RUFUS (Rufus, 'Ροῦφος). - A common name among slaves and, in general, among persons of humble condition; it occurs twice in the New Testament: Mk 15:21; Rom 16:13, remaining uncertain whether it refers to one or two individuals.
In the first text, R. is recalled, along with his brother Alexander, as the son of Simon of Cyrene, whom the Roman soldiers compelled to carry Jesus’ cross; many Jews lived in Cyrene (cf.). In the second text, he is greeted in R. as an eminent member (ἐκλεκτός does not equate to “Christian,” but indicates either his qualities or his position) of the Roman community; and his mother is also greeted, described by Paul as his mother as well. This woman must therefore have shown particular care for Paul, either during a period of his life that could have been the time he spent in Jerusalem “at the feet of Gamaliel” (Acts 22:3), or in other unspecified circumstances. This would support the identity of R., son of Simon, and R., member of the Roman community. The care of St. Mark in recalling the two brothers Alexander and R. suggests that at least one of them was known to the Christian community of Rome, for which the Evangelist was writing.