been wealthier. But if Paul would have needed money from them, he could have written to them individually, without writing so carefully and comprehensively to all the Christians in Rome. Robert Jewett thinks it is more likely that Phoebe, the church leader who brings the letter to Rome, is providing the funds for Paul’s mission.2 In Romans 16:2 he calls her a “patron” or “benefactor,” a specific title for those of higher social status than the recipient or client. Such patrons used their influence