Topical Bible: Women: Phoebe

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Topical Encyclopedia

Phoebe is a notable figure in the New Testament, mentioned specifically in the Apostle Paul's Epistle to the Romans. Her role and character provide valuable insights into the early Christian church and the participation of women within it.

Biblical Reference:

Phoebe is introduced in Romans 16:1-2, where Paul writes: "I commend to you our sister Phoebe, a servant of the church in Cenchrea. Welcome her in the Lord in a manner worthy of the saints and assist her with any matter she may need from you, for she has been a great help to many people, including me" .

Role and Title:

Phoebe is described as a "servant" of the church in Cenchrea, a port city near Corinth. The Greek term used here is "diakonos," which can be translated as "servant," "minister," or "deacon." This indicates that Phoebe held a position of responsibility and service within the early Christian community. Her role as a "deacon" suggests she was entrusted with significant duties, possibly including the care of the poor, the sick, and the distribution of resources within the church.

Commendation by Paul:

Paul's commendation of Phoebe is significant. He not only acknowledges her service but also instructs the Roman church to welcome her "in the Lord in a manner worthy of the saints." This implies a high level of respect and honor due to her, reflecting her esteemed status within the early church. Paul also notes that she has been a "great help" to many, including himself, which underscores her dedication and the impact of her ministry.

Possible Role as a Letter Carrier:

Many scholars believe that Phoebe may have been the one entrusted with delivering Paul's letter to the Romans. This task would have required a person of trust and reliability, further highlighting her importance and the confidence Paul placed in her.

Cultural and Historical Context:

In the context of the first-century Greco-Roman world, Phoebe's role is particularly noteworthy. Women in that era often had limited public roles, yet Phoebe's position as a deacon and her commendation by Paul suggest that the early Christian church recognized and valued the contributions of women in ministry and leadership.

Legacy and Influence:

Phoebe's mention in the New Testament serves as a testament to the active participation of women in the early church. Her example has been an inspiration for many Christian women throughout history, demonstrating that women have always played a vital role in the life and growth of the church. Her account encourages the recognition and support of women's contributions to ministry and service in the Christian community.

Nave's Topical Index

Romans 16:1,2
I commend to you Phebe our sister, which is a servant of the church which is at Cenchrea:
Nave's Topical Index

Library

Phoebe
... Another thought which we may connect with the name of Phoebe is the
characteristic place of women in Christianity. The place of ...
/.../maclaren/romans corinthians to ii corinthians chap v/phoebe.htm

The Women of the Apostolic Age
... Corinth, of Claudia of Rome, of Euodias, of Syntyche, of Persis, of Phoebe, or of ...
In an especial manner these women were working for the uplifting of their sex ...
/.../brittain/women of early christianity/ii the women of the.htm

Excursus on the Deaconess of the Early Church.
... Paul in his Epistle to the Romans (xvi.1) where he speaks of Phoebe as being a ... seems
not unlikely from the fact that the age for the admission of women to this ...
/.../schaff/the seven ecumenical councils/excursus on the deaconess of.htm

Entering the Gospel Field
... the preachers are not doing their duty, because in the second verse the Lord commanded
the other ministers to assist Phoebe. If then the women's only service ...
/.../cole/trials and triumphs of faith/chapter x entering the gospel.htm

Mothers, Daughters, and Wives in Israel
... and watched for His sacred body, could not have been quite solitary in Palestine;
we find their sisters in a Dorcas, a Lydia, a Phoebe, and those women of whom ...
/.../edersheim/sketches of jewish social life/chapter 9 mothers daughters and.htm

Church Government.
... There were also, in the earliest times, women called deaconesses, such as Phoebe,
who is mentioned in the Epistle to the Romans (xvi.1.). These deaconesses ...
/.../chapter xvii church government.htm

Woman's Position in the Army
... the track which all unconsciously Mrs. Booth was blazing for a host of women to
tread, publishing the Salvation of God, was in defence of Mrs. Phoebe Palmer, a ...
/.../carpenter/the angel adjutant of twice born men/iii womans position in the.htm

Deacons and Deaconesses.
... It opened to pious women and virgins, and chiefly to widows, a most suitable field ...
Paul mentions Phoebe as a deaconess of the church of Cenchreae, the port of ...
/.../history of the christian church volume i/section 62 deacons and deaconesses.htm

Concerning Lowliness of Mind.
... 6. And that the disciples too were bound up with Paul with all perfectness; [424]
and that not men only, but women also, hear what he says about Phoebe. ...
/.../chrysostom/on the priesthood/concerning lowliness of mind.htm

Purity and Peace in the Present Lord
... Two Christian women, Euodia[1] and Syntyche, evidently well-known Church members,
possibly officials, "deaconesses," like Phoebe (Romans 16:1), were at ...
/.../christianbookshelf.org/moule/philippian studies/chapter xi purity and peace.htm