16:1–24 · Greetings:Paul’s greetings relate to Phoebe, co-workers who are presently in Rome, dangers facing the church, and further co-workers and friends.

16:1–2 · Recommendation of Phoebe: Phoebe is a Christian sister who serves as a worker in the church in Cenchreae, one of the two ports of Corinth. The use of the Greek word diakonos does not suggest menial service only. Paul often uses it for missionary preaching and pastoral teaching (1 Cor. 3:5; 2 Cor. 3:6; 6:4). He asks the Roman Christians to welcome her as a fellow believer and to assist her in any matter in which she needs help. Some suggest that Paul has asked Phoebe to organize the logistical details of the mission to Spain and that he asks the Roman Christians to support her in these efforts. This is not impossible, given th…