Sermon Central
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Phoebe Series
Contributed by John Lowe on Jun 16, 2022 (message contributor)
Summary: Phoebe was one of the first women leaders in the early church. In fact, she may have been the first woman deacon. The term “ diakonos ” used here to describe Phoebe is the same term given to Paul, Apollos, Timothy, and many others.
Travel was difficult in the ancient world compared to today, and it could also be dangerous due to the risk of robbery, violence, shipwrecks, etc. The availability of places to stay on the road was not guaranteed, and even when present, inns, and taverns were often places of ill repute and could also be dangerous. The only viable option for most travelers was to stay with people they knew or rely on strangers' hospitality. This is why hospitality was so important in ancient culture. Paul wants to ensure that the Roman Christians will welcome Phoebe when she arrives and provide her a place to stay and whatever she needs while she is there. This is why Paul opens chapter 16 with the following words:
I commend to you our sister Phoebe, a deacon of the church at Cenchreae, 2 so that you may welcome her in the Lord as is fitting for the saints, and help her in whatever she may require from you, for she has been a benefactor of many and myself as well. (Romans 16:1-2 NRSV)
The word commend could also be translated as recommend, present, or introduce. I like the C.E.B. version, which reads, “I am introducing our sister Phoebe to you….” These words facilitate her entry into a community where she has never been and may not know anyone. They are intended to ensure that she will be welcomed.
So it is clear what Phoebe did: she traveled to Rome with the letter and represented Paul and his message to those early Christians in Rome. However, who was she? What else can we know about her? Of course, there is much we will never know about her, but we will glean all the clues from looking more closely at the three words Paul used to describe her.
Conclusion
Phoebe and Paul served as mutual ambassadors and reciprocal patrons. Paul introduced her as a woman of high standing, setting the stage for her to have a successful visit. He asked Roman believers to aid her in her visit, perhaps in a business way.
Similarly, Phoebe acted as Paul’s emissary, his representative to churches he did not find but eagerly sought to visit (Romans 1:10). Phoebe introduced Paul to the Romans via his letter. She conveyed current news and individual greetings, thereby setting the stage for what Paul hoped to be his successful visit to Rome.
