New International Version Greet Rufus, chosen in the Lord, and his mother, who has been a mother to me, too. New Living Translation Greet Rufus, whom the Lord picked out to be his very own; and also his dear mother, who has been a mother to me. English Standard Version Greet Rufus, chosen in the Lord; also his mother, who has been a mother to me as well. Berean Standard Bible Greet Rufus, chosen in the Lord, and his mother, who has been a mother to me as well. Berean Literal Bible Greet Rufus, chosen in the Lord, and his mother and mine. King James Bible Salute Rufus chosen in the Lord, and his mother and mine. New King James Version Greet Rufus, chosen in the Lord, and his mother and mine. New American Standard Bible Greet Rufus, a choice man in the Lord, also his mother and mine. NASB 1995 Greet Rufus, a choice man in the Lord, also his mother and mine. NASB 1977 Greet Rufus, a choice man in the Lord, also his mother and mine. Legacy Standard Bible Greet Rufus, a choice man in the Lord, also his mother and mine. Amplified Bible Greet Rufus, an eminent and choice man in the Lord, also his mother [who has been] a mother to me as well. Berean Annotated Bible Greet Rufus (red-haired), chosen in the Lord {Kyriō}, and his mother, who has been a mother to me as well. Christian Standard Bible Greet Rufus, chosen in the Lord; also his mother—and mine. Holman Christian Standard Bible Greet Rufus, chosen in the Lord; also his mother—and mine. American Standard Version Salute Rufus the chosen in the Lord, and his mother and mine. Contemporary English Version Greet Rufus, that special servant of the Lord, and greet his mother, who has been like a mother to me. English Revised Version Salute Rufus the chosen in the Lord, and his mother and mine. GOD'S WORD® Translation Greet Rufus, that outstanding Christian, and his mother, who has been a mother to me too. Good News Translation I send greetings to Rufus, that outstanding worker in the Lord's service, and to his mother, who has always treated me like a son. International Standard Version Greet Rufus, the one chosen by the Lord, and his mother, who has been a mother to me, too. NET Bible Greet Rufus, chosen in the Lord, and his mother who was also a mother to me. New Heart English Bible Greet Rufus, the chosen in the Lord, and his mother and mine. Webster's Bible Translation Salute Rufus chosen in the Lord, and his mother and mine. Weymouth New Testament Greetings to Rufus, who is one of the Lord's chosen people; and to his mother, who has also been a mother to me. Majority Text Translations Majority Standard BibleGreet Apelles, who is approved in Christ. Greet those who belong to the household of Aristobulus. World English Bible Greet Rufus, the chosen in the Lord, and his mother and mine. Literal Translations Literal Standard VersionGreet Rufus, the chosen one in the LORD, and his mother and mine, Berean Literal Bible Greet Rufus, chosen in the Lord, and his mother and mine. Young's Literal Translation Salute Rufus, the choice one in the Lord, and his mother and mine, Smith's Literal Translation Embrace Rufus chosen in the Lord, and his mother and mine. Catholic Translations Douay-Rheims BibleSalute Rufus, elect in the Lord, and his mother and mine. Catholic Public Domain Version Greet Rufus, elect in the Lord, and his mother and mine. New American Bible Greet Rufus, chosen in the Lord, and his mother and mine. New Revised Standard Version Greet Rufus, chosen in the Lord; and greet his mother—a mother to me also. Translations from Aramaic Lamsa BibleSalute Rufus chosen in our LORD, and his mother, who is also a mother to me. Aramaic Bible in Plain English Invoke the peace of Rufus, chosen in Our Lord, and of his mother and mine. NT Translations Anderson New TestamentSalute Rufus, the chosen in the Lord, and his mother and mine. Godbey New Testament Salute Rufus the elect in the Lord, and his mother and mine. Haweis New Testament Salute Rufus elect in the Lord, and his mother and mine. Mace New Testament salute Rufus chosen by the Lord, and his mother and mine. Weymouth New Testament Greetings to Rufus, who is one of the Lord's chosen people; and to his mother, who has also been a mother to me. Worrell New Testament Salute Rufus, the elect in the Lord, and his mother and mine. Worsley New Testament Salute Rufus chosen in the Lord, and his mother and even mine. Additional Translations ... Audio Bible (Voice ▾ Musical ▾) Context Personal Greetings and Love…12Greet Tryphena and Tryphosa, women who have worked hard in the Lord. Greet my beloved Persis, who has worked very hard in the Lord. 13Greet Rufus, chosen in the Lord, and his mother, who has been a mother to me as well. 14Greet Asyncritus, Phlegon, Hermes, Patrobas, Hermas, and the brothers with them.