Cenchrea
“From kenchri, millet grain”
Summary
The eastern seaport of Corinth on the Saronic Gulf, where Paul had his head shorn in fulfillment of a vow and where an early Christian church was established.
☩Geography and Trade
Cenchrea (more accurately Cenchreae) was the eastern port of Corinth, located about nine miles from the city on the Saronic Gulf. As Strabo noted, 'Cenchreae serves for the trade with Asia, and Lechaeum for that with Italy,' making it the primary channel of Corinthian commerce with the eastern Mediterranean. The modern village of Kikries retains the ancient name, which is believed to derive from kenchri, the millet grain that grew abundantly in the area. The site today shows remains of buildings and traces of the ancient harbor moles.
☩Paul's Visit
The apostle Paul sailed from Cenchrea at the conclusion of his second missionary journey, returning to Syria. Before departing, he had his head shorn because of a vow, likely a Nazirite vow of thanksgiving for deliverance from danger during his ministry in Corinth. This harbor scene captures a moment of transition as Paul concluded his significant work in Achaia and prepared for new mission fields.
☩The Church at Cenchrea
During Paul's extended residence in Corinth, a church was established at Cenchrea. When Paul wrote his epistle to the Romans during his third journey, he commended Phoebe, who is described as a diakonos (servant or deaconess) of the church at Cenchrea and a prostatis (helper or patron) of many, including Paul himself. She may have been the bearer of the Roman epistle, though some scholars suggest Romans 16 was originally addressed to Ephesus. The first bishop of Cenchrea is traditionally named as Lucius, said to have been appointed by Paul.
References
- 1.John McClintock and James Strong, "Cenchrea," in Cyclopedia of Biblical, Theological and Ecclesiastical Literature, vol. II (Harper & Brothers, 1867–1887).
- 2.James Hastings (ed.), "Cenchreae," in Dictionary of the Apostolic Church, vol. I (T. & T. Clark, 1915–1918).
- 3.Andrew Robert Fausset, "Cenchrea," in The Englishman's Critical and Expository Bible Cyclopædia (Hodder & Stoughton, 1878).
- 4.George Morrish, "Cenchrea," in Morrish's Concise Bible Dictionary (George Morrish, 1898).
- 5.F. N. Peloubet & M. A. Peloubet (ed.), "Cenchrea," in Smith's Bible Dictionary (Porter & Coates, 1884).