I commend our sister Phoebe, who is a deacon in the church at Cenchrea. Romans 16:1 NLT
This week our brothers and sisters who belong to the Southern Baptist Convention find themselves in a big dilemma. They voted to uphold their position to expel any church who has installed a woman as pastor. Apparently, the leadership felt so strongly about this position that they will separate from their long-term brethren. I, personally, don’t think this is a hill to die on, but they did. My heart hurts for the broken relationships that have ensued. Then, I came across this woman named Phoebe, a leader recognized by the Apostle Paul. I am sure this woman was brought up in the Southern Baptist Convention discussions.
Although I have read this chapter many times, I never took the time to do any research about our sister Phoebe. Reading Paul’s commendations of this remarkable woman makes me want to not only get to know her, but become like her! This is the only place that she is mentioned, but we can learn a lot about her. Cenchrea is a seaport a few miles east of Corinth. We know she was a leader in some capacity. Paul gives her the position diakonos–which can be translated as deacon, servant or minister. She is the only woman named in the Bible as deacon. By this, we can infer, that she had a place of responsibility and leadership.
She was given the privilege and responsibility to carry this important letter from Paul to the church at Rome. What a surprise! A woman was entrusted with this special task. She not only saw to it that it arrived, safe intact to the elders at the church in Rome, but her job was to read the letter aloud to the church. Paul entrusted her to accurately interpret his writings with the correct expressions and emphasis. This was a very important task.
Paul strongly encouraged them to welcome her, to receive her in a manner worthy of the saints. As I read this part of the verse, it made me wonder, “do I know how to receive God’s people in a manner worthy of the saints?” Do we as a church even think along those lines? I believer our Black brethren churches could teach some of us a thing or two in this area. They take the time to honor their people. It was important that the church at Rome received Phoebe as worthy among God’s people.
There is another interesting phrase in verse two that describes our sister. I ask you to receive her in the Lord in a way worthy of his people and to give her any help she may need from you, for she has been the benefactor of many people, including me. Romans 16:2. NIV The word “benefactor” in the NIV or “patron” in the ESV (protrastis: Greek) infers someone who was well off financially, but used that wealth for others. Phoebe seems like an amazing well-rounded woman. We know she was a leader who led well. Paul, who discerned character well, admired and trusted her.
My question to myself, and I guess the reader….are we using our influence well? Can we be trusted by the Holy Spirit to use our gifts for His glory? Do we walk a commendable walk with our Lord? I know many, many believers who I would say a resounding “yes”! We can always grow in these areas, but, please know others are watching the good job you are doing. Keep it up. Do not grow weary in well-doing. You may be someone’s Phoebe, and that would be a good thing!
The body of Christ needs good leaders, no matter the gender. Brothers and sisters, please allow the Holy Spirit to use you as He sees fit. If you are called into leadership, do it circumspectly. Remember these scriptures as you relate to each other: For you are all children of God through faith in Christ Jesus. All who have been united with Christ in baptism have put on Christ, like putting on new clothes. There is no longer Jew or Gentile, slave or free, male and female for you are all one in Christ Jesus. Galatians 3:26-28. NLT.
Father, I thank you for helping us grow in wisdom with one another. I thank you for Phoebe’s example and how she was a helper to many. Teach us to honor each other, like Paul honored his friends in Romans 16. I ask you help us rightly develop disciples into good leaders, firstly by walking as good examples ourselves. We pray for our Southern Baptist brethren, that you would let the spirit of reconciliation work in all hearts. In Jesus’ Name, amen.
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