Exegetical and Hermeneutical Commentary of Romans 16:13
Salute Rufus chosen in the Lord, and his mother and mine.
13. Rufus ] A Latin name. Possibly this was the Rufus of Mar 15:21, brother of Alexander and son of Simon the Cyrenian. Alexander and Rufus are apparently named by St Mark as well known in the Christian Church, and it is observable that his Gospel was probably written at Rome. But the name is a common one.
chosen in the Lord ] Lit. the chosen one, &c. All true Christians might be so described, (Rom 8:33,) but this, as Meyer remarks, would not forbid a special and emphatic use of the word, in the case of a Christian remarkable for character or usefulness.
his mother and mine ] Evidently, the mother of Rufus (possibly the wife of Simon the Cyrenian,) had endeared herself to St Paul by special Christian kindness; the sweeter to him as his own parents, probably, were long departed.
Fuente: The Cambridge Bible for Schools and Colleges
Chosen in the Lord – Elect in the Lord; that is, a chosen follower of Christ.
And his mother and mine – His mother in a literal sense, and mine in a figurative one. An instance of the delicacy and tenderness of Paul; of his love for this disciple and his mother, as if he were of the same family. Religion binds the hearts of all who embrace it tenderly together. It makes them feel that they are one great family, united by tender ties, and joined by special attachments. See what the Lord Jesus declared in Mat 12:47-50, and his tender address to John when he was on the cross; Joh 19:26-27.
Fuente: Albert Barnes’ Notes on the Bible
Verse 13. Rufus, chosen in the Lord] , one of great excellence in Christianity; a choice man, as we would say. So the word often signifies. Ps 78:31: They smote , the chosen men that were of Israel. So are choice sepulchres, Ge 23:6: choice gifts, De 12:11; and , choice men, Jdg 20:16. By the same use of the word, the companions of Paul and Barnabas are termed chosen men, , persons in whom the Church of God could confide. See Whitby.
His mother and mine.] It is not likely that the mother of Rufus was the mother of Paul; but while she was the natural mother of the former, she acted as a mother to the latter. We say of a person of this character, that she is a motherly woman. Among the ancients, he or she who acted a kind, instructing, and indulgent part to another, was styled the father or mother of such a one. So Terence:-
Natura tu illi pater es, consiliis ego.
Adelphi, Act. i. scen. 2, ver. 47.
Thou art his father by nature, I by instruction.
Fuente: Adam Clarke’s Commentary and Critical Notes on the Bible
Salute Rufus; the same (it may be) of whom you may read, Mar 15:21.
Chosen in the Lord; a choice Christian, one eminent for gifts and graces. So, 2Jo 1:1, you read of an elect lady: he is supposed not to speak here of eternal election.
And his mother and mine; his mother by nature, mine by affection: she hath tendered me as a mother her son: see 1Ti 5:2.
Fuente: English Annotations on the Holy Bible by Matthew Poole
13. Salute Rufus, chosen“thechosen”
in the Lordmeaning,not “who is one of the elect,” as every believer is, but”the choice” or “precious one” in the Lord. (See1Pe 2:4; 2Jn 1:13).We read in Mr 15:21 that Simonof Cyrene, who was compelled to bear our Lord’s cross, was “thefather of Alexander and Rufus.” From this we naturally concludethat when Mark wrote his Gospel, Alexander and Rufus must have beenwell known as Christians among those by whom he expected his Gospelto be first read; and, in all likelihood, this was that very “Rufus”;in which case our interest is deepened by what immediately followsabout his mother.
andsalute.
his mother and mineTheapostle calls her “his own mother,” not so much as our Lordcalls every elderly woman believer His mother (Mat 12:49;Mat 12:50), but in gratefulacknowledgment of her motherly attentions to himself, bestowed nodoubt for his Master’s sake, and the love she bore to his honoredservants. To us it seems altogether likely that the conversion ofSimon the Cyrenian dated from that memorable day when “passing[casually] by, as he came from the country” (Mr15:21), “they compelled him to bear the” Saviour’scross. Sweet compulsion, if what he thus beheld issued in hisvoluntarily taking up his own cross! Through him it is naturalto suppose that his wife would be brought in, and that this believingcouple, now “heirs together of the grace of life” (1Pe3:7), as they told their two sons, Alexander and Rufus, whathonor had unwittingly been put upon their father at that hour ofdeepest and dearest moment to all Christians, might be blessed to theinbringing of both of them to Christ. In this case, supposing theelder of the two to have departed to be with Christ ere this letterwas written, or to have been residing in some other place, and Rufusleft alone with his mother, how instructive and beautiful is thetestimony here borne to her!
