“that ye receive her in the Lord, as becometh saints, and that ye assist her in whatsoever business she hath need of you: for she hath been a succourer of many, and of myself also.”
Romans 16:2 KJV
Paul is sending this letter through Phoebe, saying, “I am sending her with this letter and ask that you shower her with your hospitality when she arrives. Embrace her with honor, as is fitting for one who belongs to the Lord and is set apart for Him. So provide her whatever she may need, for she’s been a great leader and champion for many—I know, for she’s been that for even me! It is clear that Phoebe was considered a leader, a champion, a heroic woman who was most likely quite wealthy and brought blessings to others. In Greek the explanation of Phoebe is that she had a great status and a high position in the church. She carried this letter to Rome which contains the greatest wealth of Christian theology, which blesses us even today. As a woman, she was a wonderful servant of God in the church at Cenchrea, and one that was honoured. The early Church was egalitarian in that Phoebe was a deaconess. May we recognise and discern the gifts that the Holy Spirit has given to the Church which includes women as well, and encourage them to serve God faithfully. Amen!
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