I commend to youThis phrase indicates a formal introduction or recommendation. In the ancient world, letters of commendation were common for travelers, especially within the early Christian community, to ensure they were received with hospitality and trust. Paul often used such commendations to vouch for the character and mission of individuals.
our sister Phoebe
Phoebe is referred to as "our sister," highlighting the familial bond among believers in the early church. This term underscores the unity and equality among Christians, transcending social and gender barriers. Phoebe's name, of Greek origin, suggests she was likely a Gentile convert. Her role in the early church is significant, as she is entrusted with delivering Paul's letter to the Romans, indicating her reliability and prominence.
a servant of the church
The term "servant" is translated from the Greek word "diakonos," which can mean servant, minister, or deacon. This suggests that Phoebe held a recognized position of service within the church, possibly as a deaconess. Her role would have involved various forms of ministry, including teaching, caring for the needy, and possibly leadership responsibilities.
in Cenchrea
Cenchrea was a port city near Corinth, serving as its eastern harbor. It was a significant location for trade and travel, which would have facilitated the spread of the gospel. The mention of Cenchrea indicates that the early church was expanding beyond major urban centers into surrounding regions. Archaeological findings in the area have uncovered evidence of early Christian activity, supporting the historical presence of a church community there.
Persons / Places / Events
1.
PhoebeA prominent woman in the early Christian church, described as a "sister" and "servant" (or "deaconess") of the church in Cenchrea. Her role indicates she was a respected leader and possibly a benefactor in the early Christian community.
2.
CenchreaA port city near Corinth, Greece. It was an important location for trade and travel, which likely contributed to the spread of the Gospel. The church in Cenchrea was one of the early Christian communities.
3.
PaulThe apostle who wrote the letter to the Romans. His commendation of Phoebe highlights her importance and trustworthiness in the early church.
Teaching Points
The Role of Women in MinistryPhoebe's commendation by Paul highlights the important roles women played in the early church. This serves as a reminder of the value and contributions of women in ministry today.
Servanthood and LeadershipPhoebe is described as a "servant," which in Greek is "diakonos," often translated as "deacon." This indicates a leadership role characterized by service, emphasizing that true leadership in the church is rooted in serving others.
Commendation and TrustPaul's commendation of Phoebe underscores the importance of recognizing and affirming the gifts and contributions of others in the church. It encourages believers to support and trust those who serve faithfully.
Community and SupportThe early church was a community that supported one another. Phoebe's role and Paul's commendation reflect the interconnectedness and mutual support within the body of Christ.
Bible Study Questions and Answers
1.What is the meaning of Romans 16:1?
2.How does Phoebe's role in Romans 16:1 inspire women in church service today?
3.What qualities of Phoebe in Romans 16:1 should believers emulate in their lives?
4.How does Romans 16:1 connect with other scriptures about serving the church?
5.In what ways can we support church leaders like Phoebe in Romans 16:1?
6.How can Romans 16:1 guide us in recognizing and honoring fellow believers' contributions?
7.Who was Phoebe, and what role did she play in the early church according to Romans 16:1?
8.Why does Paul commend Phoebe in Romans 16:1, and what does this imply about women's roles?
9.How does Romans 16:1 challenge traditional views on gender roles within the church?
10.What are the top 10 Lessons from Romans 16?
11.Romans 16:1 – Does referring to Phoebe as a “servant” or “deacon” challenge traditional views on women’s roles in the early church?
12.What defines egalitarianism?
13.What does the Bible say about women as deacons?
14.What are the Pauline Epistles?What Does Romans 16:1 Mean
I commend to you• “I commend to you” is Paul’s way of warmly endorsing a fellow believer for acceptance and partnership, much like he does with Timothy (Philippians 2:20-22) and Epaphroditus (Philippians 2:29).
• This phrasing underscores the unity of the body; believers are called to welcome one another because Christ has welcomed them (Romans 15:7).
• Paul’s commendation models a culture of honor in the early church, echoingHebrews 13:1-2, where hospitality is urged toward brothers and sisters in Christ.
our sister Phoebe• By calling Phoebe “our sister,” Paul highlights family bonds forged by faith (Matthew 12:50;Ephesians 2:19).
• The possessive “our” indicates shared responsibility. She is not merely Paul’s coworker but belongs to the whole fellowship.
• Recognizing her publicly affirms her dignity and ministry, paralleling the acknowledgment given to Priscilla and Aquila (Romans 16:3-4).
• This reminds believers today to honor both men and women who labor for the gospel (Galatians 3:28;1 Corinthians 16:16).
a servant of the church• “A servant of the church” highlights Phoebe’s active, official role—service that benefits the entire congregation, as in1 Corinthians 12:4-7 where every gift is for the common good.
• Scripture consistently esteems servants: Jesus said, “Whoever wants to become great among you shall be your servant” (Mark 10:43).
• Other women who served notably include Tabitha (Acts 9:36) and the women who supported Jesus’ ministry (Luke 8:3).
• Phoebe’s example challenges believers to embrace humble, faithful service, regardless of title, echoing1 Peter 4:10.
in Cenchrea• Cenchrea was the eastern port city of Corinth. Paul once stopped there to fulfill a vow (Acts 18:18), indicating a thriving community of believers.
• By specifying location, Paul underscores that the gospel had taken root beyond major hubs, fulfillingActs 1:8’s vision of witness “to the ends of the earth.”
• The mention of a local church affirms that organized congregations were already planted, reinforcingTitus 1:5 where elders are appointed in every town.
