Romans 16 2

Romans 16:2 kjv

That ye receive her in the Lord, as becometh saints, and that ye assist her in whatsoever business she hath need of you: for she hath been a succourer of many, and of myself also.

Romans 16:2 nkjv

that you may receive her in the Lord in a manner worthy of the saints, and assist her in whatever business she has need of you; for indeed she has been a helper of many and of myself also.

Romans 16:2 niv

I ask you to receive her in the Lord in a way worthy of his people and to give her any help she may need from you, for she has been the benefactor of many people, including me.

Romans 16:2 esv

that you may welcome her in the Lord in a way worthy of the saints, and help her in whatever she may need from you, for she has been a patron of many and of myself as well.

Romans 16:2 nlt

Welcome her in the Lord as one who is worthy of honor among God's people. Help her in whatever she needs, for she has been helpful to many, and especially to me.

Romans 16 verses

Romans 16 2 Meaning

This verse instructs the Roman believers to extend a profound welcome and offer comprehensive practical support to Phoebe, the bearer of Paul's letter. They are to receive her in a manner that reflects their shared Christian faith and holy calling, providing any assistance she might need. This is a reciprocal act, honoring her past service as a prominent helper and patron to many within the Christian community, including Paul himself.

Romans 16 2 Context

Romans 16 begins with Paul commending Phoebe to the Roman church. This chapter, largely a list of greetings, reveals the extensive network of early Christian connections and emphasizes the importance of individual relationships and roles within the burgeoning faith. Paul is dispatching Phoebe, a diakonos (servant/deaconess) from Cenchreae, as the likely carrier and reader of this momentous theological letter to the house churches in Rome. Her journey, a significant undertaking for a woman in the ancient world, necessitated Paul's strong endorsement. The historical context involves the Roman social system of patronage, where individuals of means often provided support and protection (prostatētes) to others. This cultural practice informs Paul's description of Phoebe, underscoring her likely social standing and means, which allowed her to be a "helper" or "patroness" to many. Against a backdrop of emerging Christian communities facing potential hostility and internal needs, mutual support and hospitality were vital for their survival and growth.

Romans 16 2 Word analysis

• that you receive her: The Greek word is προσδέξησθε (prosdexēsthe), meaning to "receive, welcome, accept, admit." This isn't merely a casual greeting but an invitation to embrace her as one of their own, indicating warmth, respect, and acceptance into their fellowship and homes.
• in the Lord: (ἐν Κυρίῳ - en Kyriō) signifies that this welcome and interaction is to be conducted with a shared understanding of their identity in Christ. It means treating her with the dignity, love, and respect due to a fellow believer, acting in accordance with Christian principles and for the glory of God.
• as is fitting for the saints: (ἀξίως τῶν ἁγίων - axiōs tōn hagiōn) This phrase emphasizes that their reception and support of Phoebe should be consistent with the holy character and conduct expected of those who belong to God. It calls for a level of generosity and uprightness appropriate for people set apart for God's purposes.
• and that you assist her: (παραστῆτε - parastēte) From a root meaning "to stand beside," implying active, unwavering support, defense, and practical help. It's a call not just for passive welcome, but for proactive engagement in her needs, offering help as a loyal advocate or assistant.
• in whatever business: (ἐν ᾧ ἂν ὑμῶν χρῄζῃ πράγματι - en hō an hymōn chrēzē pragmati) This broad phrase means "in whatever matter or thing she may have need of you." It leaves the scope of assistance open-ended, implying full and comprehensive practical help for any challenges she might encounter, whether legal, logistical, financial, or personal, during her stay in Rome.
• she may have need of you: Highlights a reciprocal duty; as Phoebe previously assisted others, the Roman church is now obligated to assist her in her necessity.
• for she has been a helper: (προστάτις - prostatis) This is a crucial and often debated Greek term. It typically denotes a "patroness," "benefactress," "guardian," or "advocate." It suggests someone of social standing, perhaps with financial means, who actively supports, protects, and takes care of others, potentially providing legal aid or financial backing. It points to a person of influence and proactive service, not merely a passive assistant.
• of many: Indicates the wide reach of Phoebe's beneficial service and her extensive ministry. Her generosity and support were not limited to a select few.
• and of myself as well: Paul's personal testimony here is a powerful endorsement. It not only establishes Phoebe's credibility and the extent of her kindness but also implies Paul's own reliance on her for support, elevating her status significantly in the eyes of the Roman church.

Romans 16 2 Bonus section

It is widely speculated by scholars that Phoebe was not just the carrier of Paul's letter to the Romans but also the one who would verbally interpret, clarify, and deliver its contents to the various house churches in Rome. This practice was common for trusted messengers in the ancient world. Such a significant responsibility underscores Paul's immense trust in her theological understanding and communicative abilities. Furthermore, the explicit commendation from Paul for Phoebe as a prostatis of "many" and of "myself as well" serves to validate her authority and standing among believers, giving her the necessary credibility to introduce Paul's monumental theological treatise to a church he had never personally visited. This places her in a very influential role within the early church's mission and administrative structures. Her journey from Cenchreae to Rome was approximately 700 miles by land or about 200 miles by sea, highlighting the commitment required for such a vital mission and the implicit means Phoebe must have had, or secured, to undertake it safely and effectively.

Romans 16 2 Commentary

Romans 16:2 reveals the robust, interdependent nature of the early Christian community, founded on principles of hospitality, mutual aid, and respect for those who serve. Paul's detailed instructions for Phoebe's reception highlight the practical love that bound believers. To "receive her in the Lord" goes beyond mere civility; it is an act of spiritual fellowship, honoring her as a fellow member of God's sanctified people, reflecting Christ's own welcoming embrace. The call to "assist her in whatever business she may have need of you" demonstrates the comprehensive and tangible nature of Christian support. This isn't abstract goodwill but an open-ended commitment to practical aid, acknowledging that spiritual mission often requires worldly assistance. Paul bolsters this appeal by testifying to Phoebe's past as a prostatis – a word rich in meaning, indicating she was a significant patroness or benefactress, lending active support, protection, and resources to "many" and to Paul himself. This showcases Phoebe not as a passive recipient but as a capable and influential leader in her own right, whose extensive ministry now warranted reciprocal honor and aid. The verse, therefore, serves as a powerful reminder of the value of mutual submission and practical service within the Body of Christ, affirming the indispensable role of individuals, including women, in sustaining and advancing the Gospel.

• Practical Example: If a missionary travels to a new city, local believers would not only offer a place to stay (receive her in the Lord) but also help her navigate local bureaucracy for visas, introduce her to influential contacts for ministry opportunities, or provide transport and resources for her work (assist her in whatever business). This honors their commitment to Christ and her prior dedication.