Romans 16:1
New International Version
I commend to you our sister Phoebe, a deacon of the church in Cenchreae.

New Living Translation
I commend to you our sister Phoebe, who is a deacon in the church in Cenchrea.

English Standard Version
I commend to you our sister Phoebe, a servant of the church at Cenchreae,

Berean Standard Bible
I commend to you our sister Phoebe, a servant of the church in Cenchrea.

Berean Literal Bible
Now I commend to you Phoebe our sister, being also a servant of the church in Cenchrea,

King James Bible
I commend unto you Phebe our sister, which is a servant of the church which is at Cenchrea:

New King James Version
I commend to you Phoebe our sister, who is a servant of the church in Cenchrea,

New American Standard Bible
I recommend to you our sister Phoebe, who is a servant of the church which is at Cenchrea,

NASB 1995
I commend to you our sister Phoebe, who is a servant of the church which is at Cenchrea;

NASB 1977
I commend to you our sister Phoebe, who is a servant of the church which is at Cenchrea;

Legacy Standard Bible
Now I commend to you our sister Phoebe, who is a servant of the church which is at Cenchrea;

Amplified Bible
Now I introduce and commend to you our sister Phoebe, a deaconess (servant) of the church at Cenchrea,

Christian Standard Bible
I commend to you our sister Phoebe, who is a servant of the church in Cenchreae.

Holman Christian Standard Bible
I commend to you our sister Phoebe, who is a servant of the church in Cenchreae.

American Standard Version
I commend unto you Phoebe our sister, who is a servant of the church that is at Cenchreae:

Contemporary English Version
I have good things to say about Phoebe, who is a leader in the church at Cenchreae.

English Revised Version
I commend unto you Phoebe our sister, who is a servant of the church that is at Cenchreae:

GOD'S WORD® Translation
With this letter I'm introducing Phoebe to you. She is our sister in the Christian faith and a deacon of the church in the city of Cenchrea.

Good News Translation
I recommend to you our sister Phoebe, who serves the church at Cenchreae.

International Standard Version
Now I commend to you our sister Phoebe, a deaconess in the church at Cenchrea.

Majority Standard Bible
I commend to you our sister Phoebe, a servant of the church in Cenchrea.

NET Bible
Now I commend to you our sister Phoebe, who is a servant of the church in Cenchrea,

New Heart English Bible
I commend to you Phoebe, our sister, who is a servant of the church that is at Cenchreae,

Webster's Bible Translation
I commend to you Phebe our sister, who is a servant of the church which is at Cenchrea:

Weymouth New Testament
Herewith I introduce our sister Phoebe to you, who is a servant of the Church at Cenchreae,

World English Bible
I commend to you Phoebe, our sister, who is a servant of the assembly that is at Cenchreae,
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
And I commend you to Phoebe our sister—being a servant of the assembly that [is] in Cenchrea—

Berean Literal Bible
Now I commend to you Phoebe our sister, being also a servant of the church in Cenchrea,

Young's Literal Translation
And I commend you to Phebe our sister -- being a ministrant of the assembly that is in Cenchrea --

Smith's Literal Translation
And I place with you Phebe our sister, being servant of the church in Cenchrea:
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
AND I commend to you Phebe, our sister, who is in the ministry of the church, that is in Cenchrae:

Catholic Public Domain Version
Now I commend to you our sister Phoebe, who is in the ministry of the church, which is at Cenchreae,

New American Bible
I commend to you Phoebe our sister, who is [also] a minister of the church at Cenchreae,

New Revised Standard Version
I commend to you our sister Phoebe, a deacon of the church at Cenchreae,
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
I ENTRUST to your care Phe’be, our sis ter, who is a deaconess of the church which is at Cen’chre-a:

Aramaic Bible in Plain English
I entrust Phoebe our sister to you, who is a Servant of the church of Qenkraus,
NT Translations
Anderson New Testament
I commend to you Phoebe our sister, who is a deaconess of the church that is in Cenchrea,

Godbey New Testament
I commend unto you our sister Phoebe, being a minister of the church which is in Cenchrea,

Haweis New Testament
I NOW commend unto you Phœbe our sister, who is a deaconess of the church which is at Cenchrea:

Mace New Testament
I recommend to you Phebe our sister, who is a deaconess of the church at Kenchrea; receive her for Christ's sake,

Weymouth New Testament
Herewith I introduce our sister Phoebe to you, who is a servant of the Church at Cenchreae,

Worrell New Testament
I commend to you Phoebe our sister, who is a servant of the assembly which is in Cenchrea;

Worsley New Testament
I recommend to you Phebe, our sister, who is a servant of the church in Cenchrea:

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
Personal Greetings and Love
1 I commend to you our sister Phoebe, a servant of the church in Cenchrea. 2Welcome her in the Lord in a manner worthy of the saints, and assist her with anything she may need from you. For she has been a great help to many people, including me.…

Cross References
Acts 18:2
There he found a Jew named Aquila, a native of Pontus, who had recently come from Italy with his wife Priscilla because Claudius had ordered all the Jews to leave Rome. Paul went to visit them,

Philippians 4:3
Yes, and I ask you, my true yokefellow, to help these women who have contended at my side for the gospel, along with Clement and the rest of my fellow workers, whose names are in the Book of Life.

1 Corinthians 16:15-16
You know that Stephanas and his household were the first converts in Achaia, and they have devoted themselves to the service of the saints. Now I urge you, brothers, / to submit to such as these, and to every fellow worker and laborer.

