Cenchreae was the eastern port of Corinth, where Paul had his hair cut in connection with a vow, and was the home of Phoebe, a deaconess of the church.
Also known as Cenchrea
Cenchreae was a seaport located on the eastern side of the Isthmus of Corinth, about seven miles from the city of Corinth. It served as the port for Corinth's trade with Asia Minor and the East. Cenchreae is mentioned twice in the Bible, both in connection with Paul's ministry.
In Act.18.18, Paul departed from Corinth and sailed from Cenchreae to Syria, after having his hair cut due to a vow he had taken. This vow was likely a Nazirite vow (Numbers 6:1-21), which involved abstaining from cutting one's hair until the vow was completed. Paul's actions at Cenchreae indicate his continued observance of Jewish customs and his commitment to his Jewish heritage.
In Romans 16:1-2, Paul commends Phoebe, a deaconess of the church in Cenchreae, to the believers in Rome. He describes her as a servant of the church and a benefactor to many, including Paul himself. This passage provides insight into the role of women in the early church and their significant contributions to the spread of the gospel.
Approximate location: 37.885, 22.993 · view on a map · on the Bible atlas
Part of: Paul's Circle
Paul commends Phoebe, a servant (diakonos) of the church at Cenchreae, and a prostatis (patron) of many including Paul. Since Romans ends with her commendation, she is often thought to have carried the letter to Rome.
Sources: Scripture
3 verses in 2 books · English text: BSB (change it from the menu at the top) · Strong’s G2747
Paul remained in Corinth for quite some time before saying goodbye to the brothers. He had his head shaved in Cenchrea to keep a vow he had made, and then he sailed for Syria, accompanied by Priscilla and Aquila.
I commend to you our sister Phoebe, a servant of the church in Cenchrea.
to the only wise God be glory forever through Jesus Christ! Amen.
Names, family links and references: STEPBible TIPNR (Tyndale House Cambridge, CC BY 4.0). Short descriptions were drafted with AI assistance by STEPBible. Family links follow STEPBible’s scholarly decisions where genealogies are ambiguous.