John Gill's Bible Commentary Ver. 9. Salute Urbane, our helper in Christ , etc..] This also was a Roman name, and which many of the popes of Rome have since taken to themselves; he is said to be one of the seventy disciples, and to be a bishop in Macedonia; (see Gill on Luke 10:1); which is not very probable: others have conjectured him to be one of the pastors of the church of Rome, which is more likely; and if he was, but few of his successors have deserved the character given of him, an helper in Christ; in spreading the Gospel, and enlarging the kingdom and interest of Christ: and Stachys my beloved ; this is a Greek name, he is said to be one of the seventy disciples, and bishop of Byzantium; (see Gill on Luke 10:1).
According to the Roman martyrology, he was ordained bishop of the Byzantine church, by Andrew the apostle, but this is not to be depended on; he was, however, because of his faith in Christ, and love to him, or on such like spiritual accounts, very dear to the apostle.
Matthew Henry Commentary
Verses 1-16 - Paul recommends Phebe to the Christians at Rome. It becomes Christian to help one another in their affairs, especially strangers; we know no what help we may need ourselves. Paul asks help for one that had bee helpful to many; he that watereth shall be watered also himself. Thoug the care of all the churches came upon him daily, yet he could remembe many persons, and send salutations to each, with particular character of them, and express concern for them. Lest any should feel themselve hurt, as if Paul had forgotten them, he sends his remembrances to the rest, as brethren and saints, though not named. He adds, in the close a general salutation to them all, in the name of the churches of Christ.
Greek Textus Receptus
ασπασασθε 782 5663 V-ADM-2P ουρβανον 3773 N-ASM τον 3588 T-ASM συνεργον 4904 A-ASM ημων 2257 P-1GP εν 1722 PREP χριστω 5547 N-DSM και 2532 CONJ σταχυν 4720 N-ASM τον 3588 T-ASM αγαπητον 27 A-ASM μου 3450 P-1GS
Vincent's NT Word Studies
9. Urbane. The correct reading is Urbanus, city-bred.Stachys. Meaning an ear of corn.
Robertson's NT Word Studies
16:9 {Urbanus} (Ourbanon). "A common Roman slave
name found among members of the household" (Sanday and Headlam). A Latin adjective from _urbs_, city (city-bred). {Stachys} (stacun). A Greek name, rare, but among members of the imperial household. It means a head or ear of grain (#Mt 12:1).
