Romans 16:13 – “Greet Rufus, chosen in the Lord, and his mother, who has been a mother to me, too.”

Extended Explanation

In this verse, Paul greets Rufus, calling him “chosen in the Lord.” This phrase suggests that Rufus was someone deeply committed to Christ, possibly someone known for his faith and service in the church. While all believers are chosen by God (Ephesians 1:4), Paul’s specific mention of Rufus in this way may indicate that he had a unique calling or reputation among Christians.

Paul also sends greetings to Rufus’s mother, saying that she had been “a mother to me, too.” This reveals a special relationship between Paul and this woman, suggesting that she had cared for him in a personal and motherly way at some point in his ministry. She may have provided him with hospitality, encouragement, or even practical care when he was in need.

This verse highlights the importance of spiritual family within the church. While believers are not always related by blood, they can still form deep, family-like relationships in Christ.

Historical Context

The name Rufus appears elsewhere in the Bible, specifically in Mark 15:21, where it is said that Simon of Cyrene, the man who carried Jesus’ cross, was the father of Alexander and Rufus. Some scholars believe that this may be the same Rufus Paul mentions here. If so, it means Rufus came from a family that had a direct connection to Jesus’ crucifixion.

If this is the same Rufus, his father’s act of carrying Jesus’ cross may have deeply shaped his faith and commitment to Christ. It would also explain why Paul calls him “chosen in the Lord,” as he may have been known for his faithfulness in the Christian community.

As for Rufus’s mother, we do not know her name, but her care for Paul suggests that she was an active and loving figure in the early church. In ancient culture, hospitality was a significant responsibility, and Christian women often took on the role of providing for and encouraging traveling missionaries.

Theological Implications

1. God creates spiritual families within the church. Paul saw Rufus’s mother as a mother figure in his own life, showing that Christian relationships can be just as deep as biological ones.
2. Some believers are recognized for their faithfulness. Paul’s special mention of Rufus as “chosen in the Lord” suggests that faithfulness to God is something worth honoring.
3. Serving others in the church makes a lasting impact. Rufus’s mother is not remembered for preaching or leadership, but for her care and love. Simple acts of kindness in Christ’s name are significant.

Literary Analysis

Romans 16 is filled with personal greetings, and this verse is particularly warm and personal. Paul does not just list names; he includes details that show his affection and appreciation for these individuals.

The phrase “chosen in the Lord” (Greek: eklektos en kyriō) is a significant one. While all believers are chosen by God, Paul seems to be emphasizing something specific about Rufus. He may have been a well-known Christian with a strong reputation for faithfulness.

The phrase “his mother, who has been a mother to me, too” is also unique in Paul’s writings. It shows that he had a close, family-like bond with certain believers, reinforcing the idea that the church is not just an institution but a spiritual family.

Biblical Cross-References

• Mark 15:21 – “A certain man from Cyrene, Simon, the father of Alexander and Rufus, was passing by on his way in from the country, and they forced him to carry the cross.” (Possibly the same Rufus.)
• Ephesians 1:4 – “For he chose us in him before the creation of the world to be holy and blameless in his sight.” (All believers are chosen by God.)
• Galatians 6:10 – “Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially to those who belong to the family of believers.”
• 1 Timothy 5:1-2 – “Treat older men as fathers, younger men as brothers, older women as mothers, and younger women as sisters, with absolute purity.” (The idea of spiritual family in the church.)
• Matthew 12:48-50 – Jesus says that His true family consists of those who do the will of God.

What This Verse Means for Today’s Christian

1. The church is meant to be a spiritual family. Paul’s relationship with Rufus’s mother shows that the body of Christ is more than just an organization—it is a place where believers can find love, support, and encouragement.
2. Faithfulness is something to be honored. Just as Paul singled out Rufus as “chosen in the Lord,” we should recognize and encourage those who demonstrate strong faith and service to Christ.
3. Acts of kindness and care matter. Rufus’s mother is remembered not for any great theological work, but simply for the way she treated Paul with love and care. This reminds us that even small acts of hospitality can have a deep impact on someone’s faith journey.

How This Verse Relates to a Loving God

God’s love is seen in how He brings believers together into spiritual families. Many people may not have strong earthly families, but in Christ, they find brothers, sisters, mothers, and fathers in the faith. This verse reflects God’s heart for His people, showing that He provides for His children not just spiritually but relationally as well.

God’s love is also seen in how He calls and honors faithful believers. Rufus is recognized as “chosen in the Lord,” showing that God sees and values those who walk faithfully with Him.

How This Verse Connects to Jesus Christ

1. Jesus redefined family in the kingdom of God. In Matthew 12:48-50, Jesus says that those who do the will of God are His true family. Paul’s relationship with Rufus’s mother reflects this truth—our deepest family ties are in Christ.
2. Jesus taught that serving others is an act of love. Rufus’s mother cared for Paul, and in doing so, she was living out Jesus’ command to love and serve one another (Mark 10:45).
3. Jesus’ sacrifice may have directly impacted Rufus. If Rufus was indeed the son of Simon of Cyrene, his family had a direct connection to the crucifixion of Jesus. Seeing his father carry the cross may have been a turning point that led him to faith in Christ.

Questions for Reflection and Discussion

1. How does this verse challenge the way we think about the church as a spiritual family?
2. Are there people in your life who have been like spiritual parents or siblings to you? How can you show appreciation for them?
3. What can we learn from Rufus’s mother about simple acts of love and service in the church?
4. How can we honor and encourage those who are “chosen in the Lord” and faithful in their service?
5. If Rufus was the son of Simon of Cyrene, how might his family’s connection to Jesus’ crucifixion have shaped his faith?