Rufus Ῥοῦφος
Believer in Rome, son of Paul's "mother"
Who is Rufus in the Bible?
Rufus was a Christian believer living in Rome during Paul's ministry, mentioned specifically in Romans 16:13 as someone "chosen in the Lord." Paul singles him out for special greeting and also commends his mother, whom Paul describes as having been like a mother to him, suggesting that both Rufus and his mother had shown Paul significant kindness and hospitality. Their prominence in Paul's greetings indicates they were respected and faithful members of the Roman church community. Some scholars have speculated that this Rufus might be the same person as the son of Simon of Cyrene mentioned in Mark 15:21, though there is no definitive biblical evidence to confirm this connection. Rufus's mention demonstrates the importance of faithful believers and their families in supporting Paul's apostolic work and the early church.
Biography
Rufus is mentioned in Rom.16.13 as a member of the Christian community in Rome. Paul describes him as "chosen in the Lord," indicating that he was a faithful and distinguished believer. Paul also sends greetings to Rufus' mother, whom he says had been like a mother to him as well. This suggests that Rufus and his mother had a close relationship with Paul and had shown him kindness and hospitality, possibly during his missionary travels. The fact that Paul singles out Rufus and his mother for special mention implies that they were well-known and respected within the Roman church. Some scholars speculate that this Rufus could be the same person as the son of Simon of Cyrene mentioned in Mrk.15.21, but there is no conclusive evidence to support this connection.
In Scripture
1 biblical book ; 1 with study contentRomans 1 verse
- Romans 16:13
"Greet Rufus, chosen in the Lord, and his mother, who has been a mother to me as well."
Study Romans →
Names & Aliases
| Form | Language | Script |
|---|---|---|
| Named | Greek | Ῥοῦφος |