That ye receive her in the Lord, as becometh saints, and that ye assist her in whatsoever business she hath need of you: for she hath been a succourer of many, and of myself also.

ROMANS 16:2KJV
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Romans 16:2 (KJV)

What does Romans 16:2 mean?

Romans 16:2 asks the believers in Rome to welcome Phoebe in a way that honors those who follow Jesus, and to help her with anything she needs, because she has supported many people—including Paul himself. Paul is urging the church to treat Phoebe with respect and practical care as she arrives among them.

Paul is writing to the Christians in Rome, introducing Phoebe, who is likely the person delivering this letter. He wants the Roman believers to recognize her as a fellow follower of Jesus and to assist her, since she has a history of helping others. This verse highlights the early Christian practice of hospitality and mutual support, especially for those who serve the community.

The Greek behind Romans 16:2

  • προσδέξησθε (prosdexēsthe, "receive"): This word means more than just letting someone in; it carries the sense of welcoming someone warmly and with honor, as part of the community.
  • προστάτις (prostatis, "succourer"): This word describes someone who stands by others to help, protect, or support them. It suggests that Phoebe was a benefactor or patron, someone who provided significant help to many, including Paul.
  • ἁγίους (hagious, "saints"): This word refers to those who are set apart for God—ordinary believers, not just a special class. Paul is saying Phoebe should be received as one would receive any fellow Christian.

Why Romans 16:2 matters

  • Romans 16:2 clarifies that women like Phoebe held important and respected roles in the early church, serving as helpers and leaders.
  • The verse emphasizes the expectation of practical hospitality and support among believers, not just polite greetings.
  • This request connects to the wider passage by showing the personal relationships and networks of care that supported the early Christian movement.

Where else these words appear

“need” Greek G5535 · used in 5 verses

  • Matthew 6:32 (For after all these things do the Gentiles seek:) for your heavenly Father knoweth that ye have need of all these things.
  • Luke 11:8 I say unto you, Though he will not rise and give him, because he is his friend, yet because of his importunity he will rise and give him as many as he needeth.
  • Luke 12:30 For all these things do the nations of the world seek after: and your Father knoweth that ye have need of these things.

“becometh” Greek G516 · used in 6 verses

  • Ephesians 4:1 I therefore, the prisoner of the Lord, beseech you that ye walk worthy of the vocation wherewith ye are called,
  • Philippians 1:27 Only let your conversation be as it becometh the gospel of Christ: that whether I come and see you, or else be absent, I may hear of your affairs, that ye stand fast in one spirit, with one mind striving together for the faith of the gospel;
  • 1 Thessalonians 2:12 That ye would walk worthy of God, who hath called you unto his kingdom and glory.

“business” Greek G4229 · used in 11 verses

  • Matthew 18:19 Again I say unto you, That if two of you shall agree on earth as touching any thing that they shall ask, it shall be done for them of my Father which is in heaven.
  • 1 Corinthians 6:1 Dare any of you, having a matter against another, go to law before the unjust, and not before the saints?
  • Hebrews 6:18 That by two immutable things, in which it was impossible for God to lie, we might have a strong consolation, who have fled for refuge to lay hold upon the hope set before us:

“receive” Greek G4327 · used in 14 verses

  • Mark 15:43 Joseph of Arimathaea, an honourable counsellor, which also waited for the kingdom of God, came, and went in boldly unto Pilate, and craved the body of Jesus.
  • Luke 15:2 And the Pharisees and scribes murmured, saying, This man receiveth sinners, and eateth with them.
  • Philippians 2:29 Receive him therefore in the Lord with all gladness; and hold such in reputation: