New Testament
Romans 16:13
The Clear Bible Translation matches the King James Version, written at a 10th-grade reading level in plain English
At a Glance
In Romans 16:13, Paul sends greetings to Rufus, who is described as 'chosen in the Lord.
- Author
- Paul the apostle
- Written
- Around AD 57
- Genre
- Letter (epistle)
- Original Audience
- Christians in Rome
Greet Rufus, chosen in the Lord, and his mother and mine.
Salute Rufus chosen in the Lord, and his mother and mine.
Verse Analysis
Plain-English insight for readers
In Romans 16:13, Paul sends greetings to Rufus, who is described as 'chosen in the Lord.' This indicates that Rufus has a special status or calling within the Christian community. Paul also mentions Rufus's mother, referring to her as 'mine,' which suggests a close personal relationship, possibly indicating that she has been like a mother to Paul as well. This verse highlights the importance of community and relationships within the church. Paul’s greetings serve to acknowledge and honor fellow believers, emphasizing the bonds formed through faith. The mention of Rufus and his mother illustrates the interconnectedness of the early Christian community, where individuals supported and cared for one another. It also reflects the value of recognizing and appreciating those who contribute to our spiritual journeys, reinforcing the idea that we are not alone in our faith. Overall, this verse encourages believers to maintain strong relationships and support one another in their walk with God.
Related Bible verses
How to apply Romans 16:13 to your life
This verse encourages us to recognize and appreciate the people in our lives who support us in our faith. We should take time to express gratitude to those who have influenced us spiritually, fostering a sense of community and belonging within our church.
Curated for this public verse page. Romans Summary
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
Who is Rufus mentioned in Romans 16:13?
Rufus, mentioned in Romans 16:13, is recognized by Paul as 'chosen in the Lord,' indicating his significant role in the early Christian community. While the Bible does not provide extensive details about Rufus, his mention suggests he was a respected believer and possibly a leader within the church.
What does 'chosen in the Lord' mean in this context?
The phrase 'chosen in the Lord' signifies that Rufus has been selected or called by God for a special purpose within the Christian faith. This highlights his importance in the community and suggests that he has a vital role in spreading the message of Christ and supporting fellow believers.
Why does Paul refer to Rufus's mother as 'mine'?
Paul refers to Rufus's mother as 'mine' to express a close personal bond, suggesting that she has played a maternal role in his life. This indicates the deep relationships formed within the early church, where believers often viewed each other as family, supporting one another in their spiritual journeys.
What can we learn about community from Romans 16:13?
Romans 16:13 emphasizes the importance of community within the church. It shows how believers are interconnected and support one another. This verse encourages us to recognize and appreciate those who contribute to our faith, fostering a sense of belonging and mutual care among church members.
The Book of Romans
Romans 1: Paul's Greeting and the Wrath of God Against Ungodliness
Paul introduces himself as a servant of Jesus Christ, called to be an apostle and separated to preach the gospel of God. He says this gospel concerns God's Son, Jesus Christ our Lord, who is made of the seed of David according to the flesh and declared to be the Son of God with power by the resurrection from the dead. Paul explains that through Christ he receives grace and apostleship to bring about obedience of faith among all nations. He addresses the believers in Rome as those loved by God and called to be saints, and he gives thanks for their faith, which is spoken of throughout the whole world. He tells them he prays continually to visit them and longs to see them so he may share a spiritual gift and be comforted together with them by mutual faith.
Unlock the full Romans summary
Continue reading every chapter — themes, structure, and turning points.
The complete summary of Romans — a chapter-by-chapter breakdown covering all 16 chapters.
What you get
Every chapter of Romans summarized in clear, modern English
How each section connects — narrative flow, key themes, and turning points
Permanent access — read anytime, on any device
Best value • Save over 90%
One-time purchase • Access anytime
ClearBible summaries are proprietary content and may not be copied, republished, or resold.
Checkout works as a guest. After payment, you create an account to claim your unlock.