Acts 16:14-15
Among those listening was a woman named Lydia, a dealer in purple cloth from the city of Thyatira, who was a worshiper of God. The Lord opened her heart to respond to Paul’s message. / And when she and her household had been baptized, she urged us, “If you consider me a believer in the Lord, come and stay at my house.” And she persuaded us.

1 Timothy 3:11
In the same way, the women must be dignified, not slanderers, but temperate and faithful in all things.

1 Corinthians 1:11
My brothers, some from Chloe’s household have informed me that there are quarrels among you.

1 Timothy 5:9-10
A widow should be enrolled if she is at least sixty years old, faithful to her husband, / and well known for good deeds such as bringing up children, entertaining strangers, washing the feet of the saints, imparting relief to the afflicted, and devoting herself to every good work.

Acts 9:36
In Joppa there was a disciple named Tabitha (which is translated as Dorcas), who was always occupied with works of kindness and charity.

2 John 1:1
The elder, To the chosen lady and her children, whom I love in the truth—and not I alone, but also all who know the truth—

1 Corinthians 16:19
The churches in the province of Asia send you greetings. Aquila and Prisca greet you warmly in the Lord, and so does the church that meets at their house.

Colossians 4:15
Greet the brothers in Laodicea, as well as Nympha and the church that meets at her house.

Acts 21:8-9
Leaving the next day, we went on to Caesarea and stayed at the home of Philip the evangelist, who was one of the Seven. / He had four unmarried daughters who prophesied.

1 Peter 5:13
The church in Babylon, chosen together with you, sends you greetings, as does my son Mark.

Galatians 3:28
There is neither Jew nor Greek, slave nor free, male nor female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus.

Luke 8:2-3
as well as some women who had been healed of evil spirits and infirmities: Mary called Magdalene, from whom seven demons had gone out, / Joanna the wife of Herod’s household manager Chuza, Susanna, and many others. These women were ministering to them out of their own means.


Treasury of Scripture

I commend to you Phebe our sister, which is a servant of the church which is at Cenchrea:

command.

2 Corinthians 3:1
Do we begin again to commend ourselves? or need we, as some others, epistles of commendation to you, or letters of commendation from you?

our.

Matthew 12:50
For whosoever shall do the will of my Father which is in heaven, the same is my brother, and sister, and mother.

Mark 10:30
But he shall receive an hundredfold now in this time, houses, and brethren, and sisters, and mothers, and children, and lands, with persecutions; and in the world to come eternal life.

1 Timothy 5:2
The elder women as mothers; the younger as sisters, with all purity.

a servant.

Luke 8:3
And Joanna the wife of Chuza Herod's steward, and Susanna, and many others, which ministered unto him of their substance.

1 Timothy 5:9,10
Let not a widow be taken into the number under threescore years old, having been the wife of one man, …

Cenchrea.

Acts 18:18
And Paul after this tarried there yet a good while, and then took his leave of the brethren, and sailed thence into Syria, and with him Priscilla and Aquila; having shorn his head in Cenchrea: for he had a vow.

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Assembly Cenchrea Cenchreae Cen'chre-Ae Church Commend Desire Good Herewith Introduce Minister Ministrant Servant Sister Word
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Assembly Cenchrea Cenchreae Cen'chre-Ae Church Commend Desire Good Herewith Introduce Minister Ministrant Servant Sister Word
Romans 16
1. Paul wills the brothers to greet many;
17. and advises them to take heed of those which cause dissension and offenses;
21. and after various salutations ends with praise and thanks to God.














I commend to you
The phrase "I commend to you" is a formal introduction and recommendation. In the Greco-Roman world, letters of commendation were common, serving as a way to introduce and vouch for someone. The Greek word for "commend" is "συνίστημι" (synistēmi), which means to present or introduce someone with approval. Paul is using this phrase to ensure that Phoebe is received with respect and hospitality by the Roman church. This highlights the importance of community and mutual support within the early Christian church.

our sister Phoebe
The term "our sister" signifies a familial relationship within the body of Christ, emphasizing the unity and equality among believers. "Phoebe" is a Greek name, possibly indicating her Gentile background. The use of "sister" underscores the early Christian practice of viewing fellow believers as family, transcending ethnic and social boundaries. Phoebe's mention by name suggests her prominence and the respect she commanded within the early church.

a servant of the church
The word "servant" is translated from the Greek "διάκονος" (diakonos), which can mean servant, minister, or deacon. This term indicates that Phoebe held a position of responsibility and service within the church at Cenchrea. The use of "diakonos" suggests that she was actively involved in ministry, possibly in a leadership role, which is significant in understanding the role of women in the early church.

in Cenchrea
Cenchrea was a port city near Corinth, indicating that Phoebe was part of the church in this region. The mention of Cenchrea provides a geographical context, showing the spread of Christianity across different regions. It also suggests that Phoebe was likely involved in the logistical and administrative aspects of the church, given the city's role as a trade hub. This highlights the interconnectedness of early Christian communities and the role of individuals like Phoebe in facilitating communication and support among 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 commend
Συνίστημι (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 you
ὑμῖν (hymin)
Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Dative 2nd Person Plural
Strong's 4771: You. The person pronoun of the second person singular; thou.

our
ἡμῶν (hēmōn)
Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Genitive 1st Person Plural
Strong's 1473: I, the first-person pronoun. A primary pronoun of the first person I.

sister
ἀδελφὴν (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 servant
διάκονον (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 the
τῆς (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.

church
ἐκκλησίας (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.

in
ἐν (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)
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