Bible Location

Cenchrea

Cenchrea, more commonly spelled Cenchreae, was the eastern harbor of ancient Corinth on the Saronic Gulf. Together with the western harbor at Lechaeum, it helped make Corinth one of the most important commercial centers of Roman Greece.

Acts 18:18 records Paul departing from Cenchrea during his travels after an extended ministry in Corinth. Romans 16:1 identifies Phoebe as a servant or deacon of the church at Cenchreae.

The site is securely located at modern Kechries on the eastern side of the Isthmus of Corinth.

Biblical Significance

Acts 18:18 states that Paul left Corinth with Priscilla and Aquila and sailed toward Syria after having his hair cut at Cenchrea because of a vow. The harbor therefore formed part of the transportation network used during Paul's missionary travels.

Cenchrea is even more significant in Romans 16:1-2, where Paul commends Phoebe to the Roman Christians and identifies her with the church at Cenchreae. He asks believers in Rome to receive and assist her.

This reference demonstrates that Christianity had spread beyond the city of Corinth itself and that a distinct congregation existed at its eastern port.

Historical Background

Ancient Corinth possessed two principal harbors because of its position on the narrow isthmus connecting central Greece with the Peloponnese. Lechaeum faced west toward the Gulf of Corinth, while Cenchreae faced east toward the Saronic Gulf and the Aegean Sea.

Cenchreae therefore handled maritime traffic traveling toward Athens, Asia Minor, Syria, and the eastern Mediterranean. The port developed warehouses, religious buildings, residences, and other facilities associated with maritime commerce.

Archaeological investigations have revealed substantial Roman and later remains, including harbor installations and evidence of the settlement that existed during and after the New Testament period.

Modern Identification

Biblical Cenchreae is securely identified with the archaeological site at modern Kechries approximately seven miles east of ancient Corinth.

Ancient harbor remains survive partly on land and partly submerged because of changes in sea level and the coastline. There is little uncertainty concerning the identification of the New Testament port.

Scripture References

Acts 18:18 Romans 16:1

Related Resources

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Sources

Bible: Acts 18:18, Romans 16:1-2; archaeological publications of the Kenchreai excavations; historical studies of the ports and commerce of Roman Corinth