What is the meaning of Romans 16:13? Greet Rufus Paul writes, “Greet Rufus” (Romans 16:13). • Personal greetings show the warmth and reality of fellowship among believers (Romans 16:3-4; Philippians 4:21). • They remind every believer—no matter how ordinary a name may seem—that God sees and records faithful service (2 Timothy 4:7-8). • A simple greeting is an act of love commanded elsewhere: “Greet all the brothers with a holy kiss” (1 Thessalonians 5:26; cf. 2 John 1:13). By naming Rufus, the Holy Spirit affirms the value of each member in the body of Christ. Chosen in the Lord Paul adds that Rufus is “chosen in the Lord.” • This points to God’s gracious election (Ephesians 1:4; 2 Thessalonians 2:13). • Being “chosen” offers assurance: “You did not choose Me, but I chose you” (John 15:16). • Election fuels humility and service, not pride, because it is grounded in Christ’s work alone (1 Peter 1:1-2). Rufus’s life is a testimony that God calls specific people for His purposes, anchoring their identity firmly “in the Lord.” And his mother Paul continues, “and his mother.” • Scripture consistently honors mothers (Exodus 20:12; Proverbs 31:28-30). • Rufus’s mother is remembered not for position but for faithful nurture—echoing Lois and Eunice, who passed sincere faith to Timothy (2 Timothy 1:5). • Her inclusion shows that practical, everyday obedience can ripple into lasting kingdom impact. Who has been a mother to me as well Paul says Rufus’s mother “has been a mother to me as well.” • Spiritual family transcends bloodlines (Matthew 12:49-50). • Just as Jesus entrusted Mary to John (John 19:26-27), believers care for one another in familial ways. • Paul often spoke of spiritual parenthood—calling Timothy his “true child in the faith” (1 Timothy 1:2) and comparing his labor to childbirth (Galatians 4:19). • Practical expressions may include: – Providing meals and lodging (Acts 16:15) – Offering counsel and encouragement (Philemon 1:7) – Protecting and advocating when ministry is opposed (Acts 18:26) Such maternal care strengthened Paul for continued gospel work. summary Romans 16:13 celebrates individual believers—Rufus, specially chosen by God, and a mother whose loving service extended to the apostle himself. Together they illustrate the tender, family-like bonds Christ forges in His church, affirm the comforting doctrine of election, and highlight how ordinary acts of maternal kindness advance the gospel and refresh God’s servants. |
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