Rom_16:13. - Chosen In The Lord; Already Saved

9. Romans 16:13. - Chosen In The Lord; Already Saved “Salute Rufus chosen in the Lord, and his mother and mine.” - Romans 16:13.

Very simply, many times when the word “chosen” is used, it is “chosen in the Lord” for service. God chooses us to serve because of our faithfulness. He wants us to serve Him and, in the context here, Paul is saluting those who have been faithful to serve the Lord. Therefore we find out here that Paul does not “salute Rufus chosen by the Lord, and his mother and mine.” Notice, if this portion of Scripture would be referring to salvation it would then read, “chosen by the Lord.” But Paul is commenting upon them here with regard to their faithfulness to Christ. In Romans 16:6 he says:

“Greet many, who bestowed much labor on us.” And in Romans 16:7 :

“Salute Andronicus and Junia, my kinsmen, and my fellow prisoners (they were also in prison), who are of note among the apostles, who also were in Christ before me.”

They were saved prior to Paul.  You will find these com-emendations all through this chapter, as in Romans 16:3 :

“Greet Priscilla and Aquila, my helpers in Christ Jesus: who have for my life laid down their own necks: unto whom not only I give thanks, but also all the churches of the Gentiles.”

He comes on down, greeting each one and makes a statement here in Romans 16:13 :

“Salute Rufus chosen in the Lord, and his mother and mine. As this verse agrees with other Scriptures; therefore, Paul is commending them for their service, not concerning their salvation. I do not see him speaking about anyone's salvation, but complimenting them on their faithfulness after they are saved. I do not know how one could draw any other conclusion than “chosen in the Lord” for service. Rufus was faithful and the Bible does not say, “chosen by the Lord.” This agrees with all other Scripture concerning the free will of man in choosing to serve Christ or not to serve Christ.