… Cross References Greet Rufus, Mark 15:21 Now Simon of Cyrene, the father of Alexander and Rufus, was passing by on his way in from the country, and the soldiers forced him to carry the cross of Jesus. 2 Timothy 4:19 Greet Prisca and Aquila, as well as the household of Onesiphorus. 2 Corinthians 13:12 Greet one another with a holy kiss. chosen in the Lord, Ephesians 1:4 For He chose us in Him before the foundation of the world to be holy and blameless in His presence. In love 1 Thessalonians 1:4 Brothers who are beloved by God, we know that He has chosen you, Colossians 3:12 Therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, clothe yourselves with hearts of compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience. and his mother, 2 Timothy 1:5 I am reminded of your sincere faith, which first dwelt in your grandmother Lois and your mother Eunice, and I am convinced is in you as well. Acts 16:1 Paul came to Derbe and then to Lystra, where he found a disciple named Timothy, the son of a believing Jewish woman and a Greek father. Mark 15:40 And there were also women watching from a distance. Among them were Mary Magdalene, Mary the mother of James the younger and of Joses, and Salome. who has been a mother to me as well. 1 Thessalonians 2:7 On the contrary, we were gentle among you, like a nursing mother caring for her children. Isaiah 66:13 As a mother comforts her son, so will I comfort you, and you will be consoled over Jerusalem.” 1 Timothy 5:2 older women as mothers, and younger women as sisters, with absolute purity. Acts 12:12 And when he had realized this, he went to the house of Mary the mother of John, also called Mark, where many people had gathered together and were praying. 1 Corinthians 1:26 Brothers, consider the time of your calling: Not many of you were wise by human standards; not many were powerful; not many were of noble birth. Philippians 4:3 Yes, and I ask you, my true yokefellow, to help these women who have contended at my side for the gospel, along with Clement and the rest of my fellow workers, whose names are in the Book of Life. 2 John 1:1 The elder, To the chosen lady and her children, whom I love in the truth—and not I alone, but also all who know the truth— Treasury of Scripture Salute Rufus chosen in the Lord, and his mother and mine. Rufus. 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. chosen. Matthew 20:16 So the last shall be first, and the first last: for many be called, but few chosen. 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: his. Matthew 12:49,50 And he stretched forth his hand toward his disciples, and said, Behold my mother and my brethren! … Mark 3:35 For whosoever shall do the will of God, the same is my brother, and my sister, and mother. John 19:27 Then saith he to the disciple, Behold thy mother! And from that hour that disciple took her unto his own home. Jump to Previous Choice Chosen Eminent Greet Greetings Lord's Mother Rufus Salute SelectionJump to Next Choice Chosen Eminent Greet Greetings Lord's Mother Rufus Salute SelectionRomans 16 1. Paul wills the brothers to greet many;17. and advises them to take heed of those which cause dissension and offenses; 21. and after various salutations ends with praise and thanks to God. Greet Rufus, Rufus was evidently a respected believer in the Roman church. He may be the Rufus named in Mark 15:21 as the son of Simon of Cyrene, who was compelled to carry Jesus’ cross. Mark’s naming of Alexander and Rufus may indicate that they were known among Roman Christians, connecting Rufus’s family to the events of Christ’s crucifixion. Mrk 15:21 Simon of Cyrene, the father of Alexander and Rufus,… chosen in the Lord, Rufus stood out as one especially favored and faithful in Christ. His standing rested in union with the Lord, not personal status or human achievement. God’s saving grace sets believers apart for Himself and calls them to live as His people. Eph 1:4 For He chose us in Him before the foundation of the world… and his mother, Rufus’s mother was also known to Paul, though her name is not recorded. Her inclusion honors a woman whose service and care had strengthened the Christian community. Women regularly contributed hospitality, support, instruction, and sacrificial labor to the life of the early churches. 