Commentaries:
Adam Clarke
Rufus, chosen in the Lord - , one of great excellence in Christianity; a choice man, as we would say. So the word often signifies. Psalms 78:31 : They smote , the chosen men that were of Israel. So are choice sepulchres, Genesis 23:6 : choice gifts, Deuteronomy 12:11; and , choice men, Judges 20:16. By the same use of the word, the companions of Paul and Barnabas are termed chosen men, , persons in whom the Church of God could confide. See Whitby.
His mother and mine - It is not likely that the mother of Rufus was the mother of Paul; but while she was the natural mother of the former, she acted as a mother to the latter. We say of a person of this character, that she is a motherly woman. Among the ancients, he or she who acted a kind, instructing, and indulgent part to another, was styled the father or mother of such a one. So Terence: -
Natura tu illi pater es, consiliis ego .
Adelphi, Act. i. scen. 2, ver. 47.
Thou art his father by nature, I by instruction.
Other Adam Clarke entries containing Romans 16:13:
Mark 15:21
1 Corinthians 4:15
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