Living during the first century Roman Empire, especially for Jewish and Christian congregations, had its challenges. Roman Emperor Claudius, who was the uncle of his successor Nero, had just extended the Empire into North Africa and further north into present day Great Britain. In order to make Rome more assimilated to the “many gods” that these new cultures worshiped, Claudius temporarily expelled from Rome those who worshiped only one God, the Jews and Christians.
In Cenchrea, a town close to Corinth, many of the Jews and Christians had settled in for a temporary home. While there, they met the Apostle Paul, who was organizing churches among the Jewish and Gentile believers. Among one of the Gentile believers in Cenchrea, was a wealthy businesswoman, Pheobe.
In the Greek language, the name Pheobe meant, “radiant like the moon.” As was the custom during that time, children were given names that matched their personality. Pheobe – radiant in personality gave the impression of an out-going, bubbly temperate. “Radiant” could have also given the impression that this out-going lady was blessed with a glowing beauty of appearance.
Pheobe was described as being a deaconess in the church at Cenchrea. According to Acts 6, the role of deacons was to serve tables, take care of the material needs of the church members, especially the poor and widows, so that the pastors and teachers could spend more time in prayer and study of the Scriptures. Imagine Pheobe, radiant in beauty and personality, wealthy businesswoman, took her time to wait on tables and administer what was needed to the materially poor members of the church. What humility.
In Romans 16, the Apostle Paul commended Pheobe to carry his letter to the Church at Rome, after Claudius gave them permission to move back to Rome. Pheobe, who had come to know members of the Roman Church, evidently had traveled to Rome, some 624 miles from Cenchrea, on several business trips. Paul trusted her with his letter to the Roman Church. He described her as a servant, a saint, that had taken care of Paul’s needs while he was building the churches at Corinth and Cenchrea. He said that Phoebe had been a “succourer of many.”
In the Greek language, that phrase meant “a patron, a helper, a shield from suffering, a giver of hospitality, and a provider to one in need.” Pheobe, known for her radiant appearance, personality and wealth, took the time to be a servant of many. Picture in your mind a wealthy beautiful business owner serving food to the poor, providing monetary help to missionaries, taking the time to make the long journey to Rome and hand deliver a letter to a church. Radiant, wealthy, but humble.
Pheobe became to our modern church an example of behind the scenes ministry. Imagine a local church with “Phoebes” sharing wealth to those in need, working in various charities that supplied much needed food to its poor citizens, and working in departments in the church that do not receive a lot of recognition. Our modern-day “Pheobes” willingly teach young children in the nursery or Sunday School classes or work in Vacation Bible School just because of their love of service. Our “Pheobes” willingly give monetary help so that the utility bills of the church will be paid. “Pheobes” willingly donate to mission programs so that the Gospel will be preached around the world and sometimes paying the funds for a minister to travel on a short-term mission trip.
Pheobe, “radiant like the moon,” left a legacy of generosity, and self-sacrifice to be used as an example to follow. May we remember to always thank our “Pheobes” for their services in our congregations.
Source: https://www.mtairynews.com
Be First to Comment