Fathers

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What the Fathers say

Romans 16:1

Eastern Fathers

John Chrysostom

"I commend unto you Phebe our sister, which is a deaconess of the church which is at Cenchrea." See how many ways he takes to give her dignity. For he has both mentioned her before all the rest, and called her sister. And it is no slight thing to be called the sister of Paul. Moreover he has added her rank, by mentioning her being "deaconess." "That ye receive her in the Lord, as becometh saints." That is, for the Lord's sake, that she may enjoy honor among you. …

Homily on Romans 30 ↗

Theophylact of Ohrid

The present epistle was delivered to the Romans by Phoebe. Therefore he also introduces her to them. He expresses his respect for her both by mentioning her in the first place, and by calling her a sister (this is a great dignity), and by indicating her office, naming her a deaconess.

Commentary on Romans ↗

Western Saints

Thomas Aquinas

After mentioning certain personal matters about himself to the Romans to whom he was writing, the Apostle now presents certain personal matters pertaining to others. In regard to this he does three things: first, he suggests what they should do for others; second, he tells what others do to them, at all the churches; third, he ends the epistle with thanksgiving, at but to him that is able (Rom 16:25). …

Commentary on Romans ↗