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Paul commends his sister Phoebe in verse one. Phoebe was known as a servant and a helper. Apparently, she was a wealthy person who helped support Paul’s ministry. Phoebe was highly regarded in the church, and she might have delivered this letter from Corinth to Rome. This provides vivid evidence that women had important roles in the early church. Cenchrea, the town where Phoebe lived, was located in the eastern part of Corinth six miles from the city center. In verse two, Paul tells his fellow Christians to take care of any needs that Phoebe may have for her faithful service.

Romans 16:1
16 I commend to you our sister Phoebe, a deacon[a][b] of the church in Cenchreae.