Romans 16:13
What does Romans 16:13 mean?
A plain-English look at Romans 16:13 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What Romans 16:13 means
Paul greets Rufus, described as chosen in the Lord, highlighting God’s gracious initiative and Rufus’s distinguished standing in Christ. He also greets Rufus’s mother, whom he calls his own mother, indicating she had shown him maternal care. This warm note reveals how Christian fellowship often becomes family-like, meeting relational needs as believers share life and burdens. God’s grace not only calls individuals but knits them into nurturing relationships. Paul’s gratitude acknowledges that the advance of the gospel is sustained not only by public labors but also by personal kindness offered in Christ’s name.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000Salute Rufus the chosen in the Lord, and his mother and mine.
KJV
King James Version · 1611Salute Rufus chosen in the Lord, and his mother and mine.
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901Salute Rufus the chosen in the Lord, and his mother and mine.
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949Give my love to Rufus, one of the Lord's selection, and to his mother and mine.
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862Salute Rufus, the choice one in the Lord, and his mother and mine,
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752Salute Rufus, elect in the Lord, and his mother and mine.
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890Salute Rufus, chosen in [the] Lord; and his mother and mine.
Context
After listing laborers and households, Paul adds a personal touch—honoring Rufus and the motherly care he received. The greetings now encompass both ministry achievements and intimate acts of love. Verses 14–15 will broaden to groups of believers gathered with specific individuals, likely house-church clusters. Then in verse 16, Paul will call the whole church to express unity tangibly, preparing for the transition to warnings against divisiveness in verses 17–18.
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- Mark 15:21
And they compel one passing by, Simon of Cyrene, coming from the country, the father of Alexander and Rufus, to go with them, that he might bear his cross.
- Matthew 20:16
So the last shall be first, and the first last.
- John 19:27
Then saith he to the disciple, Behold, thy mother! And from that hour the disciple took her unto his own home.
- 2 Thessalonians 2:13
But we are bound to give thanks to God always for you, brethren beloved of the Lord, for that God chose you from the beginning unto salvation in sanctification of the Spirit and belief of the truth:
- John 15:16
Ye did not choose me, but I chose you, and appointed you, that ye should go and bear fruit, and that your fruit should abide: that whatsoever ye shall ask of the Father in my name, he may give it you.
- Matthew 12:49
And he stretched forth his hand towards his disciples, and said, Behold, my mother and my brethren!
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