A Few Personal Words

As we return to our studies in Romans, we come to the final chapter of this great epistle. Much of this chapter is composed of greetings to people Paul knows or has heard about. But Paul’s words reveal less about the people he is greeting than they do about the apostle himself. While he is undoubtedly a great thinker, he is no ivory tower theologian. Clearly this is a man with a vast circle of friends, acquaintances, and contacts among the churches spread across the Roman world. It is obvious that he loves Christ’s people, even those he has not met, including many in the Roman church, and that his ministry as an apostle and missionary is a very personal one.

Before beginning his greetings, Paul “commends” a believer named Phoebe to the Roman Christians, asking that they welcome her “in the Lord in a manner worthy of the saints” and give her whatever assistance she needs. She is worthy of a warm welcome and willing assistance, Paul writes, because she has helped many, including the apostle himself. He goes on to say that she is coming to Rome from Cenchrea, which is the port of Corinth. Because Paul wrote to the Romans from Corinth, scholars believe Phoebe likely is the bearer of the letter. The fact that she is able to travel indicates she probably is a woman of some means. Nevertheless, Paul writes that she is “a servant” of the Cenchrea church. Biblical commentators have noted that the word here translated “servant” is elsewhere rendered “deacon,” leading to speculation that women held the office of deacon in at least this one early church. But whether or not Phoebe held a formal office, it is clear that she was deeply involved in meeting the needs of Christians in a very hands-on way, and Paul esteems her highly for that.

There are a number of people connected to the Roman church to whom Paul wishes to send a personal word. Heading the list are a couple named Priscilla and Aquila, converted Jews who went to Corinth when Emperor Claudius expelled all Jews and Christians from the city. Paul met them in Corinth and practiced tent-making with them there. The couple went on to minister in Ephesus before returning to Rome, where they lead a house church. It is not known how they risked their lives for Paul, but he is grateful for them, and believes that all Gentile churches should share that gratitude.