Romans 16:1
I commend unto you Phebe our sister, which is a servant of the church which is at Cenchrea:
Original Language Analysis
Συνίστημι
I commend
G4921
Συνίστημι
I commend
Strong's:
G4921
Word #:
1 of 14
to set together, i.e., (by implication) to introduce (favorably), or (figuratively) to exhibit; intransitively, to stand near, or (figuratively) to co
Φοίβην
Phebe
G5402
Φοίβην
Phebe
Strong's:
G5402
Word #:
4 of 14
probably akin to the base of g5457); phoebe, a christian woman
τῆς
which
G3588
τῆς
which
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
5 of 14
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
διάκονον
a servant
G1249
διάκονον
a servant
Strong's:
G1249
Word #:
9 of 14
an attendant, i.e., (genitive case) a waiter (at table or in other menial duties); specially, a christian teacher and pastor (technically, a deacon)
τῆς
which
G3588
τῆς
which
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
10 of 14
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ἐκκλησίας
of the church
G1577
ἐκκλησίας
of the church
Strong's:
G1577
Word #:
11 of 14
a calling out, i.e., (concretely) a popular meeting, especially a religious congregation (jewish synagogue, or christian community of members on earth
Cross References
Acts 18:18And 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.2 Corinthians 3:1Do we begin again to commend ourselves? or need we, as some others, epistles of commendation to you, or letters of commendation from you?James 2:15If a brother or sister be naked, and destitute of daily food,
Historical Context
Phoebe's title diakonos sparked debate over women's roles in ministry. Some translations render it 'servant' for Phoebe but 'deacon' for men—revealing bias, not linguistics. Early church evidence shows women served as deacons: Pliny the Younger (AD 112) mentions interrogating female deacons. Later church orders restricted women's roles, but Romans 16:1 shows first-century practice was more egalitarian. Phoebe's commendation, combined with Priscilla (v. 3), Junia (v. 7), and others, demonstrates women's prominent ministry in Paul's mission.
Questions for Reflection
- How does Phoebe's title '<em>diakonon</em>' (deacon) challenge or affirm your understanding of women's roles in church leadership?
- What does it mean that Phoebe likely carried and explained Paul's theological masterpiece (Romans) to the Roman church?
- How can churches today honor and utilize gifted women in ministry as Paul commended Phoebe?
Analysis & Commentary
I commend unto you Phebe our sister, which is a servant of the church which is at Cenchrea—Synistēmi de hymin Phoibēn tēn adelphēn hēmōn, ousan kai diakonon tēs ekklēsias tēs en Kenchreais (συνίστημι δὲ ὑμῖν Φοίβην τὴν ἀδελφὴν ἡμῶν, οὖσαν καὶ διάκονον τῆς ἐκκλησίας τῆς ἐν Κεγχρεαῖς). Synistēmi (συνίστημι, commend/introduce) is formal recommendation language, common in ancient letters. Phoebe carried Paul's letter to Rome, requiring trustworthy character. Diakonon (διάκονος, servant/deacon) is the same word used for male deacons (Philippians 1:1, 1 Timothy 3:8)—Phoebe held official church office, not generic 'helper.'
Cenchrea was Corinth's eastern port, about 7 miles from the city. Phoebe's role as diakonos indicates recognized ministry—likely teaching, administrating, serving the congregation. Paul's commendation to Rome's church implies she had authority to represent him and expound his letter—suggesting women served in teaching and leadership roles in the early church. Adelphēn (sister) emphasizes spiritual family, equal standing in Christ regardless of gender (Galatians 3:28).