December 6, 2018
Who Is Phoebe?
Romans 16:1–2
Brooke Benedict
Central Truth
When we are willing to step out of our comfort zone and take risks for God's glory, we get to play a role in seeing the gospel spread.
Romans 16:1–2
Personal Greetings
1 I commend to you our sister Phoebe, a servant 1 16:1 Or deaconess of the church at Cenchreae, 2 that you may welcome her in the Lord in a way worthy of the saints, and help her in whatever she may need from you, for she has been a patron of many and of myself as well.
Dive Deeper | Romans 16:1–2
As someone who always has a million questions, here are just a few of mine after reading this.
Who is Phoebe, and why does Paul commend her?
Phoebe was a faithful servant of the church of Cenchreae, which served as the eastern seaport for Corinth. Even though Paul goes on to greet other members of the church with words of appreciation, he goes beyond standard greetings to commend/endorse Phoebe. Paul believes Phoebe to be worthy of his confidence based on her devotion to the Lord and her kindness to others. Paul has entrusted Phoebe to deliver his message to the church in Rome.
I don't know about you, but I can become skittish walking to my car at night. Phoebe would have traveled close to 750 miles to reach Rome. Paul doesn't mention her traveling with a companion, husband, or family member. That is a lot of trust from Paul and a lot of grit from Phoebe.
Why does Paul speak so highly of her?
You don’t see a long list of Phoebe’s accomplishments, hear her toot her own horn, or grumble about what she will leave behind because she has been entrusted with the task of delivering the gospel. You do see that she has been a servant to the church, a supporter of many, and a great help to Paul. Phoebe used her ability to travel to deliver this crucial letter to Rome when Paul was unable to do so himself. She used her time and resources to assist others to further the gospel! No wonder she was someone whom Paul did ministry with. I want to be more like her!
This month's memory verse
Do Not Cause Another to Stumble
13 Therefore let us not pass judgment on one another any longer, but rather decide never to put a stumbling block or hindrance in the way of a brother.
– Romans 14:13
Discussion Questions
1. What is holding you back from taking risks for the Lord?
2. What would you be leaving behind, and what are you moving toward?
3. What risks have you felt the Lord nudging/calling you toward?
4. Whom can you lock arms with to move toward godly risk?
5. What are some small or large steps you can take today toward godly risk?