“I commend unto you Phebe our sister, which is a servant of the church which is at Cenchrea: 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 16:1-2).
We have learned that Phoebe was a very trustworthy person in Paul’s eyes. He entrusted her with the delivery of the letter to the believers in Rome—believers who knew nothing of her or her character.
Phoebe surely felt humbled that Paul would include such an introduction of her to the Romans.
Phoebe task to deliver what today we know as the Book of Romans, was quite an undertaking. She wasn’t just down a few blocks from Rome. Phoebe would have to travel 800 miles to deliver Paul’s priceless letter to the Romans. There would be some travel by boat and much walking. She possibly could have ridden part of the way by donkey. It is not known whether she had any traveling companions or not. Whatever the case, it took an enormous amount of faith to even consider making that long of a trip.
We will finish our study of Phoebe next week. I trust this week you have seen the joy that can come from putting God and others ahead of yourself. It’s a lesson Paul’s 52 words about Phoebe teach us well.
Sue Winchester
Missouri
PRAY TOGETHER: Pray today for Khristi Shores as she speaks to women at the Illinois WAC Fall Blessings Retreat.
