Phoebe - A Deaconness in the Church

Who were the first evangelists? Whose home did the first Christians in Jerusalem meet in? Could that have been where the upper room was where Jesus shared the Last Supper? We see in the gospels that Jesus broke with the tradition of His day by having women disciples.

There’s no question that women play a very important role in the church today. Our reading today speaks of one the women who were leaders in the early church.

Romans 16:1–2 NIV84

I commend to you our sister Phoebe, a servant of the church in Cenchrea. I ask you to receive her in the Lord in a way worthy of the saints and to give her any help she may need from you, for she has been a great help to many people, including me.

Phoebe

Only mentioned here

Lived in Cenchrea, a port of Corinth where Paul wrote Romans

Probably well to do

Carried Paul’s letter to the church in Rome – in doing so served as a representative of Paul. Probably read it to the congregations, interpreted or answered questions about it.

This was possibly Paul’s most important letter – introducing himself to a church he’d never been to; explaining his ministry and thinking, seeking their support for future ministry. These first verses on chapter 16 serve as his endorsement and commendation of Phoebe. He must have trusted her to let her be his emissary on such an important mission, and held her in esteem to say what he did about her.

Sister

A believer, disciples

Paul refers to Timothy as like a son, but Phoebe as a sister. Does this indicate she is more on an equal level?

Her ministry

Servant

Deacon – since used in reference to the church in Cenchrea it is possibly a recognized position. She probably played a significant role in the church

In Phil. 1:1 Paul sends greetings to the church, together with the overseers and deacons.

Minister

Has been a great help

Patron – can indicate a position of leadership

Hospitality

Financial

To many people

Including Paul

Receive her

As Paul’s representative they were to accord her the same welcome they would have offered to Paul.

Assist her

Provide housing

Give financial assistance

Any help she may need

Lessons for us

Women in leadership

Galatians 3:28 NIV84

There is neither Jew nor Greek, slave nor free, male nor female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus.

In the OT – Miriam, Deborah, Esther,

In the rest of Romans 16 where Paul send greetings to people in Rome, about 30% of them are women, describing them as fellow workers,

We are all called to ministry/service

Help one another