Tag: mother

Romans 16:13 – A Choice Christian

Posted on by Will

Greet Rufus, chosen in the Lord, and his mother and mine.

Truth to Learn

Some Christians stand out as “choice” within the church.

Behind the Words

The name “Rufus” is of Roman (Latin) origin, meaning “red.”

“Chosen” is translated from the noun eklektos, which is based on the verb eklegomai, meaning “to select” or “to choose.” Eklektos primarily refers to one or the thing which has been chosen, but it can just as well be a reference to quality, as we might refer to a “choice piece of fruit.”

The word “mother” is from the Greek word mētēr, meaning “mother” either literally or figuratively.

Meaning Explained

The Apostle Paul now sends greetings to a man named Rufus. Although we don’t know anything for sure about this man other than what we are told here, there has been a great deal of conjecture over the years. Before we look at conjecture, though, let’s see what Paul says about him. We are told here that Rufus is “chosen in the Lord.” As we pointed out above, “chosen” is from eklektos. So, what Paul could be saying is that Rufus is one of the elect, one of the chosen ones. The problem with that is that this same Apostle Paul teaches us in his letter to the Ephesians that all Christians are chosen:

just as He chose us in Him before the foundation of the world, for us to be holy and without blemish before Him in love, (Ephesians 1:4)

Although none of us can fully comprehend how God can say “You I have chosen” and at the same time proclaim “Whosoever will may come,” they are both true nonetheless. And since all believers are “chosen,” it doesn’t make sense that Paul would single out Rufus as a chosen one in his personal greetings. Therefore, it makes more sense that what he is telling us is that Rufus is a “choice” Christian, one who is exemplary in his words and deeds.

Paul also sends greetings to Rufus’ mother referring to her as “his mother and mine.” That does not mean that Rufus was Paul’s brother, for there is no evidence of this anywhere in scripture or secular writing. It is more likely that what Paul means is Rufus’ mother was like a mother to him.

Now, regarding the speculation about Rufus: we read in Mark 15:21 about Simon of Cyrene who was compelled to bear our Lord’s cross. Mark tells us that he was “the father of Alexander and Rufus.” From this it is reasonable to conclude that when Mark wrote his Gospel, Alexander and Rufus may have been well known as Christians. And, since this letter to the Romans was written some twenty-five years after the crucifixion, there is plenty of time for Rufus to have matured into a Christian worthy of note. It is also believed by some that this Rufus is one and the same with the man who became bishop of the church in Thebes. If these things are true, then it is no wonder that Paul greets him as a “choice” Christian.

Application

We see once again that God, through Paul’s pen, sends special greetings to someone who stands out above the rest in his walk with the Lord. If God were to have such a letter written to your church, would He send special greetings to you?

In God's service, for His glory,

Copyright © 2018 Will Krause. All rights reserved

Ephesians 6:2 – Honor Your Parents

Posted on by Will

“Honor your father and mother,” which is the first commandment with promise:

Truth to Learn

We should all give our parents honor and respect.

 

Behind the Words

Timaō is the Greek verb translated as “honor.” Timaō literally means “to place a high value on something.” It can refer to giving something a very high price, or it can refer to giving someone honor, respect, or reverence because of their great value as a person.

“Father” is from patēr. This is a primary word which refers to a father, either literally or figuratively.

“Mother” is translated from matēr, which is also a primary word. It refers either literally or figuratively to a mother.

The word translated “first” is protos, meaning “first in place, time, order, or importance.”

The word “commandment” is from entolē, which refers to “an authoritative edict.” Throughout the New Testament it is the word used to refer to one or more of the Ten Commandments.

“Promise” is translated from epangelia. This is a legal term referring to “a summons or promise to do or give something.”

 

Meaning Explained

The Apostle Paul has extended his teaching beyond how we are to relate to each other within the family of God (the church) to how we are to relate to each other within our individual families. In yesterday’s verse we were told that all children (young or old) are to obey their parents. The reason that Paul gave us is that it is the right (the proper) thing to do. In today’s verse he builds on that idea. He points out that one of the Ten Commandments specifically addressed this situation. It is the fifth commandment:

Honor your father and your mother, that your days may be long upon the land which the LORD your God is giving you. (Exodus 20:12)

“But Paul says that it is the first commandment,” you may say. Actually, what he says is that it is the first commandment that has a promise. If you carefully read through the Ten Commandments in Exodus 20:1-17, you will notice that the second commandment has a general declaration attached to it, but not a promise. The fifth commandment is the only one that has a promise associated with it. The first four of the commandments are specifically aimed at our relationship with God. The fifth commandment is a pivotal command which shows that there is an order of authority under God and the following commandments teach how we are to behave in our human relationships.

Before leaving this verse let me point out that Paul is not teaching that we are still under the Law of Moses. He focused specifically on our freedom from the law in his letter to the Galatians. However, the precepts given in the Ten Commandments are important. So much so, in fact, that all but the fourth commandment (to keep the Sabbath) are repeated in one form or another in the New Testament.

 

Application

We should all treat our parents with respect and honor. This is particularly true as our parents get older and need our special attention and care. Honor your parents and give God the glory!

