"I Commend to You Phoebe"
Although limited by social customs and expectations, many women in the early Christian church distinguished themselves through lives of service. The Bible rarely gives many details, but it is clear that women played an active role in the mission of the church.
Read Acts 21:9. What important principle can we get from this one short text?
Writing to the church in Rome, Paul commends to them a woman by the name of Phoebe—whom he refers to as "our sister" (Rom. 16:1, NIV). Phoebe belonged to the church in Cenchrea—a port city a few miles from the city of Corinth.
Paul describes Phoebe as "a servant of the church" (vs. 1). In his writings, Paul often uses the Greek word diakonos, translated here "servant" and in other places "deacon." Whatever the correct word, the meaning is that Phoebe was one who served the church. Paul continues: "She has been a great help to many people, including me" (vs. 2).
Many other women in the New Testament are known for their good works. Look up the following texts. What can we gather from them and the ones already looked at about the various positions women held in the early days of Christianity? Acts 9:36; Rom. 16:7, 12; Phil. 4:2, 3; Philem. 2.
Not only did women play an important role behind the scenes in supporting the early church; it appears that many played a leading role in the frontline work of sharing the good news. No doubt, in the closing work of the gospel, in the work of spreading the three angels' messages to "every nation, and kindred, and tongue, and people" (Rev. 14:6), women will continue to have an important role. Man or woman, what is the best way you can utilize your gifts in the work of ministry and mission?
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