“I commend unto you Phebe our sister, which is a servant of the church which is at Cenchrea” (Romans 16:1).
One commentary shares that Phoebe may have been a woman of means, but that didn’t interfere with her serving in the church. She was known for her acts of charity and hospitality. It is possible she may have held church services in her home. That was common practice in that day. She ministered to the needs of women in her church, which might be why she was called a “deaconness.” It is likely she held that position in her church.
For someone who was well respected in her church and in society, she had a “servant’s heart.” Cenchrea was not far from Athens, so she may have met Paul on one his missionary journeys.
Sue Winchester
Missouri
PRAY TOGETHER: Read Romans 10. Pray for boldness to share the good news of salvation with someone today.
