Romans 16:21
Timotheus my workfellow, and Lucius, and Jason, and Sosipater, my kinsmen, salute you.
Original Language Analysis
ἀσπάζονταί
salute
G782
ἀσπάζονταί
salute
Strong's:
G782
Word #:
1 of 15
to enfold in the arms, i.e., (by implication) to salute, (figuratively) to welcome
ὁ
G3588
ὁ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
4 of 15
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
7 of 15
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
9 of 15
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
11 of 15
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
οἱ
G3588
οἱ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
13 of 15
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
Cross References
Acts 20:4And 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 13:1Now 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.Acts 17:5But 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.Romans 16:7Salute Andronicus and Junia, my kinsmen, and my fellowprisoners, who are of note among the apostles, who also were in Christ before me.Romans 16:11Salute Herodion my kinsman. Greet them that be of the household of Narcissus, which are in the Lord.
Historical Context
Timothy was Paul's protégé—half-Jewish (Acts 16:1), circumcised to facilitate Jewish ministry (Acts 16:3), co-author of six epistles (2 Corinthians, Philippians, Colossians, 1-2 Thessalonians, Philemon), pastor of Ephesus (1 Timothy 1:3), recipient of two pastoral letters. His mention here (with lesser-known co-workers) demonstrates Paul's team approach: apostolic ministry was collaborative, not solo. Jason's courage in Thessalonica (Acts 17:5-9—posting bond for Paul, risking his life) exemplifies the cost of hospitality to apostles. These 'workfellows' partnered in planting churches across the Roman world.
Questions for Reflection
- What does Timothy's description as '<em>synergos</em>' (co-worker) rather than 'assistant' teach about mentoring and ministry partnership?
- How do Jason's and Sosipater's roles (hosting, traveling, supporting) demonstrate that 'full-time ministry' isn't the only way to serve the gospel?
- Who are your 'workfellows' (<em>synergoi</em>)—partners in gospel ministry—and how do you cultivate collaborative mission rather than solo heroism?
Analysis & Commentary
Timotheus my workfellow, and Lucius, and Jason, and Sosipater, my kinsmen, salute you—Aspazetai hymas Timotheos ho synergos mou, kai Loukios kai Iasōn kai Sōsipatros hoi syngeneis mou (ἀσπάζεται ὑμᾶς Τιμόθεος ὁ συνεργός μου, καὶ Λούκιος καὶ Ἰάσων καὶ Σωσίπατρος οἱ συγγενεῖς μου). Timothy is synergos (συνεργός, co-worker), Paul's closest associate (Philippians 2:20-22, 'no man likeminded'). Syngeneis (συγγενής, kinsmen) identifies Lucius, Jason, Sosipater as fellow Jews. Jason likely hosted Paul in Thessalonica, facing mob violence (Acts 17:5-9). Sosipater may be Sopater of Berea (Acts 20:4), Paul's travel companion.