Romans 16:1

Matthew Henry's Complete Commentary - Romans 16:1-16

Such remembrances as these are usual in letters between friends; and yet Paul, by the savouriness of his expressions, sanctifies these common compliments. I. Here is the recommendation of a friend, by whom (as some think) this epistle was sent?one Phebe, Rom. 16:1, 2. It should seem that she was a person of quality and estate, who had business which called her to Rome, where she was a stranger; and therefore Paul recommends her to the acquaintance of the Christians there: an expression of his... read more

William Barclay

William Barclay's Daily Study Bible - Romans 16:1-2

16:1-2 I commend to you our sister Phoebe, who is a servant of the Church which is in Cenchreae. I want you to welcome her in the Lord in the way that God's people should welcome one another; and I want you to help her in whatever way she needs your help, for she has been a helper to many, and to me, too. When a person is applying for a new job, he usually gets a testimonial from someone who knows him well and who can pay tribute to his character and ability. When a person is going to live... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Romans 16:1

I commend unto you Phebe our sister ,.... This chapter chiefly consists of commendations and salutations of persons, and begins with the former. It was usual to give letters of commendation of a member of one church to those of another; see 2 Corinthians 3:1 ; The person who is here recommended was, as appears from the subscription of this epistle, if that may be depended on, the bearer of this letter, and is described by her name, Phebe; as she dwelt at Cenchrea, it is probable she was a... read more

Adam Clarke

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - Romans 16:1

I commend unto you Phoebe - As the apostle had not been at Rome previously to his writing this epistle, he could not have had a personal acquaintance with those members of the Church there to whom he sends these friendly salutations. It is likely that many of them were his own converts, who, in different parts of Asia Minor and Greece, had heard him preach the Gospel, and afterwards became settlers at Rome. Phoebe is here termed a servant, διακονον , a deaconess of the Church at... read more

John Calvin

John Calvin's Commentary on the Bible - Romans 16:1

Verse 1 1.I commend to you, etc. The greater part of this chapter is taken up with salutations; and as they contain no difficulties, it would be useless to dwell long on them. I shall only touch on those things which require some light by an explanation. He first commends to them Phoebe, to whom he gave this Epistle to be brought to them; and, in the first place, he commends her on account of her office, for she performed a most honorable and a most holy function in the Church; and then he... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Romans 16:1

"Phoebe our sister:" a sermon to young women. The Rev. W. S. Swanson, speaking some time ago at Manchester, showed that the religions of the East were powerless to regenerate the heart and purify the life, and that, however excellent some of them may appear in theory, they utterly failed in practice. Among other things he said, "I ask what adaptation have we found in these religions to meet the wants, to heal the wounds of woman, and to give her her proper and rightful position? What have... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Romans 16:1-2

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,... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Romans 16:1-2

A ministering woman. Although we know of Phoebe no more than is recorded here, we know enough to feel an interest in her; for she was a friend and helper of the Apostle Paul, and she was probably the bearer of this Epistle to the Roman Church. Observe— I. THE COMMENDATION OF PHOEBE , BY PAUL , TO THE CHRISTIANS OF ROME . She is described in this passage by three several designations, which could not but favourably introduce her to the notice and regard of the... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Romans 16:1-2

A Christian commendation. It is an honour and a help to receive an introduction from one high in authority. Men of exalted station incur a serious responsibility in the matter of granting or withholding letters of recommendation. The Apostle Paul had known what it was to be treated with scant courtesy by the Church at Jerusalem, until he was warmly taken by the hand by Barnabas. Doubtless this remembrance quickened his desire to support and shield others in a similar position. How strongly... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Romans 16:1-19

Words of counsel for a Christian Church. The practical exhortations given in most of these closing chapters of this Epistle have reference mainly to the duties of individual Christians. The exhortations of this last chapter refer specially to the duty of the local Church in its corporate capacity. I. ATTENTION TO STRANGERS . Consideration for strangers was constantly impressed upon the Jewish people in ancient times. "Oppress not the stranger" ( Exodus 22:21 ; Exodus 23:1-33 ... read more

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