Cenchreae

Biblical References

Acts 18:18

Paul used Cenchreae, the port on the eastern side of the isthmus of Corinth, as his departure point for Ephesus at the conclusion of the so-called Second Missionary Journey.

Although Paul was vehement in his opposition to imposing Jewish ceremonial law on Gentile Christians, he himself continued to observe Jewish practices. At Cenchreae he had a hair cut, perhaps as part of a Nazirite vow?

Other References

Romans 16:1-2 - Cenchreae is also identified as the location of a gathering of believers in the home of Phoebe, who is described as a 'deacon of the church'. Paul also commends her for the way she has helped people, including himself. Was Paul a guest in her home as he waited for passage to Ephesus?

Visiting the Site

I was able to visit the remains of the harbour at Cenchreae as a side trip of our visit to Corinth on the 2012 Salvation Army Study tour. Having visited only Corinth on previous occasions, it was good to be able to complete the picture by adding this location.

Click here for a Google Earth view of the remains at Cenchreae.

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