Rufus
PeopleWhat is the meaning of Rufus in the Bible?
The name Rufus appears twice in the New Testament, referring to Simon of Cyrene's son and a Christian in Rome whom Paul greets. The identity of these two individuals is uncertain due to the commonality of the name.
SIGNIFICANCE
Recognizing Rufus helps readers understand the personal networks within the early Christian movement, illustrating how specific individuals were acknowledged in apostolic correspondence and gospel narratives.
Bible Study Quick-Reference Guide
Genealogy & Community Insight: When reading, notice how the lineage and actions of Rufus reveal God's preservation of family clans and community records across generations.
Bible Study Reflection Prompts:
- Why did the biblical author mention Rufus in this passage?
- What cultural or historical assumption does Rufus clarify?
Source Attribution
Built upon the 1915 International Standard Bible Encyclopedia and Easton's Bible Dictionary (1897). Entries have been modernized, checked for academic truthfulness, and shortened for clarity.
How to Cite This Entry
"Rufus." Ancient Context Dictionary. Accessed 2026. https://ancientcontext.com/context/rufus/