Expositor's Bible Commentary Commentary Romans 16:1

"I commend unto you Phoebe our sister, who is a servant of the church that is at Cenchreae:" — Romans 16:1 (ASV)

Paul hoped to come soon to the believers at Rome (15:32), but he must first go to Jerusalem (15:25). But another believer, Phoebe, was about to leave for the imperial city, so Paul took this opportunity to commend her to the church. It was customary for believers who traveled from place to place to carry with them letters of commendation (2 Corinthians 3:1). This woman belonged to the church at Cenchrea, located some seven miles from Corinth and serving as the seaport of the city (cf. Acts 18:18). It was one of the Achaian communities to which the Gospel spread from Corinth during and after Paul’s original ministry in that city (2 Corinthians 1:1).

Phoebe is called a “servant” (GK 1356) of this church. The same word can be rendered “deaconess.” Men were serving as deacons about this time , and before long women were being referred to in a way that suggests they held such an office in the church (1 Timothy 3:11). But Paul is not stressing office but service (cf. v.2). Phoebe apparently stopped at Corinth on her way to Rome.

From what is said about her, it seems likely that Paul sent his letter in her care. She was accustomed to serve, so this would be in character for her. Many had reason to thank God for her assistance in the past, Paul among them. Possibly, like Lydia, she was a Christian businesswoman and would need help in connection with her visit to the great metropolis.