Is Rufus’s Mother Also Paul’s Mother?
A Closer Look at the Expression
In Romans 16:13, Paul writes:
“Greet Rufus, chosen in the Lord, and his mother, and mine.” (NASB)
This intriguing verse raises a question:
Does Paul mean that Rufus’s mother is also his own biological mother, or is he speaking in a spiritual or affectionate sense?
1. Greek Analysis
The final phrase in greek: « καὶ τὴν μητέρα αὐτοῦ καὶ ἐμοῦ » can be translated literally as: “his mother, and mine also”
Grammatically, the word « mother » (μητέρα) is not repeated for Paul. He does not say “his mother and my mother,” but simply: “his mother, and mine,” which strongly suggests an affectionate or honorary formula rather than a biological statement.
2. What Do We Know About Rufus and His Mother?
- Rufus:
- A Latin name meaning « red-haired » or « ruddy, » common in the Roman world.
- Mark 15:21 mentions Simon of Cyrene, the man who carried Jesus’ cross, as “the father of Alexander and Rufus.”
→ Many scholars believe this is the same Rufus, suggesting his family was known in early Christian circles, possibly in Rome or Asia.
- His mother:
- Her name is not given, but Paul speaks of her with warm affection.
- He refers to her as “his mother and mine also”, with no further explanation.
3. What Does Paul Mean by “His Mother and Mine”?
A. Biological mother? → Unlikely
- Paul never elsewhere mentions his mother.
- He presents himself as detached from his former life and identity (cf. Philippians 3:8, Acts 26:4–5).
- If he were referring to his actual biological mother, he would likely have been more explicit.
B. Spiritual or affectionate expression? → Highly probable
Paul is almost certainly expressing that Rufus’s mother acted toward him like a mother:
- She may have cared for him, welcomed him, fed him, or encouraged him during his travels or imprisonment.
- The phrase resembles Jesus’ words on the cross: “Woman, behold your son… Behold your mother” (John 19:26–27)
- In the early Church, such expressions of spiritual family bonds were common and deeply meaningful.
It is likely Paul is honoring a woman who served him with motherly love, not claiming a blood relation.
4. What Do Evangelical Commentators Say?
- F. F. Bruce: Understands the expression as a mark of affection, not a literal familial relationship.
- Douglas Moo: Describes it as a gesture of gratitude, probably for maternal care or hospitality.
- John Stott: Sees it as a sign of a deep spiritual and emotional bond, within the context of the extended family of God.
Conclusion
In Romans 16:13, the phrase “his mother and mine also” should be understood in a spiritual and affectionate sense, not a biological one.
- Paul is honoring a believing woman who loved and served him like a mother.
- This verse offers a touching glimpse into the depth of relational warmth and gratitude in the early Church.
- It reminds us that within the body of Christ, spiritual ties can be as strong, or even stronger, than natural ones.