Cenchrea, also spelled Cenchreae, is a significant location mentioned in the New Testament of the Bible. It was one of the two ports of the ancient city of Corinth, situated on the eastern side of the Isthmus of Corinth, facing the Saronic Gulf. This port played a crucial role in the trade and travel of the region, serving as a gateway for goods and people moving between the Aegean Sea and the western Mediterranean.

Biblical References:

Cenchrea is specifically mentioned in the New Testament in the context of the Apostle Paul's missionary journeys. In Acts 18:18, it is recorded: "Paul stayed on in Corinth for some time. Then he left the brothers and sailed for Syria, accompanied by Priscilla and Aquila. Before he sailed, he had his hair cut off at Cenchrea because of a vow he had taken." This passage highlights Cenchrea as a departure point for Paul as he continued his missionary work, and it also notes a personal vow he had undertaken, which involved the cutting of his hair, a practice associated with Jewish customs.

Additionally, Cenchrea is mentioned in Romans 16:1, where Paul writes: "I commend to you our sister Phoebe, a servant of the church in Cenchrea." Phoebe is described as a deaconess or servant of the church in Cenchrea, indicating the presence of an early Christian community in this port town. Paul's commendation of Phoebe suggests her significant role in the early church, possibly as a benefactor or leader, and underscores the importance of Cenchrea as a center for early Christian activity.

Historical and Cultural Context:

Cenchrea's strategic location made it a bustling hub of commerce and travel in the ancient world. The port facilitated the movement of goods and people, contributing to the economic vitality of Corinth. The presence of a Christian community in Cenchrea, as evidenced by the mention of Phoebe, indicates the spread of Christianity beyond major urban centers into smaller, yet significant, locales.

The mention of Paul's vow in Acts 18:18 reflects the Jewish practice of taking vows, which often involved abstaining from certain activities or cutting one's hair as a sign of dedication to God. This practice is rooted in the Nazirite vow described in Numbers 6, although the specific nature of Paul's vow is not detailed in the text.

Significance in Early Christianity:

Cenchrea's mention in the New Testament highlights its role in the missionary activities of the early church. The port served as a launching point for Paul's travels, facilitating the spread of the Gospel across the Mediterranean region. The reference to Phoebe as a servant of the church underscores the active participation of women in the early Christian movement and the establishment of local congregations in key locations.

The early Christian community in Cenchrea, as represented by Phoebe, exemplifies the diverse and interconnected nature of the early church. It reflects the spread of Christianity through trade routes and the establishment of communities in strategic locations, contributing to the growth and resilience of the faith in its formative years.Cenchera (1 Occurrence)

Acts 18:18
And Paul having remained yet a good many days, having taken leave of the brethren, was sailing to Syria -- and with him 'are' Priscilla and Aquilas -- having shorn 'his' head in Cenchera, for he had a vow;
(YLT)

Cenchera (1 Occurrence)
... Multi-Version Concordance Cenchera (1 Occurrence). Acts 18:18 And Paul having
remained yet a good many days, having taken leave of ...
/c/cenchera.htm - 6k

Cenchrea (2 Occurrences)

/c/cenchrea.htm - 7k

Cement (1 Occurrence)

/c/cement.htm - 7k

Cen'chre-ae (2 Occurrences)
... many days, having taken leave of the brethren, was sailing to Syria -- and with
him 'are' Priscilla and Aquilas -- having shorn 'his' head in Cenchera, for he ...
/c/cen'chre-ae.htm - 7k

Aquilas (6 Occurrences)
... many days, having taken leave of the brethren, was sailing to Syria -- and with
him 'are' Priscilla and Aquilas -- having shorn 'his' head in Cenchera, for he ...
/a/aquilas.htm - 8k

Sailing (23 Occurrences)
... many days, having taken leave of the brethren, was sailing to Syria -- and with
him 'are' Priscilla and Aquilas -- having shorn 'his' head in Cenchera, for he ...
/s/sailing.htm - 13k

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