Week One

Phoebe, A Bright Spark — Sparking others!

The name Phoebe means pure, radiant, bright! Part of discipleship is being bright sparks in the world. Phoebe wasn’t just a bright spark herself — she sparked others! This week in a Sanctuary First first we are going to spend all week just reading two verses! The picture the early church gives us of discipleship is a diverse, distributed network of mutually supporting individuals and communities. Discipleship cuts across demographic, economic and cultural backgrounds — it is spread out but constantly on the move and communicating with one another.

Seeds to sow: What candles of hospitality can you light in your local neighbourhood this week?

Read Romans 16: 1

Bright sparks!

Something we glean from Phoebe right away is that her name means means pure, radiant, bright! Part of discipleship is being bright sparks in the world like Phoebe. It only takes a spark to start a fire, and sometimes it only takes one small gesture of grace to transform the world around you.

Phoebe was a landmark example of women in leadership! The use of deacon here is notable, read in the context of Paul’s wider writing we can understand her to be a significant leader, preacher, and teacher! 

How can we ourselves serve through leading and lead through our serving — teaching and guiding others? 

And do we expect service in those who lead us? Or leadership in those who serve us? 

Being a disciple sometimes means turning the world’s expectations on their head, as Phoebe did, as we live lives transformed by grace.

Read Romans 16: 2

Any help!

Hospitality is a crucial part of discipleship in the early church… and in the contemporary church! As God has welcomed us into our arms, we welcome others. The hospitality to Phoebe is a reflection of the hospitality already received from God. Why are we doing what we are doing… because of who we are in Christ! 

Are we welcoming one another in a way worthy of the Lord's people? What stops us being hospitable? What helps us to be welcoming?

Read Romans 16: 2

Champion!

Phoebe was a champion — not just in the sense that she excelled herself but because she championed others! From the context here it would seem that Phoebe financially or otherwise materially supported others. How are we investing (both financially and also our social capital) in charitable works and in others who need our backing and support?

Paul’s gratitude to Phoebe is touching. What are our stories of the disciples who have supported us? Sharing these stories can be a wonderful testimony of Christianity in action — the Kingdom in motion!