• Phoebe likely carried Paul’s letter from Corinth to Rome, demonstrating how God uses committed servants to bridge great distances for the sake of His word (Isaiah 52:7).
summaryRomans 16:1 shows Paul publicly endorsing Phoebe for reception and assistance. He calls her “our sister” because the church is a family, identifies her as a dedicated servant whose ministry blesses many, and locates her in Cenchrea, illustrating the spread of vibrant local churches. The verse encourages believers today to honor faithful workers, practice hospitality, and serve wholeheartedly wherever God places them.
(1)
Phebe.--As the Roman Church is especially exhorted to receive Phebe, it has been inferred that she was one of the party to which St. Paul entrusted his Epistle, if not the actual bearer of it herself.
Our sister--i.e., in a spiritual sense--a fellow-Christian.
Servant.--Rather,a deaconess, keeping the technical term. Deacons were originally appointed to attend to the wants of the poorer members of the Church. This is the first mention of women-deacons, in regard to whom instructions are given to Timothy (1Timothy 3:11). The necessity for an order of deaconesses would gradually make itself felt where women were kept in a stricter seclusion, as in Greece and some parts of the East.
Cenchrea.--The port of Corinth, at the head of the Eastern or Saronic Gulf, about nine miles from the city.
Verses 1-20. - K.
Commendation of Phoebe, and salutations to Christians at Rome.Verses 1, 2. -
I commend unto you Phoebe our sister (
i.e. fellow-Christian),
who is a servant of the Church that is in Cenchrea: that ye receive her in the Lord, worthily of the saints, and assist her (
παραστῆτε, literally,
stand by her)
in whatsoever business she hath need of you: for she too hath been a succourer (
προστάτις, corresponding to
παραστῆτε)
of many, and of mine own self. This Phoebe was probably the bearer of the Epistle. She appears to have had business, perhaps of a legal kind, that took her to Rome; and St. Paul took advantage of her going to send the letter by her, desiring also to enlist the aid of her fellow-Christians at Rome in furtherance of her business, whatever it might be. Her having business at Rome, and her having been "a succourer of many," suggests the idea of her being a lady of means. Her designation as
διάκονος of the Church at Cenchrea probably implies that she held an office there corresponding to that of
deaconess, though there is no reason to suppose the distinguishing term
διακόνισσα to have been as yet in use. Her function, and that of others (as perhaps of Tryphena and Tryphosa, mentioned in ver. 12 as "labouring much in the Lord"), might be to minister to the sick and poor, and to fulfil such charitable offices as women could best discharge. Cf.
1 Timothy 3:11, where
γυναῖκας, mentioned in the midst of directions as to the qualifications of
men for the office of deacons, probably denotes
women who fulfilled similar duties. Cf. also Pliny's celebrated letter to Trajan (circ. A.D. 107), in which he says that he had extorted information as to the doings of Christians, "ex duabus ancillis, quae
ministrae dicebantur." The Latin
ministra answers exactly to the Greek
διάκονος. Cenchrea was the port of Corinth on the Saronic Gulf; and it appears from this passage that there was a Church or congregation there, as well as one or more in Corinth itself. It is an interesting conjecture that St. Paul, in speaking of Phoebe having been a succourer of himself as well as of others, may refer to an illness of his own at Cenchrea, during which she had ministered to him, and that his shaving his head at Cenchrea because he had a vow (
Acts 18:18) may have been during, or on his recovery from, that illness.
Parallel Commentaries ...
Greek
I commendΣυνίστημι(Synistēmi)Verb - Present Indicative Active - 1st Person Singular
Strong's 4921:To place together, commend, prove, exhibit; instrans: I stand with; To be composed of, cohere.to youὑμῖν(hymin)Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Dative 2nd Person Plural
Strong's 4771:You. The person pronoun of the second person singular; thou.ourἡμῶν(hēmōn)Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Genitive 1st Person Plural
Strong's 1473:I, the first-person pronoun. A primary pronoun of the first person I.sisterἀδελφὴν(adelphēn)Noun - Accusative Feminine Singular
Strong's 79:A sister, a woman (fellow-)member of a church, a Christian woman. Fem of adephos; a sister.Phoebe,Φοίβην(Phoibēn)Noun - Accusative Feminine Singular
Strong's 5402:Phoebe, a Christian woman in the church at Cenchreae. Feminine of phoibos; Phoebe, a Christian woman.a servantδιάκονον(diakonon)Noun - Accusative Feminine Singular
Strong's 1249:Probably from an obsolete diako; an attendant, i.e. a waiter; specially, a Christian teacher and pastor.of theτῆς(tēs)Article - Genitive Feminine Singular
Strong's 3588:The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.churchἐκκλησίας(ekklēsias)Noun - Genitive Feminine Singular
Strong's 1577:From a compound of ek and a derivative of kaleo; a calling out, i.e. a popular meeting, especially a religious congregation.inἐν(en)Preposition
Strong's 1722:In, on, among. A primary preposition denoting position, and instrumentality, i.e. A relation of rest; 'in, ' at, on, by, etc.Cenchrea.Κενχρεαῖς(Kenchreais)Noun - Dative Feminine Plural
Strong's 2747:Cenchreae, the port of Corinth on the Saronic Gulf. Probably from kegchros; Cenchreae, a port of Corinth.
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NT Letters: Romans 16:1 I commend to you Phoebe our sister (Rom. Ro) 
