Joanne Guarnieri Hagemeyer Egalitarian, Genesis, WOmen, Women of the Bible

Phoebe: Minister of the Word

What did Paul mean when he used the word for “deacon” and the word for “benefactor” but also “church official” (in the Septuagint) in association with Phoebe’s service to Paul and to the Body of Christ? What was Paul assuming his readers would already know and understand, so it went without being said?

Joanne Guarnieri Hagemeyer Bible Study: Broken, Searching, Trusted, Powerful

Phoebe

Paul introduced her as “our sister,” and later one of the saints. Phoebe was deacon of the church at Cenchreae, and she was to be warmly welcomed. Anything she required, the assemblies in Rome were to provide for her. Why? Because she was, in fact, a benefactor of many, including Paul himself.