Romans 16:13

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

Study Bible

Greet Rufus
The act of greeting in the early Christian context was more than a simple acknowledgment; it was a sign of fellowship and unity within the body of Christ. The name "Rufus" is of Latin origin, meaning "red" or "reddish," possibly indicating a distinctive physical trait. Historically, Rufus is believed to be the son of Simon of Cyrene, who carried the cross of Jesus (Mark 15:21). This connection highlights the interwoven relationships within the early church and the personal nature of Paul's ministry.

chosen in the Lord
The phrase "chosen in the Lord" signifies a divine selection and calling. The Greek word for "chosen" is "eklektos," which implies being selected for a specific purpose or mission. This reflects the doctrine of election, where believers are chosen by God's grace for salvation and service. Rufus's designation as "chosen" underscores the personal and intentional nature of God's calling, emphasizing that each believer has a unique role within the body of Christ.

and his mother
The mention of Rufus's mother indicates the importance of familial relationships within the early Christian community. While her name is not given, her role is significant. In the Greco-Roman world, family ties were crucial, and the early church often mirrored these structures, providing support and care for one another. This reference highlights the integral role women played in the early church, often providing hospitality and nurturing the faith of others.

who has been a mother to me as well
Paul's acknowledgment of Rufus's mother as a maternal figure to him is deeply personal and affectionate. This phrase suggests a relationship of care, support, and perhaps mentorship. In the Greek, the word "mother" (mētēr) conveys not just biological motherhood but also a nurturing and guiding role. This reflects the broader spiritual family that believers are part of, where older women often took on mentoring roles, as seen in Titus 2:3-5. Paul's inclusion of this personal note illustrates the deep bonds formed within the Christian community, transcending biological ties and creating a family united in Christ.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Rufus
Mentioned as "chosen in the Lord," Rufus is likely a prominent member of the early Christian community. His designation as "chosen" suggests a special role or recognition within the church.

2. Rufus' Mother
Although unnamed, she is acknowledged for her nurturing role, not only to Rufus but also to Paul, indicating her significant influence and hospitality within the Christian community.

3. Paul
The apostle who wrote the letter to the Romans. His personal acknowledgment of Rufus' mother highlights the close-knit relationships within the early church.

4. The Church in Rome
The recipients of Paul's letter, which includes greetings to various individuals, showcasing the diverse and interconnected nature of the early Christian community.

5. The Early Christian Community
This passage reflects the familial bonds and mutual support that characterized the early church, emphasizing the importance of spiritual family.

Teaching Points

Spiritual Family Bonds
The early church exemplified a strong sense of spiritual family, where believers supported and nurtured one another. This passage encourages us to cultivate similar relationships within our church communities today.

The Role of Women in the Church
Rufus' mother is recognized for her maternal role, highlighting the significant contributions of women in the early church. We should honor and appreciate the nurturing and leadership roles women play in our congregations.

Hospitality and Care
Paul's acknowledgment of Rufus' mother as a mother to him underscores the importance of hospitality and care within the Christian community. We are called to extend love and support to fellow believers, treating them as family.

Recognition of Individual Contributions
By naming Rufus and his mother, Paul demonstrates the value of recognizing individual contributions to the church. We should strive to acknowledge and appreciate the unique gifts and roles of each member in our community.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does the concept of being "chosen in the Lord" apply to our understanding of our identity in Christ today?

2. In what ways can we foster a sense of spiritual family within our church communities, similar to the relationships described in Romans 16:13?

3. How can we better recognize and honor the contributions of women in our church, following the example of Paul's acknowledgment of Rufus' mother?

4. What practical steps can we take to extend hospitality and care to fellow believers, treating them as family?

5. How does the connection between Rufus and Simon of Cyrene (Mark 15:21) enhance our understanding of the impact of family legacy in faith?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Mark 15:21
This verse mentions Simon of Cyrene, the father of Alexander and Rufus, who was compelled to carry Jesus' cross. This connection suggests that Rufus may have been part of a family with a significant history in the early Christian account.

Matthew 12:49-50
Jesus speaks about those who do the will of His Father being His family, which parallels the spiritual family dynamic seen in Romans 16:13.

1 Timothy 5:1-2
Paul instructs Timothy on treating older women as mothers, which aligns with the respect and affection Paul shows to Rufus' mother.