Lexical Summary Kegchreai: Cenchreae Original Word: Κεγχρεαί Strong's Exhaustive Concordance Cencrea. Probably from kegchros (millet); Cenchreae, a port of Corinth -- Cencrea. NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originperhaps from kegchros (millet) Definition Cenchrea, a port of Corinth NASB Translation Cenchrea (2). Thayer's Greek Lexicon STRONGS NT 2747: ΚεγχρεαίΚεγχρεαί (T WH Κενχρεαί (cf. WH's Appendix, p. 150)), Κεγχρεων, αἱ, Cenchreae or Kenchreae, a port of Corinth, about 60 (70; Strabo (as below)) stadia from the city, on the eastern side of the isthmus, the emporium of its trade with Asia (Strabo 8, p. 380): Acts 18:18; Romans 16:1. (It still retains the ancient name; cf. B. D. American edition, under the word; Lewin, St. Paul, i. 299f.) STRONGS NT 2747: Κενχρεαί [Κενχρεαί, see Κεγχρεαί.] Topical Lexicon Entry: Κενχρεαί (Kenchreai, Strong’s Greek 2747) Geographical Setting Kenchreai was the eastern seaport of Corinth, situated on the Saronic Gulf, directly opposite the more famous western harbor of Lechaion on the Corinthian Gulf. Because the city sat astride the Isthmus of Corinth, Kenchreai formed a vital link in Mediterranean commerce, enabling goods and travelers to move quickly between the Aegean and Adriatic seas. Ancient writers describe its temples, quays, and warehouses; modern archaeology confirms a thriving port with a breakwater, warehouses, and luxurious mosaics, attesting to prosperity during the New Testament era. Historical Background In the mid–first century, Corinth had been rebuilt by Julius Caesar as a Roman colony and soon regained prominence. Kenchreai shared in this economic boom, becoming a cosmopolitan hub where Greeks, Romans, Jews, and travelers from Asia Minor mingled. Such diversity provided fertile soil for the gospel, allowing early believers to spread the message along well-traveled maritime routes. Biblical Occurrences 1. Acts 18:18 After a fruitful eighteen-month ministry in Corinth, “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”. Near the close of his Epistle, Paul writes, “I commend to you our sister Phoebe, a servant of the church in Cenchrea”. Ministry Significance • Paul’s Vow and Consecration Acts 18:18 records Paul cutting his hair at Kenchreai “because of a vow.” Whether this was a Nazirite-style vow (Numbers 6) completed prior to sailing, or a personal act of gratitude for God’s protection, the setting at Kenchreai underscores the port’s role as a transitional waypoint in Paul’s missionary journeys. The act illustrates his dedication to the Lord while navigating cultural contexts, demonstrating that consecration and travel for the gospel were not mutually exclusive. • The Church at Kenchreai Romans 16:1 reveals an established congregation in the port. The term translated “servant” (διάκονος) applied to Phoebe suggests recognized ministry responsibility. Her commendation implies she carried Paul’s epistle to Rome, representing both her local assembly and the wider mission. The church therefore functioned as a sending base, extending Corinthian evangelistic influence eastward. • Phoebe’s Example Phoebe embodies mature Christian service: trusted with Paul’s most theological letter, able to provide resources (“assist her in whatever matter she may need from you,” Romans 16:2), and representing a congregation anchored in a bustling trade center. Her ministry challenges believers to steward resources, travel, and influence for kingdom purposes. Doctrinal and Practical Themes Commitment to Vows: Paul’s haircut highlights integrity in keeping vows (Ecclesiastes 5:4-5), modeling accountability before God in missionary context. Servant Leadership: Phoebe illustrates that offices of service are integral to local church health (Philippians 1:1). Her commendation legitimizes godly women exercising substantial ministry within scriptural boundaries. Strategic Church Planting: Kenchreai’s location shows the wisdom of establishing congregations in transportation hubs, enabling rapid dissemination of the gospel (Acts 19:10). Hospitality and Partnership: Paul instructs Roman believers to “receive her in the Lord in a manner worthy of the saints” (Romans 16:2), spotlighting inter-church cooperation and material support for traveling workers. Archaeological Insights Excavations reveal a basilica, baptistery, and Christian inscriptions dating to the late first and second centuries, confirming a continuous believing presence. Marble plaques bearing fish and anchor motifs echo early Christian symbolism, aligning with the New Testament witness to an active church in the port. Legacy and Influence Though eventually eclipsed by shifting trade routes, Kenchreai stands as an early model of a mission-minded harbor church. Its believers supported Paul, facilitated Scripture delivery, and maintained witness amid diverse cultures. Their example encourages modern assemblies situated in commercial centers to leverage accessibility for gospel advance, honor commitments of faith, and nurture servants like Phoebe who bridge local and global ministry. Forms and Transliterations Κεγχρεαῖς κέγχρον κέδρινα κέδριναι κεδρίνην κεδρίνοις κέδρινον κεδρίνω κεδρίνων Κενχρεαις Κενχρεαῖς Kenchreais Ken'chreaîsLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance Acts 18:18 N-DFPGRK: κειράμενος ἐν Κενχρεαῖς τὴν κεφαλήν NAS: and Aquila. In Cenchrea he had his hair KJV: [his] head in Cenchrea: for he had INT: having shaved in Cenchrea the head Romans 16:1 N-DFP |
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