Introduction

Phebe, Phoebe (fe' be; radiant), was a Christian lady who was part of the church at Cenchrea. (Romans 16:1) Cenchrea (sen'kreah; pulverized, granular) which refers to a harbor of Corinth located about 8 miles E of the city. Phebe, the servant [lit. deaconess] made her home there. Paul commended or introduced her favorably to the Church of Rome. The apostle wanted the saints there to assist “her in whatsoever business she hath need of you: for she has been a succour [comfort] of many, and myself also” (Romans 16:2).

1 I commend unto you Phebe our sister, which is a servant [deaconess] of the church which is at Cenchrea:

16:1 In matchless grace God entrusted this epistle to the hand of a woman during difficult days. Christians throughout the centuries owes to Phebe a debt of honor, appreciation and gratitude. God watched over her to preserve this valuable manuscript that was delivered safely into the hands of the elders at Rome, and through them it was given to the whole church.

2 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.

16:2 Having set forth the nature (Romans 15:14), power (Romans 15:19a), and extent (Romans 15:19b) of his ministry, the apostle begins the final portion of the epistle with salutations to many individuals in the Church of Rome. Only five or six are Jews (Aquila and Prisca, Andronicus, Junias, Herodion, and maybe Mary).

First Series: Salutation to Specific Saints: Romans 16: 3-20

3 Greet Priscilla and Aquila my helpers in Christ Jesus:

16:3

· Priscilla (pris'sil'lah; ancient, little old woman), with her Christian Jewish husband Aquila, met Paul in the city of Corinth when the emperor Claudius ordered all the Jews to leave Rome in AD 49. Paul honors not only their friendship, but also their personal courage in spreading the gospel of redeeming grave. They were helpers in Christ Jesus, Who have for my life laid down their own necks. (Romans 16:3,4)