Phoebe

Phoebe

from Praying with the Women of the Bible

by Bridget Mary Meehan

I n Romans, Paul commends deacon Phoebe of the church

at Cenchreae near Corinth, as a leader and missionary. He

exhorts the community to welcome her and “help her in whatever she may require from you, for she has been a benefactor of many and of myself as well” (Rom 16:2). It is interesting to observe that Paul identifies Phoebe as diakonos, which means

deacon. Paul’s reference to Phoebe as “our sister and diakonos”

is the same word used to describe Timothy as “our brother and God’s diakonos” (1 Thes

3:2) and Tychicus as “our beloved brother and faithful diakonoss” (Col 4:7). In the past, this term was translated “missionary” or “minister” when applied to men, but as “helper” or “deaconess” when referred to Phoebe. Also, Paul calls Phoebe a “leader,” prostatis, not a “helper” as the term is usually translated. This word appears nowhere else in the Christian scriptures and always means leader or overseer. It is obvious that Paul acknowledges Phoebe’s influential position as leader in the early Christian missionary movement. She is first on Paul’s greeting list in his letter to the Romans. Paul expects the Christian community in Rome to treat this woman missionary and teacher with the hospitality and support that her ministry deserves. He exhorts them to “welcome her…as is fitting for the saints

…and help her in whatever she may require from you…” (Rom 16:2). Scholars today believe that Phoebe was entrusted with the mission to proclaim Paul’s letter to the house churches in Rome, since they know from research that such carefully worded documents were not only carried by the messenger, but proclaimed rhetorically. They also conclude that Phoebe was an influential leader whose authority and credentials were accepted by the local church.1

As a servant of God and a person with authority in the community, Phoebe devoted herself to the mission of Jesus. Paul refers to her as a benefactor of many people, including himself. She was a businesswoman in Cenchreae, evidently successful enough to become a financier of several missionary ventures. Her patronage assured Paul of financial support, hospitality, and prestigious connections. According to the law of Greco-Roman patronage, Paul invites the Christian community of Rome to repay Phoebe for the assistance and





support Paul owes her as client. This seems to suggest that Phoebe was a well-educated, rich woman of independent means. Paul’s letter implies that not only did Phoebe use her resources and wealth to help him, but she also assisted people who were suffering, poor, and oppressed. It seems evident from his commendation that Phoebe’s preaching, teaching, and ministry made a powerful impact on Paul and on the first-century church of Rome.2

Contemporary scholars observe that women leaders like Phoebe were not assistants to the apostles, but rather were apostles, missionaries, and leaders of communities equal to and independent of Paul. They did not receive their authority from Paul, nor owe their positions to him. Rather, it is probable that Paul cooperated with these women and recognized their authority within the communities.3

Phoebe’s story challenges women in ministry to be biblical scholars. Romans was written by Paul, but Phoebe proclaimed it. As Carolyn D. Baker said it: “Paul wrote the doctrines. Phoebe explained them. No Phoebe, no Romans…. The Church needs women with Bible- rich blood.”4

Phoebe is a model for women in ministry today. As an independent, confident, and generous woman, she shared her abundant resources with others. She was aware of her spiritual power and authority. She was willing to take the daring risk of travel to Rome in an era when all travel was difficult and dangerous. She lived her call to the fullest. In her teaching, preaching, and ministry, Phoebe witnessed to the gospel and contributed to the growth of the Church. Like Phoebe, contemporary women are called to be official teachers and leaders in the Church. The Christian community today needs women in ministry more than ever. As Paul trusted Phoebe to proclaim the gospel, so now the Church needs to recognize women as influential leaders in the believing community. One way this is happening is through the grass-roots development of contemporary house churches and sacred circles.







Reflection



“I commend to you our sister Phoebe, a deacon of the church at Cenchreae, so that you may welcome her in [God] as is fitting for the saints, and help her in whatever she may require from you, for she has been a benefactor of many and of myself as well” (Rom 16:1–

2).







Discussion Starters



1. Phoebe was independent, confident, and generous. She was aware of her spiritual power and authority. She lived her call to the fullest. Comment on these characteristics and how they impact on Christian ministry.

2. In what way(s) is Phoebe a model for women in ministry today?

3. How did Phoebe and Paul exhibit a partnership in the gospel?

4. What impact do women who preach, teach, and minister have on the mission of Jesus

Christ today?




Prayer Experience



1. Relax for a few minutes in silence. Breathe slowly and deeply. As you inhale, be conscious of God’s boundless love surrounding you…filling you…empowering you. As you exhale, breathe out God’s love for yourself…family

…friends…coworkers…neighbors…all people…all creation.

2. Contemplate yourself as a reflection of God’s passionate love for family…friends…

coworkers…neighbors…all people…all creation….

3. Reflect on Phoebe’s ministry in the early Church…. Invite her to minister to you as a sister, and partner, in the gospel…. Gather with her in a sacred circle of women or in a contemporary house church….

4. Create an image, phrase, prayer, song, dance, art piece that expresses your understanding of God’s call in your life…. Put it in a prominent place as a special reminder of God’s love active in you…touching…liberating…healing

…empowering…others….

5. Reflect on the leadership gifts that you share with others in your ministry…and that others share with you in their ministry to you…. Make a list of them…. Offer a prayer of thanks for these gifts….

6. Be aware of any new possibilities or challenges that are present in your ministry…. Ask

God to help you to lead in ways that will be life-giving for you and for others….



7. Create a ritual or prayer that you can use to celebrate your commitment to witness… preach…teach…live the gospel…. If possible, share it with others to whom…for whom… and with whom…you minister…in a quiet moment or in a festive celebration….