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For many reasons this chapter is a fitting conclusion to the Epistle. For —

(1) It indicates to us that doctrine is subservient to personal piety.

(2) That very sacred social ties should exist between a pastor and his people.

(3) That right relationship to Christ creates a right mutual relationship between men. Note —

I. THE COMMENDATIONS AND GREETINGS OF THE APOSTLE. The commendation of Phebe, who is as a sweet flower in the landscape where the apostle himself is a majestic oak, and all the commendations and greetings that follow, lead us to look at true Church fellowship —

1. In its variety. There are men and women of varied

(1)  stations,

(2)  characters,

(3)  services. There is the chamberlain and the slave; the active and passive temperament, the laborious and the hospitable.

2. Its common elements. Common —

(1)  Relationship, "Our sister."

(2)  Service, "Succourer of many."

(3)  Principle, "As it becometh saints."

II. HIS CAUTIONS. The saddest fact in this, and in all these early letters, is the tone in which the apostle has to speak to many professed Christians. In his words of caution about one and another we notice —

1. The mournfulness of the fact that professed Christians have to be so spoken of.

2. The discernment and courage needed rightly to deal with such characters.

III. THE GREETINGS FROM ONE CHURCH TO ANOTHER. Here Corinth greets Rome. Christianity creates relationships that are —

1. Cosmopolitan. The inherent element of a Church is that it is Catholic.

2. Cordial, "Holy kiss."

3. Practical, "Receive."

(U. R. Thomas.)

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KJV: I commend unto you Phebe our sister, which is a servant of the church which is at Cenchrea:

WEB: I commend to you Phoebe, our sister, who is a servant of the assembly that is at Cenchreae,