Theology for Everybody: RomansSample

The first person Paul mentions is “our sister, Phoebe.” He gives her the highest commendation “for she has been a patron of many and of myself as well.” The name Phoebe means “bright or pure.” When she shows up, things get brighter and better.

In addition, Phoebe is from Cenchreae. Most historians and theologians believe when Paul wrote this letter to the church in Rome, he was in the city of Corinth and Cenchreae was just south of Corinth. Paul told us previously in Romans chapter 15 that he collected a special offering to take to Jerusalem. (He also writes about this in 2 Corinthians 8–9.) After Paul took the offering to Jerusalem, he went to Rome and spent time with the believers there before going to Spain. Paul “commends” Phoebe because he is sending her to the church in Rome to prepare the way for him.

Phoebe is likely single or a widow since her husband is not mentioned, and she is probably a very affluent woman. A patron is someone who writes checks and funds things. Paul says she has funded many ministries, including his own because when there is vision, there needs to be provision. If someone is on the frontline doing the work, then someone else needs to be on the supply line funding the work.

Probably a business owner or leader, Phoebe is an extraordinarily successful and competent woman, and Paul is sending her ahead for two reasons. First, as I mentioned before, she will prepare the details for his arrival. He would need food, housing, and a place to meet with the believers. Second, Phoebe may have been the person to hand-deliver Paul’s letter to the Romans. Perhaps that is why she is the first person Paul mentions.

Phoebe is dependable, honorable, and competent and serves as a volunteer in Paul’s ministry. The apostle calls her “a servant of the church.” It says in the Bible that Jesus Christ loves the Church and gave Himself up for her (see Ephesians 5:25). Jesus is the Groom, and the Church is His bride. You can’t love Jesus and hate His bride. If you love Jesus, you need to serve His bride, which is what Phoebe does. So often, our motives are selfish instead of serving. We ask, “What’s in it for me? What is the benefit to me?” Phoebe asked, “What benefits you? How can I help you?”

Paul also calls Phoebe a “saint.” He is not saying she is perfect but rather that a perfect God loves her. If you are a Christian, then your identity is a saint. It doesn’t matter what you’ve done; it only matters what Jesus has done. It’s not about your failures; it’s about His successes. It’s not about the things you’ve done that make you dirty; it’s about the things Jesus has done to make you clean. Once you meet Jesus, you are not who you were before—you are a brand-new you. You aren’t perfect yet, but the perfect Jesus has a plan that ends with you being perfect, and He names in advance your destiny.

Phoebe is a servant, a saint, and a patron. She is very generous. There is a principle in the Bible called the principle of firsts, and when there is a list of names, the person named first is given a position of prominence and preeminence. There’s a particular regard for them. For example, when listing the 12 disciples of Jesus, the first one mentioned is Peter. He is the leader. (Consequently, the last one named is Judas Iscariot because he betrayed Jesus.)

Phoebe is named first. This is a particular honor to her as an incredible woman of God. She will organize and architect Paul’s ministry. She will help with the fundraising, the prayer meetings, and the church planting. Paul is sending her with full authority and honor.

Today’s Reflection

Do you have any “Phoebes” in your life?