Timotheus my workfellow, and Lucius, and Jason, and Sosipater, my kinsmen, salute you.

ROMANS 16:21KJV
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Romans 16:21 (KJV)

What does Romans 16:21 mean?

Romans 16:21 records Paul sending greetings from several of his companions—Timotheus (Timothy), Lucius, Jason, and Sosipater—who are with him and want to express their own greetings to the believers in Rome. Paul calls Timothy his "workfellow" and refers to Lucius, Jason, and Sosipater as his "kinsmen," showing both partnership and shared heritage.

Paul is writing this letter to the Christians in Rome while he is in Corinth, and he includes greetings from those around him to show the unity and fellowship among early Christian leaders. Mentioning Timothy as a "workfellow" highlights their close cooperation in ministry, while calling the others "kinsmen" likely points to their shared Jewish background or close association with Paul.

The Greek behind Romans 16:21

  • συνεργός (synergos, "workfellow"): This word means a co-worker or partner in labor. Paul’s use of it for Timothy emphasizes that Timothy is not just a helper but a true partner in the work of spreading the message.
  • συγγενής (syngenēs, "kinsmen"): This term often means a relative or someone from the same nation or tribe. Here, it likely means that Lucius, Jason, and Sosipater share Paul’s Jewish heritage or are closely connected to him in some way.
  • ἀσπάζομαι (aspazomai, "salute"): This verb means to greet or send greetings. The use of this word shows the warmth and personal connection among the early Christians, even across distances.

Why Romans 16:21 matters

  • This verse shows the personal and communal nature of Paul’s ministry—he is not working alone but is part of a team, and he wants the Roman Christians to feel connected to that wider group.
  • By naming specific people and their roles or relationships, Paul emphasizes the importance of both partnership in ministry and shared identity, which would encourage unity among the readers.
  • The verse connects to the larger theme in Romans 16, where Paul lists many individuals, highlighting the value of each person in the Christian community and the bonds that tie them together.