What does Romans 16:13 mean?

Salute Rufus chosen in the Lord, and his mother and mine. Romans 16:13

Explanation

Romans 16:13 is a part of Apostle Paul’s concluding chapter in the Epistle to the Romans, where he greets various individuals in the Roman Christian community. This verse specifically addresses Rufus and his mother. When Paul refers to Rufus as “chosen in the Lord,” he highlights Rufus’s standing or election by God for a life of Christian witness or a specific role in the community. Paul also affectionately refers to Rufus’s mother as his own, which suggests that she might have acted like a mother to him, perhaps through her care, support, or nurture. This passage reflects the close and personal relationships within the early Christian communities.

Historical Context

The Book of Romans was written by the Apostle Paul around 56-58 AD. Paul was addressing the Christians in Rome, a diverse group comprising Jews and Gentiles. The Roman Church was not founded by Paul himself, so he is greeting people recommended to him or whose reputation he knew. Romans 16 contains a list of personal greetings to various individuals who were part of the church in Rome, and this demonstrates the personal connections and communal nature of the early Christian movement.

Theological Insights

Various theological insights can be drawn from this verse. Firstly, it addresses the concept of divine election (“chosen in the Lord”), suggesting that God has a purpose for each individual within the Christian faith. Also, by personally saluting individual members of the Roman community, Paul emphasizes the importance of personal relationships and community within the body of Christ. Furthermore, the acknowledgement of Rufus’s mother as also being a mother to Paul highlights the theological notion of the church as a family of believers, transcending biological ties.

Practical Applications

Practically speaking, this verse can remind Christians today to acknowledge and appreciate individuals who play significant roles in their faith communities. It encourages believers to treat each other as family and to provide support and care in the same manner. Moreover, it reinforces the value of recognizing every member’s contributions, big or small, as chosen and valuable parts of God’s plan.

Cross-References

• Romans 8:33: “Who shall lay any thing to the charge of God’s elect? [It is] God that justifieth.”
• 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.”
• 1 Timothy 5:1-2: “Rebuke not an elder, but intreat [him] as a father; [and] the younger men as brethren; The elder women as mothers; the younger as sisters, with all purity.”

Language Study

The term “chosen” in the original Greek is “εκλεκτος” (eklektos), which means selected, elect, or chosen, indicating someone who is singled out or favored. It has a connotation of being selected by God for a particular purpose or role. “In the Lord” suggests that this selection or favor is within the sphere of influence or relationship with Jesus Christ.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

In other ancient religions and myths, the concept of being “chosen” or favored by the gods is a recurring theme. However, in the Christian context, the idea is less about elite status or heroic feats and more about being chosen for service, moral integrity, and spreading the faith. Unlike some myths where being chosen could result in unfortunate fates or burdensome tasks, the New Testament view of being chosen is typically seen as a positive, honored position within the faith community.

Scientific Perspectives

There are no direct scientific insights related to this straightforward greeting and commendation in Romans 16:13. However, the idea of community bonding, as suggested by Paul’s warm references to Rufus and his mother, is supported by modern social science – noting the psychological and social benefits of belonging to a supportive community.

Commentaries

Many biblical scholars and commentators view Romans 16:13 as evidence of the warm and familial nature of early Christian relationships. Some suggest Rufus could be the same person mentioned in Mark 15:21, the son of Simon of Cyrene, which, if true, indicates Rufus had a significant heritage in the Christian story. Commentators often highlight the verse as an example of the personal and affectionate tone that Paul took with those he was in ministry with, showing that the apostolic ministry was rooted in personal, loving relationships.