Daily EncouragementSample

Phoebe has something to say to us about the place of women in the service of God.

She was a woman. It must be a wonderful thing for a woman to be a woman, for she is the crowning glory of creation. “Woman is the glory of man” (1 Cor. 11:7); a man was not complete until woman was created Phoebe doubtless possessed the graces of womanhood. She was certainly a godly woman. Is there anything more wonderful in God’s creaton? Think of your godly mother or your godly wife!

She was a recognized worker - “a servant of the church.” The word is diakonos, used of Paul and Apollos as well as of those specifically designated “deacons” (1 Tim. 3:8ff). The liberty to serve accorded to women in the New Testament is considerably wider than a superficial or prejudiced reading might suggest. The principle of man’s headship is maintained but, rightly understood, this is not a limiting factor in the ministry of godly women. It was apparently not a principle against which they rebelled.

She was “a helper of many” (RSV), including Paul. She probably carried this letter to Rome. What better description could there be of the place of women in the Lord’s work? “My best men are women,” said General Booth. Such women are in good company - “the Lord is my helper” (Heb. 13:6).