Location
Overview
Cenchrea was the eastern seaport of Corinth, on the Saronic Gulf. Small as it was, it had its own congregation and figures twice in Paul's story.
Paul's vow
Leaving Corinth, "Paul... sailed thence into Syria... having shorn his head in Cenchrea: for he had a vow" (Acts 18:18).
Phoebe of Cenchrea
Paul commended to the Romans "Phebe our sister, which is a servant of the church which is at Cenchrea," asking them to receive her and help her, "for she hath been a succourer of many, and of myself also" (Romans 16:1–2) — likely the bearer of the letter to Rome.
A harbour church
The little port church shows how the gospel took root not only in great cities but in the working harbours and towns around them.
Events Here
Paul shaves his head for a vow at Cenchrea
Scripture References
3 versesActs1 verse
Acts 18:18
And Paul after this tarried there yet a good while, and then took his leave of the brethren, and sailed thence into Syria, and with him Priscilla and Aquila; having shorn his head in Cenchrea: for he had a vow.
Romans2 verses
Romans 16:1
I commend unto you Phebe our sister, which is a servant of the church which is at Cenchrea:
Romans 16:27
To God only wise, be glory through Jesus Christ for ever. Amen. Written to the Romans from Corinthus, and sent by Phebe servant of the church at Cenchrea.
Archaeology & History
Cenchrea (modern Kechries) was one of Corinth's two ports, handling trade toward the Aegean and the east. Its harbour remains have been partly explored underwater. Its named congregation and its deaconess Phoebe witness to an organised Christian presence in Corinth's wider orbit.
People who appear here
Frequently asked about Cenchrea
Where is Cenchrea today?
Today, Cenchrea corresponds to Kechries, Greece.
What happened at Cenchrea in the Bible?
Key biblical events at Cenchrea include paul shaves his head for a vow at cenchrea.
Where is Cenchrea first mentioned in the Bible?
Cenchrea is first mentioned in Acts 18:18.
How often is Cenchrea mentioned in the Bible?
Cenchrea is mentioned in 3 verses across 2 books: Acts, Romans.
Who was Phoebe of Cenchrea?
A "servant (deaconess) of the church which is at Cenchrea" whom Paul commended to the Romans as a helper of many — probably the one who carried his letter to Rome.
Where was Cenchrea?
It was the eastern seaport of Corinth on the Saronic Gulf, at modern Kechries in Greece.