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PHOEBE-A SERVANT OF THE CHURCH

Text: Romans 16:1-2
5 July 2009

(I) COMMENDATION OF BOTH MEN AND WOMEN SERVANTS OF GOD

1. Both are commended

2. Majority are men

3. Mention of minority women would thus be significant

(II) PHOEBE- AN OUTSTANDING EXAMPLE

“I commend to you Phoebe our sister, who is a servant of the church in Cenchrea” Romans 16:1a

1. Phoebe- mentioned by name

2. Phoebe-mentioned by “title”

a) A servant of the church

b) Literally “a deacon of the church”

(III) PICTURE OF THE WORK OF PHOEBE

“…she has been a helper of many and of myself also.” Romans 16:2c

1. The word “helper” (NKJV) says less than it could have

2. The word has wide possible application (prostates)

a) A leader

b) A champion

c) A protector

d) A patron

3. The recipients of Phoebe’s patronage

a) Many

b) Paul included

(IV) PROPOSED RECEPTION OF PHOEBE

“That you may receive her in the Lord in a manner worthy of the saints, and assist her in whatever business she has need of you…” Romans 16:2

1. To be received

a) In the Lord

b) In a manner worthy of the saints

i) Phoebe recognized as a “saint”

ii) She has demonstrated qualities that may her outsanding

2. To be assisted

a) Literally “to stand by her” (parastete)

b) Depending on her “needs”

(V) A SPECIAL CHALLENGE TO ALL LADIES

1. Inspiration of Phoebe

2. Aspiration to emulate her example