Note 21 at Rom. 16:13: The name "Rufus" meant "red." The name Rufus is mentioned twice in scripture (Mk. 15:21; Rom. 16:13). It is unclear whether this is the same Rufus in both instances. If so, then this Rufus whom Paul sent greetings to in Rome would have been the son of Simon of Cyrene who was compelled to bear the cross of Jesus. Paul also sent greetings to the mother of Rufus (see note 22 at this verse).

Note 22 at Rom. 16:13: Paul greeted the mother of Rufus and called her his own mother. It is unclear whether this is figurative or literal. Most commentators suspect this was a figurative statement as is the case elsewhere in scripture (see ref. o at this verse).