Fuente: Jamieson, Fausset and Brown’s Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible
Salute Rufus chosen in the Lord,…. This was a Roman name; frequent mention is made Jewish writings u of one Turnus Rufus, a Roman officer, that destroyed the temple, and ploughed up the city of Jerusalem; the name was in use among the Cyrenians, for one of the sons of Simon of Cyrene, whom the Jews compelled to carry the cross of Christ, was so called, Mr 15:21; and some have thought that the same person is here meant, nor is it unlikely; he is said to be one of the seventy disciples, and to be bishop of Thebes;
[See comments on Lu 10:1]. The apostle knew him, and that as one “chosen in the Lord”; meaning either that he was a choice believer in Christ, an excellent Christian, one of the highest form; for though all true believers have like precious faith, yet some are strong, and others weak, in the exercise of it; this man was eminent for his faith in Christ: or he might be one that was chosen to some office in the church, as to that of a deacon, or pastor; though had this been the case, it is much the particular office was not mentioned: rather therefore this is to be understood of his being chosen in Christ to grace and glory and that from all eternity; for the phrase is only used in one place more, Eph 1:4; and there most manifestly designs the election of persons in Christ, before the foundation of the world; which election is made not “for” Christ, or the sake of his merits, his blood, righteousness and sacrifice, which have no causal influence on this act, and which purely arises from the love and grace of God; nor merely “by” him as God equal with the Father, though this is true; but “in” him, as the head and representative of the chosen ones: this instance, as others, shows that election is not of nations, nor churches, but of particular persons; and so expresses the distinguishing, free, and sovereign grace of God in it, that one and not another should be chosen; though these are on an equal foot, and so not owing to foreseen faith, holiness, and good works. The apostle knew this man to be a chosen vessel, not by immediate revelation, or divine inspiration, but by his faith in Christ, and love to him, and by the power of the Gospel on him; and so may anyone know himself, or another man hereby to be chosen, and ought in a judgment of charity so to think of him, as long as his life is agreeably to his profession; see 1Th 1:4. The apostle not only salutes this man, but his mother also, who doubtless was a believer in Christ, and highly respected by him:
and his mother and mine; the mother of Rufus in nature, and his mother in affection; and who very probably had endeared herself to the apostle by some kind offices, which she, as a Christian, had performed towards him; for the apostle cannot mean his own natural mother, besides Rufus’s, whom he salutes, and whom Anselm on the place suggests might be at Rome; since it can hardly be thought he would have passed the mention of her in so transient a manner.
u T. Hieros. Taanioth, fol. 69. 2. T. Bab. Nedar. fol. 50. 2. Avoda Zara, fol. 20. 1. & Sanhedrin, fol. 65. 2. Juchasin, fol. 36. 2.
Fuente: John Gill’s Exposition of the Entire Bible
Rufus (). A very common slave name, possibly the Rufus of Mr 15:21. The word means “red.”
The chosen ( ). Not “the elect,” but “the select.”
And mine ( ). Paul’s appreciation of her maternal care once, not his real mother.
Fuente: Robertson’s Word Pictures in the New Testament
Rufus. Meaning red. Possibly the son of Simon of Cyrene, Mr 14:21. Mark probably wrote in Rome.
And mine. Delicately intimating her maternal care for him.
Fuente: Vincent’s Word Studies in the New Testament
1) “Salute Rufus chosen in the Lord,” (aspasasthe Rouphon ton eklekton en kurio) “Greet ye (also) Rufus the called out, elected, or chosen in (the) Lord,” called out to some special work, Eph 2:10; Mat 5:15-16. He was a noble specimen or example of a Christian, Mar 15:21.
2) “And his mother and mine,” (kai ten metera autou kai emou) “And his mother and mine, greet also,” perhaps a spiritual mother of Israel. Where she had mothered Paul in his ministry is not known, but he acknowledges it with gratitude, Mar 10:30. Rufus was perhaps the Son of Simon the Cyrenian who was compelled to bear the cross of Jesus up to Calvary, Luk 23:26; Mar 15:21. And his Mother had once cared for Paul as her own son.
Fuente: Garner-Howes Baptist Commentary
(13) Rufus.Simon of Cyrene is described in St. Marks Gospel (Mar. 15:21) as the father of Alexander and Rufus, and as there is a substantial tradition, favoured by some internal indications, that this Gospel was written at Rome, it is not unlikely that the same Rufus may be meant.
Chosen in the Lord.An eminent Christian.
His mother and mine.His mother, who has also been like a mother to me.
Fuente: Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers (Old and New Testaments)
13. Rufus (See note on Mar 15:21.)
His mother Naturally, and mine spiritually, or by maternal kindness.
Fuente: Whedon’s Commentary on the Old and New Testaments
‘Salute Rufus the chosen in the Lord, and his mother and mine.’
The name Rufus was common in Rome, but the mention of his mother as one who had at some stage ‘mothered’ Paul immediately singles him out. Paul clearly had fond memories of Rufus’ mother. It may well be that this Rufus was the Rufus mentioned by Mark as one of the sons of the one who bore Jesus’ crosspiece, Simon of Cyrene (Mar 15:21). Mark, who wrote in Rome, would have mentioned him precisely because he was well known. That he was ‘chosen in the LORD’ may simply be the equivalent of ‘beloved’. But it may indicate that he had an especially successful ministry.
Fuente: Commentary Series on the Bible by Peter Pett
Rom 16:13. And his mother and mine Hence some have thought, that Rufus was at least half-brother to St. Paul; but perhaps he might in this expression refer to the maternal care which this good woman had taken of him.
Fuente: Commentary on the Holy Bible by Thomas Coke
Rom 16:13 . Rufus may be the son of Simon of Cyrene, Mar 15:21 . Comp. in loc . The fact that in Mark, who probably wrote in Rome, the man is assumed to be well known, would agree with the eulogy here: , the elect one in the fellowship of the Lord, i.e. who is distinguished as a Christian . [44] For if these words denoted merely the Christian , “who in fellowship with the Lord is chosen to blessedness” (Reiche), they would not as is, nevertheless, the case with all the remaining predicates express a special element of commendation.
] pregnant, delicate, and grateful hint of the peculiar love and care which Paul ( where and how , is entirely unknown [45] ) had enjoyed at her hands. Comp. Rom 16:2 ; 1Co 16:18 ; Phm 1:11 ; and see on 1Co 1:2 .
[44] On , exquisitus , in the sense of excellens (comp. 1Ti 5:21 ; 1Pe 2:4 ; 2Jn 1:13 ; Wis 3:14 ; Bar 3:30 ), because it is just the selected that is wont to be the eminently qualified, see Schleusner, Thes . II. p. 289. But Hofmann explains as if it ran : who is to me a choice Christian brother; he calls the ordinary interpretation unapostolic (wherefore?), and groundlessly appeals to , ver. 12. In the case of the latter the loving subject is, according to a very common usage, self-evident.
[45] Hofmann entertains the conjecture, which is in no way capable of proof, that Rufus lived with his mother in Jerusalem when Paul himself sojourned there; and that then Paul dwelt in the house of the mother, and enjoyed her motherly care. If, again, the demonstration of love intended falls in a later period of the apostle’s life, his expression in our passage is the more courteous; hence it by no means requires the above precarious combination.
Fuente: Heinrich August Wilhelm Meyer’s New Testament Commentary
13 Salute Rufus chosen in the Lord, and his mother and mine.
Ver. 13. His mother and mine ] His by nature, mine by affection. The apostles parted with parents and friends at home, found them abroad.
Fuente: John Trapp’s Complete Commentary (Old and New Testaments)
13. ] Rufus may have been the son of Simon of Cyrene, mentioned Mar 15:21 ; but the name was very common.
not to be softened, as De W., al., to merely ‘eximium,’ a sense unknown to our Apostle; elect , i.e. one of the elect of the Lord.
the Apostle adds from affectionate regard towards the mother of Rufus: ‘my mother,’ in my reverence and affection for her. Jowett compares our Lord’s words to St. John, Joh 19:27 .
Fuente: Henry Alford’s Greek Testament
Rom 16:13 . : for the name see Mar 15:21 . If Mark wrote his gospel at Rome, as there is ground to believe, this may be the person to whom he refers. In the gospel he is assumed to be well known, and here he is described as “that choice Christian”. cannot refer simply to the fact of his election to be a Christian, since in whatever sense this is true, it is true of all Christians alike; whereas here it evidently expresses some distinction of Rufus. He was a noble specimen of a Christian. . : where she had “mothered” Paul we do not know. For the idea cf. Mar 10:30 .