In God's service, for His glory,

Copyright © 2016 Will Krause. All rights reserved

Ephesians 6:2 – Honor Your Parents

Posted on by Will

"Honor your father and mother;" which is the first commandment with promise:

Truth to Learn

We should all give our parents honor and respect.

Behind the Words

Timaō is the Greek verb translated as “honor.” Timaō literally means “to place a high value on something.” It can refer to giving something a very high price, or it can refer to giving someone honor, respect, or reverence because of their great value as a person.

“Father” is from patēr. This is a primary word which refers to a father, either literally or figuratively.

“Mother” is translated from matēr, which is also a primary word. It refers either literally or figuratively to a mother.

The word translated “first” is protos, meaning “first in place, time, order, or importance.”

The word “commandment” is from entolē, which refers to “an authoritative edict.” Throughout the New Testament it is the word used to refer to one or more of the Ten Commandments.

“Promise” is translated from epangelia. This is a legal term referring to “a summons or promise to do or give something.”

Meaning Explained

The Apostle Paul has extended his teaching beyond how we are to relate to each other within the family of God (the church) to how we are to relate to each other within our individual families. In yesterday’s verse we were told that all children (young or old) are to obey their parents. The reason that Paul gave us is that it is the right (the proper) thing to do. In today’s verse he builds on that idea. He points out that one of the Ten Commandments specifically addressed this situation. It is the fifth commandment:

Honor your father and your mother, that your days may be long upon the land which the LORD your God is giving you. (Exodus 20:12)

“But Paul says that it is the first commandment,” you may say. Actually, what he says is that it is the first commandment that has a promise. If you carefully read through the Ten Commandments in Exodus 20:1-17, you will notice that the second commandment has a general declaration attached to it, but not a promise. The fifth commandment is the only one that has a promise associated with it. The first four of the commandments are specifically aimed at our relationship with God. The fifth commandment is a pivotal command which shows that there is an order of authority under God and the following commandments teach how we are to behave in our human relationships.

Before leaving this verse let me point out that Paul is not teaching that we are still under the Law of Moses. He focused specifically on our freedom from the law in his letter to the Galatians. However, the precepts given in the Ten Commandments are important. So much so, in fact, that all but the fourth commandment (to keep the Sabbath) are repeated in one form or another in the New Testament.

Application

We should all treat our parents with respect and honor. This is particularly true as our parents get older and need our special attention and care. Honor your parents and give God the glory!

In God's service, for His glory,

Copyright © 2012 Will Krause. All rights reserved.

Romans 16:13 – A Choice Christian

Posted on by Will

Romans 16:13 – A Choice Christian

Greet Rufus, chosen in the Lord, and his mother and mine.

Truth to Learn

Some Christians stand out as “choice” within the church.

Behind the Words

The name “Rufus” is of Roman (Latin) origin, meaning “red.”

“Chosen” is translated from the noun eklektos, which is based on the verb eklegomai, meaning “to select” or “to choose.” Eklektos primarily refers to one or the thing which has been chosen, but it can just as well be a reference to quality, as we might refer to a “choice piece of fruit.”

The word “mother” is from the Greek word mētēr, meaning “mother” either literally or figuratively.

Meaning Explained

The Apostle Paul now sends greetings to a man named Rufus. Although we don’t know anything for sure about this man other than what we are told here, there has been a great deal of conjecture over the years. Before we look at conjecture, though, let’s see what Paul says about him. We are told here that Rufus is “chosen in the Lord.” As we pointed out above, “chosen” is from eklektos. So, what Paul could be saying is that Rufus is one of the elect, one of the chosen ones. The problem with that is that this same Apostle Paul teaches us in his letter to the Ephesians that all Christians are chosen:

just as He chose us in Him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before Him in love, (Ephesians 1:4)

Although none of us can fully comprehend how God can say “You I have chosen” and at the same time proclaim “Whosoever will may come,” they are both true nonetheless. And since all believers are “chosen,” it doesn’t make sense that Paul would single out Rufus as a chosen one in his personal greetings. Therefore, it makes more sense that what he is telling us is that Rufus is a “choice” Christian, one who is exemplary in his words and deeds.

Paul also sends greetings to Rufus’ mother referring to her as “his mother and mine.” That does not mean that Rufus was Paul’s brother, for there is no evidence of this anywhere in scripture or secular writing. It is more likely that what Paul means is Rufus’ mother was like a mother to him.

Now, regarding the speculation about Rufus: we read in Mark 15:21 about Simon of Cyrene who was compelled to bear our Lord’s cross. Mark tells us that he was “the father of Alexander and Rufus.” From this it is reasonable to conclude that when Mark wrote his Gospel, Alexander and Rufus may have been well known as Christians. And, since this letter to the Romans was written some twenty-five years after the crucifixion, there is plenty of time for Rufus to have matured into a Christian worthy of note. It is also believed by some that this Rufus is one and the same with the man who became bishop of the church in Thebes. If these things are true, then it is no wonder that Paul greets him as a “choice” Christian.

Application

We see once again that God, through Paul’s pen, sends special greetings to someone who stands out above the rest in his walk with the Lord. If God were to have such a letter written to your church, would He send special greetings to you?

In God’s service, for His glory,

Copyright © 2011 Will Krause. All rights reserved.

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