Phebe – A Helper of Many Romans 16:2

Paul the apostle told the believers in Rome, “I commend unto you Phebe our sister, which is a servant of the church which is at Cenchrea”, and in chapter sixteen and verse two of Romans, Paul shared with the believers how Phebe was, “a helper of many, and of myself also” where we read:

That you receive her in the Lord, as becomes saints, and that you assist her in whatsoever business she has need of you: for she has been a helper of many, and of myself also.

The verse begins, “That you receive her in the Lord, as becomes saints, and that you assist her in whatsoever business she has need of you:” Paul began with the words, “that you receive her” which means “that the believers in Rome accept, allow and await Phebe with confidence or patience” “in the Lord” which refers to “in he to whom a person or thing belongs, about which he has power of deciding; master and the title give to God the Messiah”, “as becomes saints” which means “like pure, sacred, morally blameless and religiously and ceremonially consecrated suitable, worthy and godly sort of people”, “and that you assist her” or “and that the believers in Rome will proffer, provide, present, show and bring near Phebe” “in whatsoever business” which means “in the deeds, what is accomplished, matters and affairs” “she has need” or “whatever Phebe sees as necessary and is in want of” “of you” which means “from the believers in Rome”. Paul exhorted the believers in Rome not only to “accept” Phebe” like “godly believers”, but should also provide and give help and aid to her in anything she needs to serve them.

The verse goes on to say, “ for she has been a helper of many, and of myself also.” Paul continued with the words, “for she has been” which means “because and since Phebe arose and appeared as” “a helper” or “a woman set over others as a guardian, protectress and patroness who cared for the affairs and provided aid” “of many” which refers to “of large groups of people”, “and of myself also” or “and of Paul himself too”. Paul recognized “Phebe” as a “woman who guarded, protected and oversaw” many people including himself.

When we think through these words of Paul, we see the importance of “Phebe's” position in the church. She “served” not only groups of people, but also Paul himself. When a person receives Jesus Christ as their personal “Savior and Lord”, they are employed to “help” others within the church. God Almighty gives “gifts of service” to His church, and “Phebe” “ministered” to people as the Lord gave her occasion to do so.

Next time Paul tells the believers in Rome to, “Greet Priscilla and Aquila my helpers”, so read ahead, and we shall join together then.

Until tomorrow…there is more…

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