What does Romans 16:2 mean?

In the previous verse, Paul introduced Phoebe to the Christians in Rome. She is likely the one delivering this letter to them from where Paul was staying in Corinth. He described her as a servant of the church in Cenchreae.

Now he instructs his readers to welcome her in the Lord in a way worthy of the saints. In other words, they were to receive her honorably as they would welcome a sister in Christ. In addition, they were to help her with whatever she needed while she was with them. This instruction fits with Paul's command in Romans 12 that living-sacrifice Christians seek to show hospitality (Romans 12:13).

Paul reveals that Phoebe has been a "patron." This is from the Greek word prostatis, a feminine noun specifically meaning a woman in some supervisory or guardian's role, or one who aids through providing resources. It's possible that Phoebe helped support Paul's work financially or in other ways. Given her description in verse 1 using the word diakonon, some interpreters believe Phoebe was a deaconess—a female deacon—sent by Paul to deliver this letter.