Romans 16:13

“Salute Rufus chosen in the Lord, etc..] This was a Roman name; frequent mention is made Jewish writings f286 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, (<411521>Mark 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 Gill on “<421001>Luke 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…”

“Salute Rufus, chosen--"the chosen" in the Lord--meaning, not "who is one of the elect," as every believer is, but "the choice" or "precious one" in the Lord. (See Pe1 2:4; Jo2 1:13). We read in Mar 15:21 that Simon of Cyrene, who was compelled to bear our Lord's cross, was "the father of Alexander and Rufus." From this we naturally conclude that when Mark wrote his Gospel, Alexander and Rufus must have been well known as Christians among those by whom he expected his Gospel to be first read; and, in all likelihood, this was that very "Rufus"; in which case our interest is deepened by what immediately follows about his mother. and--salute. his mother and mine--The apostle calls her "his own…”

“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 Matthew 12:47-50, and his tender address to John when he was on the cross; John 19:26-27. return to 'Top of Page'”

“Salute Rufus - Perhaps the same that is mentioned, Mar 15:21. And his mother and mine - This expression may only denote the tender care which Rufus's mother had taken of him. Romans 16:14”

“16:13 This Rufus might be the individual mentioned as the son of Simon of Cyrene, who carried Christ’s cross (see Mark 15:21).”

“Rufus: Mar 15:21 chosen: Mat 20:16; Joh 15:16; Eph 1:4; Th2 2:13; Jo2 1:1 his: Mat 12:49, Mat 12:50; Mar 3:35; Joh 19:27; Ti1 5:2 Romans 16:14”