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.

Where else these words appear

“Lucius” Greek G3066 · used in 2 verses

  • Acts 13:1 Now there were in the church that was at Antioch certain prophets and teachers; as Barnabas, and Simeon that was called Niger, and Lucius of Cyrene, and Manaen, which had been brought up with Herod the tetrarch, and Saul.

“Jason” Greek G2394 · used in 5 verses

  • Acts 17:5 But the Jews which believed not, moved with envy, took unto them certain lewd fellows of the baser sort, and gathered a company, and set all the city on an uproar, and assaulted the house of Jason, and sought to bring them out to the people.
  • Acts 17:6 And when they found them not, they drew Jason and certain brethren unto the rulers of the city, crying, These that have turned the world upside down are come hither also;
  • Acts 17:7 Whom Jason hath received: and these all do contrary to the decrees of Caesar, saying that there is another king, one Jesus.

“kinsmen” Greek G4773 · used in 12 verses

  • Mark 6:4 But Jesus said unto them, A prophet is not without honour, but in his own country, and among his own kin, and in his own house.
  • Luke 2:44 But they, supposing him to have been in the company, went a day's journey; and they sought him among their kinsfolk and acquaintance.
  • Acts 10:24 And the morrow after they entered into Caesarea. And Cornelius waited for them, and had called together his kinsmen and near friends.

“workfellow” Greek G4904 · used in 13 verses

  • Romans 16:3 Greet Priscilla and Aquila my helpers in Christ Jesus:
  • 2 Corinthians 8:23 Whether any do enquire of Titus, he is my partner and fellowhelper concerning you: or our brethren be enquired of, they are the messengers of the churches, and the glory of Christ.
  • 1 Thessalonians 3:2 And sent Timotheus, our brother, and minister of God, and our fellowlabourer in the gospel of Christ, to establish you, and to comfort you concerning your faith: