Influential Women of the Bible: Phoebe

Influential Women of the Bible: Phoebe
The story of Phoebe is found in Romans 16:1-2.
Romans 16 starts with the Apostle Paul’s introduction of Phoebe. Paul’s comments about Phoebe are words of recommendation to ensure that she is treated in a worthy manner. The word “commend” in Romans 16:1 means to entrust, to recommend, or to praise; it is an expression of approval. Some suggest that the reason for Phoebe’s special recommendation is that she was the deliverer of this letter to the Romans. Paul’s ability to trust Phoebe with this important letter alludes to the type of person she was.
Phoebe may have been a woman of great wealth, but she was not commended by Paul for her wealth. She may have been a beautiful woman, but she was not praised for her beauty. Paul used two words to describe Phoebe – words signifying leadership, respect, and trust. Romans 16:1 describes Phoebe as “a servant of the church.” The next verse further describes her as a “succourer” or “helper” of many, including Paul. Phoebe was a responsible and effective leader in the church. She used whatever gifts she had in the service of the Lord. She had a servant’s heart. She was a woman of influence and authority with the task of assisting the Romans in living out their Christian faith by living in harmony with each other.
Living in a culture that is largely driven by name and brand recognition, in order to “make it,” we often employ tactics of self-promotion. The honor we bestow on ourselves and one another is usually based on certain achievements, excellence in performance, or an act of bravery. Such commendations are largely subjective. I’m so glad God is not like man. We may look at our lives in despair unable to find something society calls “praiseworthy,” but God looks at the heart and honors us based on His point of view. In the New Testament Jesus bestowed honor on the most unusual people. He commended the responsive heart of a child (Mark 10:15), the contrite heart of a prostitute (Luke 7:44-50), and the humble heart of a sinner (Luke 18:13-14), to name a few.
“’Let him who boasts boast in the Lord.’ For it is not the one who commends himself who is approved, but the one whom the Lord commends” (2 Corinthians 10:17-18 NIV). Let Phoebe’s example encourage you to use your own gifts to share the gospel of Jesus Christ with those who need to hear it. And may you use your influence to serve and help those around you, and to heal wounds caused by conflict and rejection.