Topical Encyclopedia 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 commerce of the region, serving as a gateway for goods and travelers 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 that Paul, after spending a considerable amount of time in Corinth, set sail for Syria from the port of Cenchrea. The passage states: "Paul stayed on in Corinth for quite some time before saying goodbye to the brothers. He had his hair cut off at Cenchrea because of a vow he had taken. Then he sailed for Syria, accompanied by Priscilla and Aquila" (Acts 18:18). This indicates that Cenchrea was a point of departure for Paul as he continued his missionary work, highlighting its importance as a travel hub in the ancient world. Additionally, Cenchrea is mentioned in Romans 16:1, where Paul commends a woman named Phoebe, who was a deaconess of the church in Cenchrea. Paul writes: "I commend to you our sister Phoebe, a servant of the church in Cenchrea" (Romans 16:1). This reference not only underscores the existence of a Christian community in Cenchrea but also highlights the role of women in the early church. Phoebe is noted for her service and is entrusted by Paul to deliver his letter to the Romans, indicating her significant standing within the Christian community. Historical and Geographical Context: Cenchrea was strategically located, providing Corinth with access to the eastern trade routes. The port was approximately 7 miles (11 kilometers) from Corinth, connected by a road that facilitated the movement of goods and people. The presence of a Christian church in Cenchrea, as mentioned in Romans, suggests that the early Christian message had reached this bustling port city, likely due to its active engagement in trade and the movement of diverse populations. The port of Cenchrea was known for its temples and religious activities, typical of a Greco-Roman city. However, the presence of a Christian community indicates the spread of Christianity amidst a predominantly pagan environment. The mention of Phoebe as a deaconess reflects the organizational structure and the active participation of women in the early church, which was a distinctive feature of the Christian movement. Cultural and Religious Significance: Cenchrea's mention in the New Testament highlights the interconnectedness of early Christian communities across the Roman Empire. The port served as a conduit for the dissemination of the Gospel, facilitating the movement of missionaries like Paul and the exchange of letters and teachings among the early churches. The reference to Phoebe also emphasizes the role of lay leaders in the church, showcasing the diverse contributions of individuals to the growth and sustenance of the Christian faith. In summary, Cenchrea holds a place of importance in the New Testament narrative as a key location in Paul's missionary activities and as a testament to the spread of Christianity in the first century. Its mention in the Scriptures provides insight into the dynamics of early Christian communities and the pivotal role of ports and trade routes in the propagation of the Gospel. Smith's Bible Dictionary Cenchrea or Cenchrea(accurately Cenchreae) (millet), the eastern harbor of Corinth (i.e. its harbor on the Saronic Gulf) and the emporium of its trade with the Asiatic shores of the Mediterranean, as Lechaeum on the Crointhian Gulf connected it with Italy and the west. St. Paul sailed from Cenchrae, (Acts 18:18) on his return to Syria from his second missionary journey. An organized church seems to have been formed here. (Romans 16:1) Greek 2747. Kegchreai -- Cenchrea, a port of Corinth ... Cenchrea, a port of Corinth. Part of Speech: Noun, Feminine Transliteration: Kegchreai Phonetic Spelling: (keng-khreh-a'-hee) Short Definition: Cenchreae ... //strongsnumbers.com/greek2/2747.htm - 6k Library Phoebe Miscellaneous Subjects. Acts XVIII Acts XX The Epistles of Paul. Enumeration Ordained by Apostles. The Conversion of Apollos, his Character, and the Ministry of Paul ... Acts xviii. 18 Excursus on the Deaconess of the Early Church. Paul's Epistles; his Collection for the Poor Saints at Jerusalem ... Resources Summary of the Book of Romans - Bible Survey | GotQuestions.orgWhat roles can women fill in ministry? | GotQuestions.org Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus |
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