16:1 16:1

Romans 16:2

16:3 16:3

Bible Versions

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.
That {G2443} ye receive {G4327} her {G846} in {G1722} the Lord {G2962}, as becometh {G516} saints {G40}, and {G2532} that ye assist {G3936} her {G846} in {G1722} whatsoever {G3739}{G302} business {G4229} she hath need {G5535} of you {G5216}: for {G1063} she {G3778}{G846} hath been {G1096} a succourer {G4368} of many {G4183}, and {G2532} of myself {G846}{G1700} also {G2532}.
so that you may welcome her in the Lord, as God’s people should, and give her whatever assistance she may need from you; for she has been a big help to many people — including myself.
Welcome 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.
that ye receive her in the Lord, worthily of the saints, and that ye assist her in whatsoever matter she may have need of you: for she herself also hath been a helper of many, and of mine own self.

Commentary on Romans 16:2

Romans 16:2 is part of Paul's personal greetings and commendations at the close of his letter to the church in Rome. This verse specifically instructs the Roman believers on how to receive and treat Phoebe, whom Paul introduces in the preceding verse.

Context

This verse follows directly from Romans 16:1, where Paul introduces Phoebe as a "servant" (KJV: "deaconess") of the church at Cenchrea, a port city near Corinth. It is highly probable that Phoebe herself was the bearer of this monumental letter from Paul to the Roman church, making Paul's instructions for her reception particularly crucial. The closing chapter of Romans is rich with personal names, highlighting the interconnectedness of early Christian communities and the vital roles played by various individuals, including women, in the spread of the Gospel.

Key Themes

  • Christian Hospitality and Reception: The command to "receive her in the Lord, as becometh saints" underscores the profound importance of welcoming fellow believers with hospitality. This is not merely human courtesy but an act done "in the Lord," reflecting Christian love, unity, and a shared spiritual identity. It sets a standard for how believers should treat one another, as befits those who are set apart for God's purposes.
  • Mutual Support and Practical Assistance: Paul urges the Romans to "assist her in whatsoever business she hath need of you." This highlights the practical outworking of Christian love – providing tangible help and bearing one another's burdens. Phoebe likely had a specific mission or task in Rome (perhaps delivering the letter, or other church-related matters) for which she would require support from the local believers.
  • Recognition of Faithful Service: The reason given for their support – "for she hath been a succourer of many, and of myself also" – emphasizes the value of recognizing and honoring those who faithfully serve the body of Christ. Phoebe's proven track record of selfless assistance and patronage serves as a strong basis for her being worthy of their help.
  • The Significant Role of Women in Early Church Ministry: Phoebe's dual designation as a `diakonos` (servant/deaconess) and `prostatis` (succourer/patroness) in these verses clearly points to the active and influential roles women held in the early church, often providing crucial practical, financial, and leadership support.

Linguistic Insights

  • The Greek word translated "succourer" is prostatis. This is a significant term, often rendered as "patroness," "helper," "guardian," or "protector." It describes someone who stands before others, offering substantial aid, resources, and advocacy. It indicates that Phoebe was not merely a passive recipient of help but an active and influential benefactor and supporter within the Christian community, providing significant assistance to many, including Paul himself.
  • The phrase "in the Lord" (Greek: en Kyrio) emphasizes that the reception, assistance, and indeed all Christian interactions, are to be conducted with a spiritual mindset, reflecting the unity and love found in Christ.

Practical Application

Romans 16:2 offers timeless principles for believers today. It reminds us of the ongoing call to extend genuine hospitality and practical assistance to those who serve the Lord, especially those traveling for ministry or in genuine need. It challenges us to recognize and support the faithful service of others within the church, understanding that past faithfulness is a strong indicator of worthiness for future support. Furthermore, it affirms that every believer, regardless of their specific role or gender, can be a "succourer" – a helper, patron, or supporter – within the body of Christ, using their God-given resources and gifts for the benefit of others and the advancement of the Gospel.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

  • Philippians 2:29

    Receive him therefore in the Lord with all gladness; and hold such in reputation:

  • Philippians 1:27

    ¶ Only let your conversation be as it becometh the gospel of Christ: that whether I come and see you, or else be absent, I may hear of your affairs, that ye stand fast in one spirit, with one mind striving together for the faith of the gospel;

  • Matthew 10:40

    He that receiveth you receiveth me, and he that receiveth me receiveth him that sent me.

  • Matthew 10:42

    And whosoever shall give to drink unto one of these little ones a cup of cold [water] only in the name of a disciple, verily I say unto you, he shall in no wise lose his reward.

  • Romans 16:23

    Gaius mine host, and of the whole church, saluteth you. Erastus the chamberlain of the city saluteth you, and Quartus a brother.

  • Ephesians 5:3

    ¶ But fornication, and all uncleanness, or covetousness, let it not be once named among you, as becometh saints;

  • Philippians 4:14

    Notwithstanding ye have well done, that ye did communicate with my affliction.
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