2Ti 1:5 I am reminded of your sincere faith, which first dwelt…… who has been a mother to me as well. She had shown Paul maternal affection and practical care, perhaps during one of his periods of travel, hardship, or ministry. Her love illustrates the reality of the church as God’s household, where devotion to Christ creates enduring spiritual family bonds. 1Th 2:7 On the contrary, we were gentle among you… Persons / Places / Events 1. RufusMentioned 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 BondsThe 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 and Answers 1. What is the meaning of Romans 16:13?2. How can we honor those who have "worked hard in the Lord" today? 3. What does Romans 16:13 teach about the importance of spiritual family? 4. How does Romans 16:13 connect with honoring parents in Exodus 20:12? 5. In what ways can we show appreciation to spiritual mentors in our lives? 6. How can we emulate Rufus's mother's example of nurturing faith in others? 7. Who is Rufus mentioned in Romans 16:13, and why is he significant? 8. What does Romans 16:13 reveal about early Christian communities? 9. How does Romans 16:13 reflect the role of women in the early church? 10. What are the top 10 Lessons from Romans 16? What Does Romans 16:13 Mean Greet RufusPaul 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. (13) Rufus.—Simon of Cyrene is described in St. Mark’s Gospel (Mark 15:21) as “the father of Alexander and Rufus,” and as there is a substantial tradition, favoured by some internal indications, that this Gospel was written at Rome, it is not unlikely that the same Rufus may be meant.Chosen in the Lord.—An eminent Christian. His mother and mine.—His mother, who has also been like a mother to me. Verse 13. - Salute Rufus chosen in the Lord, and his mother and mine. Observe the graceful way in which St. Paul intimates his obligation to the mother of Rufus, who at some time (though when and where we know not) had been as a mother to himself. Similar delicate courtesy of language is especially observable in the Epistle to Philemon.Parallel Commentaries ... Greek GreetἈσπάσασθε (Aspasasthe) Verb - Aorist Imperative Middle - 2nd Person Plural Strong's 782: To greet, salute, pay my respects to, welcome. To enfold in the arms, i.e. to salute, to welcome. Rufus, Ῥοῦφον (Rhouphon) Noun - Accusative Masculine Singular Strong's 4504: Of Latin origin; red; Rufus, a Christian. chosen ἐκλεκτὸν (eklekton) Adjective - Accusative Masculine Singular Strong's 1588: From eklegomai; select; by implication, favorite. in ἐν (en) Preposition Strong's 1722: In, on, among. A primary preposition denoting position, and instrumentality, i.e. A relation of rest; 'in, ' at, on, by, etc. [the] Lord, Κυρίῳ (Kyriō) Noun - Dative Masculine Singular Strong's 2962: Lord, master, sir; the Lord. From kuros; supreme in authority, i.e. controller; by implication, Master. and καὶ (kai) Conjunction Strong's 2532: And, even, also, namely. his αὐτοῦ (autou) Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Genitive Masculine 3rd Person Singular Strong's 846: He, she, it, they, them, same. From the particle au; the reflexive pronoun self, used of the third person, and of the other persons. mother, μητέρα (mētera) Noun - Accusative Feminine Singular Strong's 3384: A mother. Apparently a primary word; a 'mother'. [who has been a mother] to me ἐμοῦ (emou) Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Genitive 1st Person Singular Strong's 1473: I, the first-person pronoun. A primary pronoun of the first person I. as well. καὶ (kai) Conjunction Strong's 2532: And, even, also, namely. Additonal Resources Romans 16:13 Blue Letter BibleRomans 16:13 Bible Gateway Romans 16:13 Bible.com Romans 16:13 NIV |
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