that you may welcome her in the Lord in a way worthy of the saints, and help her in whatever she may need from you, for she has been a patron of many and of myself as well.
English Standard Version (ESV)
The phrase "a patron of many" reveals that Phoebe wasn't just a helper, but a significant benefactor whose generosity extended to many people, and even to Paul himself. This implies she held a position of influence and resources, and her support wasn't just ordinary kindness but active patronage, deserving of the highest respect from the Roman believers.
that you may welcome her in the Lord in a way worthy of the saints, and help her in whatever she may need from you, for she has been a patron of many and of myself as well.
English Standard Version (ESV)
Paul is concluding his letter, and this section is a series of personal greetings and commendations. Before this verse, he has listed several individuals he wants the Roman believers to greet, and now he specifically introduces Phoebe, describing her role and recommending her to their care. After this, he continues with more greetings, reinforcing the community's interconnectedness through Christ.
Paul doesn't just ask the Roman believers to be nice to Phoebe. He asks them to receive her in a very specific way. What does it mean to welcome someone 'in the Lord'?
When Paul says to receive Phoebe 'in the Lord,' he's calling for a welcome that recognizes her as a fellow believer, a sister in Christ. This isn't just social politeness; it's a spiritual acknowledgment. It means seeing her through God's eyes and treating her with the honor due to someone who belongs to Christ.
This kind of welcome is:
Phoebe is described with a powerful word that suggests more than just kindness. What was her role, and why does Paul highlight her past actions?
The Greek word Paul uses for Phoebe's role, prostatis, is rich with meaning. It doesn't just mean 'helper' but carries the sense of a 'patron,' 'protector,' or even someone who 'stands before' others to defend or champion them. This implies she was a woman of influence and resources, actively supporting many others in various needs.
Her past support is a key reason for the recommendation:
Ask a follow-up
Understand the original words
hagios · Greek Noun
Refers to those who are set apart, sanctified, or made holy by God; a standard designation for all true believers in the New Testament.
prostatis · Greek Noun
A term denoting a benefactor, protector, or someone who provides financial and social support to others, often used here to describe one who assists in the mission of the Gospel.
Phoebe wasn't just a messenger; she was a woman of means and a vital supporter of early Christian work, whose personal journey to Rome necessitated the commendation Paul offered to the church there.
c. AD 49-52
Paul's Ministry in Corinth
The Apostle Paul spent a significant amount of time in Corinth, a major Roman port city. It's likely during this period that he became acquainted with Phoebe and experienced her generous support.
c. AD 52— this verse
Phoebe's Service in Cenchrea
Phoebe served as a deaconess (or minister) in the church at Cenchrea, the eastern port of Corinth. She was known for her significant generosity and support of many believers.
c. AD 57
Paul Writes Romans from Corinth
While in Corinth, Paul penned his letter to the Romans. He entrusted Phoebe with the crucial task of delivering this important theological document to the church in Rome.
c. AD 57
Phoebe Travels to Rome
Phoebe likely traveled to Rome on some personal business, possibly related to legal matters or managing property, taking Paul's letter with her. Her journey required the support and welcome of the Roman believers.
This passage speaks about welcoming and honoring those who serve the Lord, mirroring the instruction to welcome Phoebe as someone 'in the Lord'.
1 Timothy 5:9-10This passage outlines qualifications for widows who served the church, providing context for the kind of dedicated service Phoebe likely offered as a 'patron of many'.
2 Timothy 1:16-18Paul specifically thanks Onesiphorus for his faithful service and for not being ashamed of Paul's chains, similar to how Paul highlights Phoebe's past support 'of myself as well'.
Acts 18:2-3This passage introduces Priscilla and Aquila, who, like Phoebe, were significant helpers in the early church and involved in practical work (tentmaking), showing a pattern of valued service from women.
ellicottRomans 16:2: "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."
(2) In the Lord. —With the consciousness that you are performing a Christian act, subject to all those serious obligations implied in the name. As becometh saints.—As Christians ought to receive a fellow-Christian. Succourer.—Patroness or protectress, in the exercise of her office as deaconess. Of mysel…
barnesRomans 16:2: "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 ye receive her ... - That you acknowledge her as being in the Lord, or as being a servant of the Lord; that is, as a Christian; compare Romans 14:3 ; Philippians 2:29 . As becometh saints - As it is proper that Christians should treat their brethren. She hath been a succourer of many - The word use…
The phrase "a patron of many" reveals that Phoebe wasn't just a helper, but a significant benefactor whose generosity extended to many people, and even to Paul himself. This implies she held a position of influence and resources, and her support wasn't just ordinary kindness but active patronage, deserving of the highest respect from the Roman believers.
Paul is concluding his letter, and this section is a series of personal greetings and commendations. Before this verse, he has listed several individuals he wants the Roman believers to greet, and now he specifically introduces Phoebe, describing her role and recommending her to their care. After this, he continues with more greetings, reinforcing the community's interconnectedness through Christ.
Paul is concluding his letter, and this section is a series of personal greetings and commendations. Before this verse, he has listed several individuals he wants the Roman believers to greet, and now he specifically introduces Phoebe, describing her role and recommending her to their care. After this, he continues with more greetings, reinforcing the community's interconnectedness through Christ.
"that you may welcome her in the Lord in a way worthy of the saints, and help her in whatever she may need from you, for she has been a patron of many and of myself as well." — The phrase "a patron of many" reveals that Phoebe wasn't just a helper, but a significant benefactor whose generosity extended to many people, and even to Paul himself. This implies she held a positi…
Get the original Greek and Hebrew, verse-by-verse context, and related passages inside the app.
Last reviewed October 2026