Fuente: The Expositors Greek Testament by Robertson
Rufus. Common Latin name. Perhaps the Rufus of Mar 15:21.
chosen = the elect (brother). See Rom 8:33. Compare 1Ti 5:21. 2Jn 1:13 :. The term marks some special manifestation of grace, as in that of Apelles, v. 10.
his . . . mine. Implying tender relationship.
Fuente: Companion Bible Notes, Appendices and Graphics
13.] Rufus may have been the son of Simon of Cyrene, mentioned Mar 15:21; but the name was very common.
-not to be softened, as De W., al., to merely eximium, a sense unknown to our Apostle;-elect, i.e. one of the elect of the Lord.
the Apostle adds from affectionate regard towards the mother of Rufus: my mother, in my reverence and affection for her. Jowett compares our Lords words to St. John, Joh 19:27.
Fuente: The Greek Testament
Rom 16:13. , chosen) a remarkable title, 2 John, Rom 16:1; Rom 16:13 1Ti 5:21.
Fuente: Gnomon of the New Testament
Rom 16:13
Rom 16:13
Salute Rufus the chosen in the Lord,-As chosen in the Lord might be appropriately said of every faithful Christian, the special application of it to Rufus implies peculiar excellence.
and his mother and mine.-She had shown him on some occasion all the care of a mother, and, therefore, he felt for her all the affection of a son.
Fuente: Old and New Testaments Restoration Commentary
Rufus: Mar 15:21
chosen: Mat 20:16, Joh 15:16, Eph 1:4, 2Th 2:13, 2Jo 1:1
his: Mat 12:49, Mat 12:50, Mar 3:35, Joh 19:27, 1Ti 5:2
Reciprocal: Jdg 5:7 – a mother
Fuente: The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge
:13
Rom 16:13. His mother and mine is a term of tender appreciation for the favors Rufus’ mother had shown to Paul; she had been like a mother to him.
Fuente: Combined Bible Commentary
Rom 16:13. Rufus. Possibly the person mentioned in Mar 15:21 (see in loco), since Mark probably wrote in Rome. But the name was frequent
The chosen in the Lord; not merely elect in Christ, but a chosen distinguished Christian man.
His mother and mine. His mother by nature, mint by maternal kindness (Webster and Wilkinson). The peculiarly affectionate tone suggests some special kindness, in regard to which we can only conjecture. If she were the wife of Simon of Cyrene and had lived at Jerusalem, opportunities to befriend Paul would have been frequent.
Fuente: A Popular Commentary on the New Testament
Vv. 13. Salute Rufus, chosen in the Lord, and his mother and mine.
The term chosen cannot be taken here in the sense in which it applies to all Christians: it must denote something special. Hofmann, judging from what follows, understands: The man whom I have specially chosen as my brother in the Lord. But in this sense the pronoun (my) could not be wanting. As what is the better is willingly chosen, the word , chosen, takes the sense of distinguished, excellent. This is certainly the meaning of the epithet here, as in 2Jn 1:1; 2Jn 1:13. The following words: his mother and mine, prove that Paul was united to this family by the closest tiesthat he had even lived in it. And if we remember that Mark, writing his Gospel at Rome, was pleased to designate Simon of Cyrene, who carried the cross of Jesus, as the father of Alexander and Rufus, we shall be naturally led to hold that this family had removed from Jerusalem to Rome, where Rufus occupied a distinguished place in the church. It was therefore during the years of his youth, when he was studying at Jerusalem, that Paul had lived in the bosom of this family, and had enjoyed the motherly care of Simon’s wife.
Fuente: Godet Commentary (Luke, John, Romans and 1 Corinthians)
alute Rufus the chosen in the Lord, and his mother and mine. [We know nothing certain of these. Paul had evidently spent time in the home of Rufus, and had received motherly care at that time, which he now gracefully acknowledges, reckoning that if the woman of the home was Rufus’ mother by nature, she was also is by service and affection (Mat 19:29). Possibly this Rufus may have been Simon’s son (Mar 15:21), and Paul may have lived with them while a youthful student in Jerusalem (Act 22:3). The tradition that Mark wrote his Gospel while at Rome adds to the plausibility that both he and Paul refer to the same Rufus.]
Fuente: McGarvey and Pendleton Commentaries (New Testament)
Verse 13
His mother and mine; intimating that she had been a mother to him in kindness and regard.