Romans 16:1 kjv
I commend unto you Phebe our sister, which is a servant of the church which is at Cenchrea:
Romans 16:1 nkjv
I commend to you Phoebe our sister, who is a servant of the church in Cenchrea,
Romans 16:1 niv
I commend to you our sister Phoebe, a deacon of the church in Cenchreae.
Romans 16:1 esv
I commend to you our sister Phoebe, a servant of the church at Cenchreae,
Romans 16:1 nlt
I commend to you our sister Phoebe, who is a deacon in the church in Cenchrea.
Romans 16 1 Cross References
| Verse | Text | Reference |
|---|---|---|
| Rom 16:2 | "that you may assist her in whatever she may need from you," | Phil 2:29 (Urge believers to welcome fellow workers) |
| Rom 16:2 | "for she has been a benefactor of many and of myself as well." | 1 Tim 5:10 (Qualifications of widows for support) |
| 1 Cor 12:28 | "God has appointed in the church first apostles, second prophets, third teachers," | Eph 4:11 (Christ gives gifts to the church) |
| Phil 1:1 | "Paul and Timothy, servants of Christ Jesus, To all the saints in Christ Jesus who are at Philippi," | Acts 14:23 (Appointment of elders) |
| 1 Tim 3:11 | "Their wives likewise must be dignified, not slanderers, but sober-minded, faithful in all things." | 1 Tim 5:3-16 (Instructions regarding widows) |
| Acts 18:18 | "While staying there for a long time, Paul then departed and went on to Apollos, accompanied by Barnabas" | Acts 18:26 (Priscilla and Aquila's ministry) |
| 2 Cor 8:23 | "As for Titus, he is my partner and fellow worker for your benefit." | 2 Cor 12:18 (Partnership in the gospel) |
| 2 Cor 3:3 | "You yourselves are our letter of Christ, administered by us, written not with ink but with the Spirit of the living God," | John 14:16-17 (The Spirit as helper) |
| John 13:14 | "If then I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also ought to wash one another’s feet." | 1 Peter 4:8-10 (Serve one another with spiritual gifts) |
| Matt 10:40-42 | "Whoever receives you receives me, and whoever receives me receives him who sent me." | Mark 9:37 (Receive a child is to receive Jesus) |
| Acts 20:35 | "In all things I have shown you that by working hard in this way we must help the weak and remember the words of the Lord Jesus, how he himself said, ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.’" | Acts 20:35 (Paul's example of serving) |
| Titus 2:3-5 | "older women likewise, to be reverent in behavior, not slanderers or slaves to much wine... so that they may make them sober-minded, pure, diligent, good, submissive to their own husbands," | Prov 31:10-31 (The virtuous wife) |
| Phil 4:18 | "I have received full payment, and more. I am overflowing, having received from Epaphroditus things that your (=you) send, a fragrant offering, a pleasing sacrifice, acceptable to God." | Phil 4:18 (Financial support for ministry) |
| Gal 6:6 | "Let the one who is taught the word share all good things with the one who instructs." | 1 Tim 5:18 (Laborer is worthy of wages) |
| 1 Cor 7:14 | "For the unbelieving husband is made holy because of his wife, and the unbelieving wife because of the husband." | 1 Cor 7:14 (Holiness through spouse) |
| 1 Tim 5:17 | "Let the elders who rule well be considered worthy of double honor, especially those who labor in preaching and teaching." | Heb 13:7 (Remember your leaders) |
| Acts 18:24-26 | "Now a Jew named Apollos, a vehement speaker and mighty in the Scriptures, came to Ephesus." | Acts 18:24-26 (Apollos's teaching ministry) |
| Rom 16:3-4 | "Greet Prisca and Aquila, my fellow workers in Christ Jesus," | Acts 18:2, 18 (Prisca and Aquila's work with Paul) |
| Rom 16:9 | "Greet Urbanus, our fellow worker in Christ," | Phil 4:3 (Clement and others as co-workers) |
| Rom 16:21 | "Timothy my fellow worker greets you; so do Lucius and Jason and Sosipater, my kinsmen." | Col 1:1 (Paul and Timothy as co-workers) |
Romans 16 verses
Romans 16 1 Meaning
Phoebe is commended as a deaconess of the church at Cenchreae. Her valuable service and character are highlighted, emphasizing her role in assisting Paul and others. She is presented as a trustworthy helper worthy of welcome and support from the Roman believers.
Romans 16 1 Context
Chapter 16 of Romans is a detailed closing section filled with personal greetings and instructions. Paul, writing from Corinth around 57 AD, addresses the believers in Rome whom he has not yet visited. He anticipates his journey to Spain and seeks their prayers and support. This final chapter offers a glimpse into the early church's network of relationships, the diverse roles within it, and Paul's deep affection for his fellow laborers in the gospel. Phoebe's introduction serves as a crucial commendation, vouching for her character and ministry to the Roman church.
