¹ I commend to you our sister Phoebe, who is a servant of the church which is at Cenchrea; ² that you receive her in the Lord in a manner worthy of the saints, and that you help her in whatever matter she may have need of you; for she herself has also been a helper of many, and of myself as well.

Only mentioned here in Scripture, this saint has been the subject of much debate about gender roles in the church, because of the description of her as a “servant of the church.” The Greek word used is diakonos and can be translated “deacon.” Since it is used here of a woman, the word “deaconess” can be a valid translation as well. Whether the early church recognized an office of deaconess similar to that of deacon is uncertain from this passage, but we can safely say Paul is commending Phoebe for her exemplary service to the believers. Certainly 1 Timothy 1:12 would limit the teaching and authority roles in the church regarding women.

Paul uses the word of himself seven times, Tychicus and Epaphras both are referred to as servants, and Timothy was encouraged to be a “good servant of Christ Jesus” (1 Tim 4:6). Jesus is our Master and He said,

“You know that the rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and their great men exercise authority over them. It is not this way among you, but whoever wishes to become great among you shall be your servant, and whoever wishes to be first among you shall be your slave; just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life a ransom for many.” (Matt 20:25–28)

There is no higher aspiration or accolade a believer can have than that of a “servant.” We ascend no higher than when we stoop low.

While there is no biblical record that Paul had planted the church at Cenchrea (about seven miles from Corinth) from where Phoebe hailed, he may have met her there during a brief visit on his second missionary tour, where “he had his hair cut, for he was keeping a vow” (Acts 18:18). Despite these sparse facts about this woman, Paul commends her highly. She had a reputation for being a “helper of many” and also a personal assistant to Paul. Many think she was the messenger who delivered the letter to the Romans. At any rate, the Romans are instructed to receive her well (“in a manner worthy of the saints”) and give her whatever help she might need in the imperial city.

Two applications present themselves: we should strive to serve one another rather than be served, and we should honor those who excel at serving.

Lord, help me be worthy to be a servant like Phoebe.