Phebe
Romans 16:1-2
The Holy Spirit guided Paul to show that there are certain things women are not permitted to do.
a. I Tim. 2:8, 11-12
b. I Cor. 14:34
But the same Holy Spirit also guided him to write Phil. 4:3
But the chapter before us especially demonstrates the apostle’s respect and love for his sisters in Christ.
c. In the chapter he names nine women.
d. Priscilla (vs. 3) is best known, but what is said about Phebe is especially helpful. All we know about her is in these two verses, but from these few words we can find some useful observations and lessons.
Phebe was a:
Sister in Christ (1).
A. Kinship in Christ is the closest of all human relationships.
1. Mt. 12:47-50
2. Brothers and sisters in Christ are blood kin.
a. Christ’s blood (I Pet. 1:18-19)
b. There are no strangers in the true family of God (traveling).
3. We need to spend more time together!
B. Calling Phebe a sister also suggests equality.
1. There is racial equality.
a. Phebe is a Greek name.
b. Here then was Paul, a Jew, writing to Roman people about a woman who was a Greek.
c. Acts 10:34-35
2. There is sexual or gender equality.
a. She was a sister, an equal in the same family.
b. Her realm of service was different, but she was nonetheless Paul’s equal.
c. Your realm of service here at Lenoir may be different from mine, but nonetheless, just as important and we are equal.
d. The only true women’s liberation movement is Christianity.
3. Gal. 3:28 – declares the "Emancipation Proclamation" of Jesus Christ.
Sister with a letter of recommendation (1-2).
C. Many scholars think Phebe may have carried Paul’s epistle to the Romans. Whether this was the case or not, the letter included a recommendation of her.
1. This was something that was practiced in the first century and is still done by a few today.
2. We need to continue the New Testament practice of asking for and providing letters of recommendations when we move.
D. She was traveling from Cenchrea near Corinth to the distant city of Rome.
1. Her purpose was some kind of business.
2. Her first appointment, however, was with the church.
a. We have known of "Christians" who move to a city and did not make contact with the church for months or even years.
b. We have known others (God bless them) who contacted the church before moving or even deciding to move.
c. Phebe’s first business in Rome was to become associated with the church.
Sister who served (1).
E. Being a servant has little appeal for fleshly minds. But Jesus taught us that service is the only way to greatness.
1. Mt. 20:26-28
2. Phil. 2:5-7
3. Jn. 13:1-17
F. Winston Churchill observed: "There are two kinds of people: those who want to do something and those who want to be somebody" (In this context, it matters little who you are; what matters is what you do.)
G. Phebe was a servant; she dedicated herself to serving. We so need to adopt this attitude.
Sister who served in the church (1).
H. Women today are so busy, busy in many worthwhile activities.
1. I dare say that many organizations would shut down if women did not volunteer.
2. But it is in the church that service glorifies God (Eph. 3:21).
I. We have often reacted the wrong way to what the Bible teaches about the women’s role ("Can’t preach, can’t do anything").
1. Yes, there are some things a woman is not permitted to do.
2. But there are so many ways you can serve in the church.
3. For example:
a. Tit. 2:3-5
b. I Pet. 4:9
c. Gal. 6:2
d. Classes, Ladies devotional, friend and counselor, youth, opening our home to others, etc.)
4. I want to challenge every woman in this congregation to find an area in the church where you can serve.
Sister who served in the church whose name is recorded forever.
J. It is not likely that Phebe imagined that her name would be remembered wherever and whenever this verse is read.
1. Very few people are remembered for more than a few brief generations.
2. Even stone monuments weather away or people forget their significance.
3. But Phebe’s memory is engraved in the Word that never dies (Think of the millions who have read her name and the millions who will).
K. Our dear sisters who serve today will not, of course, have their names recorded in the Scriptures.
1. Few names, even of the best, will be remembered for long when their work is finished (People who started this church).
2. Phil. 4:3 – Paul does not tell us their names, but reminds us that their names are in the Book of life.
3. Sisters, your service may be unnoticed by many, and your name may never be engraved on paper or stone; but if it is written in heaven, won’t our service be worth it all? (Lk. 10:20)
I personally want to thank our women who work so hard in the Lord’s church.
a. Some work full-time, raise children, take care of husband, but are here every time the door is open, teach class (some almost every quarter) always willing to do whatever is asked.
b. There is a special place in heaven reserved for you.
But we need more Phebes in the church. In order for this church to be the kind of church God wants it to be, we need our women to be involved.
Are you a member of the family of God?
Jim Pharr
Lenoir, NC