Romans 16:13
Salute Rufus chosen in the Lord, and his mother and mine.
Original Language Analysis
ἀσπάσασθε
Salute
G782
ἀσπάσασθε
Salute
Strong's:
G782
Word #:
1 of 12
to enfold in the arms, i.e., (by implication) to salute, (figuratively) to welcome
τὸν
G3588
τὸν
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
3 of 12
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
κυρίῳ
the Lord
G2962
κυρίῳ
the Lord
Strong's:
G2962
Word #:
6 of 12
supreme in authority, i.e., (as noun) controller; by implication, master (as a respectful title)
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
7 of 12
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
τὴν
G3588
τὴν
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
8 of 12
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
μητέρα
mother
G3384
μητέρα
mother
Strong's:
G3384
Word #:
9 of 12
a "mother" (literally or figuratively, immediate or remote)
αὐτοῦ
his
G846
αὐτοῦ
his
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
10 of 12
the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons
Cross References
Mark 15:21And they compel one Simon a Cyrenian, who passed by, coming out of the country, the father of Alexander and Rufus, to bear his cross.1 Timothy 5:2The elder women as mothers; the younger as sisters, with all purity.2 John 1:1The elder unto the elect lady and her children, whom I love in the truth; and not I only, but also all they that have known the truth;John 15:16Ye 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.
Historical Context
If this Rufus is Simon of Cyrene's son, his father carried Jesus' cross (Mark 15:21). That Mark mentions Alexander and Rufus by name (only in Mark's Gospel) suggests they were known to Mark's audience—early Roman Christians. Simon's family may have witnessed the crucifixion and resurrection, becoming foundational members of Jerusalem church before dispersing. Rufus' mother's hospitality to Paul exemplifies the church as family: spiritual bonds transcend biological kinship. Paul calls Timothy 'my son' (1 Timothy 1:2), Onesimus 'my son' (Philemon 10), and numerous older women 'mother' (1 Timothy 5:2).
Questions for Reflection
- What does it mean to be '<em>eklektos en kyriō</em>' (chosen in the Lord)—how does election produce distinction and service?
- How does Paul's description of Rufus' mother as 'his and mine' model the church as spiritual family transcending biological ties?
- Who are the spiritual 'mothers' and 'fathers' in your life—mentors, caregivers, encouragers—and how do you honor them?
Analysis & Commentary
Salute Rufus chosen in the Lord, and his mother and mine—Aspasasthe Rhoupphon ton eklekton en kyriō kai tēn mētera autou kai emou (ἀσπάσασθε Ῥοῦφον τὸν ἐκλεκτὸν ἐν κυρίῳ καὶ τὴν μητέρα αὐτοῦ καὶ ἐμοῦ). Eklekton en kyriō (ἐκλεκτός ἐν κυρίῳ, chosen in the Lord) could mean 'excellent' or 'elect'—likely both. Rufus is distinguished, set apart for service. Mark 15:21 mentions 'Simon of Cyrene, father of Alexander and Rufus,' who carried Jesus' cross—possibly this same Rufus, suggesting his family knew Jesus personally and became early believers. Tēn mētera autou kai emou (his mother and mine) shows Paul's affection: Rufus' mother treated Paul maternally, perhaps hosting him, caring for him during ministry—creating spiritual family bond.