“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.”
Most commentators believe Phebe was the bearer of this letter (Epistle) to the Romans. Few, if any, would dispute it as being the “masterpiece” of all Paul’s writings, and as far as that goes, any other Christian writing throughout Church history. Justification by faith is its theme. It set the Reformer, Martin Luther, free, and has done so for multitudes since.
All Christians, of all ages, owe this woman a debt of gratitude. Never did a messenger carry a more important letter. Bless the memory of her name! As my wife, Salle, says, “I’m sure glad Paul didn’t ask me to carry it in my purse.” What a great responsibility was laid upon this “weaker vessel.” But at the same time, what a tremendous honor was afforded her.
Her name means, “bright/radiant.” She was a business woman, possibly, one of means. She is the first in a list of some twenty-eight saints (two unnamed) whom Paul greets. There are no less than eight women mentioned, and he details the work of six of them. Phebe, as well as the other women mentioned, disprove the theory that Paul disapproved of women ministering in the churches. Paul’s depiction of Phebe is brief, “Sister, Servant, Succourer.” When speaking of great women, few words are needed; their works speak volumes.
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