understanding of Christian community and fellowship?**

### FAQ

**What does "workfellow" mean in the context of Paul's ministry?**

Answer: The term "workfellow" (Greek _synergós_) signifies a co-laborer or fellow worker. In the context of Paul's ministry, it designates someone who actively participates alongside him in the work of spreading the Gospel and building up the church. This was not merely a casual association but a deep partnership, implying shared burdens, responsibilities, and a common commitment to the apostolic mission. Timothy is frequently called Paul's "workfellow" (e.g., [1 Thessalonians 3:2](/1_thessalonians/3-2 "1 Thessalonians 3:2 - Timothy, God's Minister")), highlighting his integral role in Paul's missionary endeavors, often serving as Paul's trusted delegate and representative.

**Who were Lucius, Jason, and Sosipater, and why are they called Paul's "kinsmen"?**

Answer: Lucius, Jason, and Sosipater were individuals who were with Paul when he wrote the letter to the Romans and sent their greetings to the Roman church. While less prominent in the New Testament narrative than Timothy, they were clearly part of Paul's close circle of associates. Sosipater is likely the same person as Sopater of Berea, mentioned in [Acts 20:4](/acts/20-4 "Acts 20:4 - Sopater of Berea") as accompanying Paul on his return to Jerusalem. Jason could be the host who suffered persecution with Paul in [Acts 17:5-9](/acts/17-5-9 "Acts 17:5-9 - Jason's Persecution"). The term "kinsmen" (Greek _syngenḗs_) most likely refers to their shared Jewish heritage with Paul. This indicates that they were fellow Jewish believers, underscoring the continued presence and importance of Jewish followers within the early Christian community, even as the church expanded to include Gentiles.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Romans 16:21, though a simple verse of greetings, subtly points to the Christ-centered nature of the early church's mission and fellowship. The "workfellows" and "kinsmen" mentioned here are not merely Paul's associates but co-laborers in the work of Christ, united by their common faith in Him. Their shared mission to "salute" the Roman church reflects the unity and love that Christ Himself prayed for among His disciples in [John 17:20-23](/john/17-20-23 "John 17:20-23 - Jesus' Prayer for Unity"). The very concept of "workfellows" in ministry finds its ultimate paradigm in Christ, who called His disciples not merely servants but "friends" ([John 15:15](/john/15-15 "John 15:15 - Jesus Calls Disciples Friends")) and invited them to participate in His redemptive work. The "kinsmen" also reflect Christ's own lineage and His fulfillment of the promises made to Israel, demonstrating that salvation, while extended to all, flows from the Jewish roots into which believers are grafted ([Romans 11:17-18](/romans/11-17-18 "Romans 11:17-18 - Gentiles Grafted In")). Ultimately, the entire network of relationships described in Romans 16, including the greetings from Timothy, Lucius, Jason, and Sosipater, testifies to the unifying power of the resurrected Christ, who builds His church and empowers His people to labor together for the glory of His name, embodying the truth that "we are God's fellow workers" ([1 Corinthians 3:9](/1_corinthians/3-9 "1 Corinthians 3:9 - God's Fellow Workers")).

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

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.