Lexical Definition

‎Ῥοῦφος‎ Rhoûphos (hroo'-fos) Rufus ^N:N-M-P
of Latin origin

Rufus.

• red
• Rufus, a Christian

Abbott-Smith

Ῥοῦφος, -ου, ὁ
(Lat.), Rufus: Mk 15:21, Ro 16:13.†

Abbott-Smith References

Profile

Male • Believer in Rome, son of Paul's "mother"

Man living at the time of the New Testament

Rufus was a believer in Rome, chosen in the Lord, whose mother had also been a mother figure to Paul.

• A man living at the time of the New Testament, only mentioned at Rom.16.13;
• only referred to as Rufus Ῥοῦφος.

Rufus is mentioned in Romans 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 Mark 15:21, but there is no conclusive evidence to support this connection.

All entries for Rufus: Ῥοῦφος