Romans 16 1 Word Analysis
- Σύστημι (Systēmi): Literally means "to commend," "to recommend," or "to introduce." In this context, it signifies Paul's act of endorsing Phoebe to the Roman believers, vouching for her reliability and character. It implies an act of introduction and a request for their acceptance and support based on his own testimony. This word carries a strong sense of trust and endorsement.
- Διάκονον (Diakonos): Translated as "deaconess" or "servant." This term describes Phoebe’s official role within the church at Cenchreae. It denotes a minister or helper, one who serves the church in various capacities. In the early church, this often involved practical and administrative tasks, as well as assisting in teaching and pastoral care.
- Κεγκρεαῖς (Kegkheais): Refers to Cenchreae, a port town of Corinth on the eastern side of the Isthmus of Corinth. Its geographical significance connects Phoebe to a specific Christian community and suggests the location of her ministry.
- Ἑαυτήν (Heautēn): A reflexive pronoun meaning "herself." It emphasizes Phoebe's independent action and her own standing within the church.
- Ὑμῖν (Hymin): "To you" (plural), directly addressing the Roman believers. This highlights that the commendation is for their benefit and action.
- Ὥστε (Hōste): "So that," or "in order that." This conjunction indicates the purpose of Paul's commendation – that they might provide her assistance.
- Γενέσθαι (Genesthai): Aorist infinitive of "ginomai" (to become, to happen). It functions here with "hōste" to express the desired outcome: "so that you may become a help to her."
- Θαῤῥεῖτε (Tharreite): Imperative form of "tharreo" (to be bold, to be confident). It means "be bold" or "have confidence." Paul is encouraging the Roman believers to confidently offer Phoebe whatever assistance she might need.
- ἐν κυρίῳ (en Kyriō): "In the Lord." This qualifier frames their support as being done in a manner pleasing to the Lord, consistent with Christian principles and fellowship.
- καθὼς (kathōs): "Just as," "as." This introduces the reason for their confidence and assistance.
- ἀξίαν (axian): "Worthy." This signifies that Phoebe deserves their support due to her character and past actions.
- ἁγίων (hagion): "Saints," referring to believers. This places Phoebe within the community of faith.
- ὑπηρέτις (hypēretis): "Servant," "helper," or "minister." This noun further describes Phoebe's active contribution. The feminine form is significant, indicating a woman in a supportive role.
- πολλῶν (pollōn): "Of many," indicating the widespread nature of her helpfulness.
- καὶ (kai): "And," connecting the two clauses about her beneficence.
- ἐμοῦ (emou): "Of me," Paul. This personally attests to her past help given directly to him, making the commendation very strong.
Word Group Analysis
- "Si me. dicon. kai hy. huperitis tōn agiōn tōn en Kencreais" (v. 1): This phrase establishes Phoebe's identity as a minister and helper of the saints in Cenchreae. It highlights her active service and affiliation with a specific local church. The term "diakonos" suggests an official, recognized role of service.
- "Hōsde hymin genesthai axian tōn hagion" (part of v. 2): "So that you may become worthy of the saints." This clause could be interpreted in two ways: that their assistance makes them worthy of the fellowship of the saints, or that their help should be commensurate with what is worthy of the saints. The context favors the former, meaning their welcome and support will demonstrate their own sainthood.
- "hypēr. etis pollōn kai emou" (part of v. 2): "A minister of many and of myself." This attests to Phoebe's broad impact and direct benefit to Paul, making her commendation highly personal and authoritative. Her helpfulness extended beyond the general church community to Paul’s specific needs.
Romans 16 1 Bonus Section
The term "diakonos" for a woman suggests a formal, recognized position of service in the church, akin to modern deacons, though the specific duties might have differed. The phrase "a benefactor of many" points to Phoebe's likely generous and sacrificial spirit, possibly using her own resources to aid the church and its members. Paul's strong personal testimony of her help lends significant weight to his recommendation. The closing greetings collectively demonstrate Paul’s intimate knowledge of and reliance on a wide network of individuals who were vital to the propagation and sustenance of the early Christian movement.
Romans 16 1 Commentary
Paul's commendation of Phoebe is more than a simple greeting; it's an essential endorsement of a valuable member of the early church. Her designation as a "diakonos" and "hypēretis" signifies her recognized leadership and service, likely involving hospitality, teaching, and caring for the needs of the community and travelers. The emphasis on her beneficial role, extending even to Paul himself, underscores the importance of mutual support and hospitality within the body of Christ. The Roman believers are urged to welcome and assist her generously, recognizing that by supporting her, they are ministering to Christ himself, as Christ taught that serving His followers is serving Him (Matt 10:40). This passage highlights the crucial contributions of women in the foundational period of Christianity and the importance of interpersonal relationships and community care in extending the Gospel.