Serving
Laura Digan
November 04, 2024
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Romans 16: 1 (NRSVA)
1 I commend to you our sister Phoebe, a deacon of the church in Cenchreae.
Phoebe is described as a deacon of the church. The meaning of deacon is ‘one who serves’ and some translations use the word servant instead of deacon. I think though Paul's use of the word deacon is both considered and important to our understanding of who Phoebe is.
In the book of Acts the first deacons of the early church distributed the food to the widows. This freed the apostles so that they could focus on scripture and prayer, keeping the church spiritually healthy. The deacons provided for the physical and pastoral health of the church. It is believed that Phoebe was financially wealthy so perhaps she was serving the physical needs of the church from her own provisions.
It isn’t just what deacons do that is important to Paul, a deacon’s character is key. Paul describes deacons in 1 Timothy 3: 8-9 as people who are, ‘to be worthy of respect, sincere, not indulging in much wine, and not pursuing dishonest gain. ‘They must keep hold of the deep truths of the faith with a clear conscience.’
The Romans hearing the letter from Paul would have understood what kind of woman Phoebe was when hearing she was a deacon. She was humble, reliable, lived with integrity, mature in faith, put her faith into action and was an example to follow.
Prayer:
Holy Spirit,
Today remind me of the brothers and sisters in Christ who have faithfully served your church. Help me to be like Phoebe and be inspired into action by their example.
Amen
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