Romans 16:1-2

 

Romans 16:1-2

I Commend unto You Phebe

 

Rom 16:1  I commend unto you Phebe our sister, which is a servant of the church which is at Cenchrea: 

Rom 16:2  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. 

 

1. Paul is Sending Phebe to the Roman Church – vs. 1a*
1. Phebe was probably a woman of means and influence which gave her the ability to travel as well as financially support missionary efforts
2. For this reason, Paul is sending her to Rome probably with the book of Romans.
2. She was a Blessing to the Church in Cenchrea – vs. 1b*
1. Cenchrea is a port city 6.5 miles from Corinth
2. Cenchrea was probably a wealthy city
3. Phebe was known in the area as one that could be a reliable help in the spreading of the gospel.
4. She may have even hosted the budding church in her own home.
5. She was a servant of the Church in Cenchrea

                                                              i.      This probably does not mean that she held a formal office of deaconess. One good reason for this is, that there is no other Biblical evidence that such an office existed in the New Testament

1.      Philippians 1:1 

2.      1 Timothy 3:11-12 

3.      Acts 6:3 

                                                            ii.      The kind of servant she was, is an example to all of us, whether you hold an official office or not.

1.      Matthew 23:8-12  

3. The Roman Church is to Receive Her as One of their Own – vs. 2a*
1. Like in those times it is hard to know who is good and bad, so Paul asks the Roman Church to support Phebe in her travels. They are to receive her just like they would any of the other members of their own church.

                                                              i.      Romans 1:7 

                                                            ii.      This could include

1.      A warm welcome

2.      Possibly financial aide

3.      Travel supplies

4.      Maybe travel passes or protection on the road

4. The Roman Church was to Help Her with Whatever She Needed – vs. 2b*
1. The support of the Romans church was vital to the success of Phebe’s mission. For their sacrifice they received the precious gift of the book of Romans

                                                              i.      3 John 1:5-8 

5. She Tended to the Needs of Many – vs. 2c*
1. The Greek word used to describe Phebe’s ministry was that of a Patroness. She was an ardent supporter of the work of her local church. Her ministry could have been something like that of Dorcas.

                                                              i.      Acts 9:36-41 

6. She Tended to the Needs of Paul – vs. 2d*
1. Paul humbly admits that she had been an important part of supporting his own personal ministry and travels.

                                                              i.      Philippians 4:14-20