I commend to you our sister Phoebe, a servant of the church at Cenchreae, that you may welcome her in the Lord in a way worthy of the saints, and help her in whatever she may need from you, for she has been a patron of many and of myself as well.
Well how about Phoebe? While Paul is clear about her contributions to him, the church in Corinth, and his desire for her to be received, much debate swirls around this dear servant of Christ.* Paul’s request that the church in Rome would receive her comes naturally in his context as requests of this nature were common.* When going into a new town, there were not public hotels and eating spots like there are today.* Your ability to thrive in a new area depended upon someone’s willingness to host you.* Because the early Christians were so good at hospitality, they were sometimes taken advantage of, making commendations like what Paul made for Phoebe that much more important.* This is not where the debate exists.
The debate exists in the meaning of Paul’s words. The meaning of Paul’s words either keep Phoebe at the status of general, ministering Christian, or they provide her official titles and roles of leadership in the early church.* The debate amongst scholars are sincere and well-thought out. There’s not space to unpack them here, but their debates make me think of Phoebe as a person.
I wonder what she would think or do if she knew that her life and ministry would spark such a debate? I wonder if she would care at all whether she had a title or not?
I remember back to a time when I was serving as a temporary administrative assistant to a contract worker at a church. During that time, I was told by an Executive Pastor that he saw a pastoring gift in me and to exercise it whenever possible. He gave me permission to operate in the gift God gave me regardless of my title. Later, when a title of “pastor” came, I did not allow it to define me.
Certainly, there is evidence for the official capacity with which Phoebe served. The words for “servant” and “patron” in the Greek language indicate financial responsibilities and overseer roles such as deacon.* Other women in Scripture also lead in official capacities (for example, as judge, queen, worship leader, prophet, disciple, witness, businesswoman, etc). Furthermore, Paul’s introduction of Phoebe indicates that he trusted her with this important letter as a representative to a church he had never been to in person.* This was a large responsibility.
No matter if Phoebe was granted official titles or not, I believe that Phoebe would be saddened by the division we have allowed her beautiful life and ministry to create. I believe that regardless of a title or not, she would serve our Lord Jesus in whatever way He called.
No matter where you are, and no matter what official role you have or view of ministry, serve where and how God leads. Jesus did, and so did Phoebe.
Today, take a step.
Maybe today the one step God wants you to take is to prayerfully and Scripturally rethink women in leadership. Perhaps God would have you step into a ministry gift before a title comes. Maybe God wants you to let go of title.
Whatever the step, ask God to direct it. Take a moment to take that step. Invite Him to speak. He will.
Life is a long road. Walk it with Jesus.
Feel free to comment at the bottom of this page! We would love to hear from you!
*Kruse, C. G. (2012). Paul’s Letter to the Romans (D. A. Carson, Ed.; p. 552–557). William B. Eerdmans Publishing Company; Apollos.
Osborne, G. R. (2004). Romans (pp. 402–403). InterVarsity Press.
Morris, L. (1988). The Epistle to the Romans (pp. 527–530). W.B. Eerdmans; Inter-Varsity Press.
Moo, D. J. (2000). Romans (pp. 499–509). Zondervan Publishing House.