Phoebe

Her love, her hope, her sustenance; all she'll gladly share.
Find a neighbor in a need and you will find her there.
Just a simple woman who touches lives with care.
She never saw a burden too heavy to help bear.

It matters not to her if no one ever knew her name,
Her heart and hand would still reach out the same.
Her motive is not fortune, nor is it found in fame,
But touching lives for whom our Savior came.

If any should wonder could such a woman be;
Come friend, take a look at such a one with me.
Paul sent the Romans letter by such a one as she.
Two short verses tell all we know. Her name, Phoebe.

Phoebe Romans 16:1-2

15:33 Clearly is the salutation of this letter.
Chapter 16 therefore serves another purpose. Here Paul speaks of many Christians whom he encourages them to have fellowship with and whom he recommends.
It was customary in such letters to list people in order of promiance to the writer or the reader. It is entirely likely the reason Phoebe is mentioned first in chapter 16 is that she either carried or accompanied this letter.
16:1 The word "commend" means "introduce, stand with, exhibit, approve" as well according to Strongs Concordance. Therefore Paul is telling these readers that he vouches for her.
He calls her "our sister". This is to say your sister and mine.
At this point do you agree that Paul is asking that she be accepted as a peer? Why?
What do you think is the significance of "our sister"?

King James & NIV read "servant of the church".
Revised Standard reads "deaconess of the church".
Living Bible reads "she has worked hard in the church".
What can you summize from these discriptions?
16:2 How does Paul ask them to receive her?
In what does he ask them to assist her? Why?
Your thoughts, comments or questions:

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