The Deaconess Phoebe

[Dale]

Paul commends Phoebe in Romans 16:1-2. Romans 16 is the last chapter of Romans and it is devoted to a series of greetings. I am not sure when Phoebe was first called a Deaconess, but the phrase “Deaconess Phoebe” seems to be familiar to most Christians. If anyone thinks that a “Deaconess” is less important than a “Deacon,” that seems to be a misunderstanding or a mistranslation.

Phoebe is called a “sister,” “servant” and “succourer” in the KJV. A succourer is one who gives help in times of need. She is a “sister,” a “ministrant,” and a “leader” in Young’s Literal Translation, YLT. The New Revised Standard calls her a “sister,” “deacon,” and a “benefactor.” She is a “sister,” “servant,” and “helper” in the New American Standard Bible. The New American Bible calls her a “sister,” “minister,” and “benefactor.” The word translated as “deacon” means “servant,” so it is difficult to distinguish between the two.

I have discussed the Deaconess Phoebe with conservative Baptists. “All Phoebe did was sweep the floor,” they told me.

Who is the Deaconess Phoebe and what did she do? It is no small matter for Paul to refer to Phoebe as a “helper,” as the NASB has it. Timothy is also called a helper.

He [Paul] sent two of his helpers, Timothy and Erastus, to Macedonia, while he stayed in the province of Asia a little longer. Acts 19:22 NIV​

Scholars believe that Paul wrote the Book of Romans, as a letter, while in Ephesus. Phoebe was the courier who delivered the letter. Ephesus is 700 miles from Rome and travel in the ancient world was slow and hazardous. She probably traveled with other people, either men in her family, or servants. Paul would not have entrusted the delivery of the Book of Romans to anyone unless they were trustworthy and resourceful.

In his commentary on Romans 16:1-2, the traditional commentator John Gill says:

“The person who is here recommended was, as appears from the subscription of this epistle, if that may be depended on, the bearer of this letter …”​

Why is Phoebe called a servant of the church, a Deacon or Deaconess, even a minister?​

“Rather, as some think, she was a deaconess appointed by the church, to take care of the poor sisters of the church …”​

Even if she never preached or taught, it is clear that her responsibilities went far beyond sweeping the floor.

​

 

[Dale]

​

What do modern commentators say?​

“It is likely she was hand-delivering Paul’s letter to the Romans ...”​

“To Paul, Phoebe was a very valuable ministry partner.”​

The Gospel Patron Behind Paul - Gospel Patrons​

“… Phoebe was a trusted courier.”​

“Phoebe may also have been its first authorized interpreter….”​

<< Phoebe: a more powerful translation than “benefactor” for prostatis would also be more faithful to the Greek term in its social context. When used in the masculine form prostatês, its semantic range covers “leader,” “ruler,” “presiding officer,” “administrator,” “protector,” “guardian,” or “patron.” Certainly the possession of wealth and the concomitant powers of benefaction could be related to one’s role as a leader, presider, or protector. But generosity alone does not capture the meaning of the term that Paul uses for Phoebe… >>​

On Phoebe, Honored Courier of St. Paul (Michael Peppard)

“ He [Paul] commended the letter’s courier.. ”​

Did Phoebe really hold the office of Deacon?​

“ this is the only occasion in which the term διάκονος is linked with a particular local church.”​

“… the use of the masculine noun διάκονος also suggests that the office is intended.”​

“But women deacons were probably appointed early, especially because other women needed assistance from those of their own sex in visitation, baptism, and other matters.”​

Bible Outlines - Romans 16:1-2 - Commendation of the Letter's Courier - Phoebe - the Ultimate Helper​

<< “Greet her,” he says, as if she is about to arrive in the church. Why would she be arriving? Probably because she is bringing the letter. This letter was taken by hand. >>​

https://wordonline.org/videos/paul-s-friends-and-co-workers-16-1-16?lang=en​

 

[The Righterzpen]

Paul commends Phoebe in Romans 16:1-2. Romans 16 is the last chapter of Romans and it is devoted to a series of greetings. I am not sure when Phoebe was first called a Deaconess, but the phrase “Deaconess Phoebe” seems to be familiar to most Christians. If anyone thinks that a “Deaconess” is less important than a “Deacon,” that seems to be a misunderstanding or a mistranslation.

Phoebe is called a “sister,” “servant” and “succourer” in the KJV. A succourer is one who gives help in times of need. She is a “sister,” a “ministrant,” and a “leader” in Young’s Literal Translation, YLT. The New Revised Standard calls her a “sister,” “deacon,” and a “benefactor.” She is a “sister,” “servant,” and “helper” in the New American Standard Bible. The New American Bible calls her a “sister,” “minister,” and “benefactor.” The word translated as “deacon” means “servant,” so it is difficult to distinguish between the two.

I have discussed the Deaconess Phoebe with conservative Baptists. “All Phoebe did was sweep the floor,” they told me.

Who is the Deaconess Phoebe and what did she do? It is no small matter for Paul to refer to Phoebe as a “helper,” as the NASB has it. Timothy is also called a helper.

He [Paul] sent two of his helpers, Timothy and Erastus, to Macedonia, while he stayed in the province of Asia a little longer. Acts 19:22 NIV​

Scholars believe that Paul wrote the Book of Romans, as a letter, while in Ephesus. Phoebe was the courier who delivered the letter. Ephesus is 700 miles from Rome and travel in the ancient world was slow and hazardous. She probably traveled with other people, either men in her family, or servants. Paul would not have entrusted the delivery of the Book of Romans to anyone unless they were trustworthy and resourceful.

In his commentary on Romans 16:1-2, the traditional commentator John Gill says:

“The person who is here recommended was, as appears from the subscription of this epistle, if that may be depended on, the bearer of this letter …”

Why is Phoebe called a servant of the church, a Deacon or Deaconess, even a minister?

“Rather, as some think, she was a deaconess appointed by the church, to take care of the poor sisters of the church …”

Even if she never preached or taught, it is clear that her responsibilities went far beyond sweeping the floor.

​

There are many women in Scripture who held leadership positions.

Micah 6:4 names Moses, Aaron and Miriam as the leaders of Israel.
Deborah was a judge.
Esther was the "lynch pin" in why the king didn't slaughter the Jews.
A bunch of women were sent to declare the resurrection to the apostles.

Then there's Junia (Clearly a female name) is stated as "noteworthy among the apostles". (Romans 16:7)
There were "prophetesses" named and unnamed in Scripture: Miriam, Deborah, Huldah, Noadina, Anna, Philip's daughters.

 

[Reluctant Theologian]

Any woman who is serving in the church with a particular task (children's ministry, coffee, admin, etc.) can be called a 'deacon' (= servant) in Biblical Greek. So Phoebe was a dedicated and important one. We don't know whether she was also officially appointed to the office of 'deacon' (the word 'deacon' can be used in the general or specific office sense).

Personally I would not necessarily object against female deacons in office terms - as they're not supposed to hold authority over/teach men.

 

[Hoping2]

Paul commends Phoebe in Romans 16:1-2. Romans 16 is the last chapter of Romans and it is devoted to a series of greetings. I am not sure when Phoebe was first called a Deaconess, but the phrase “Deaconess Phoebe” seems to be familiar to most Christians. If anyone thinks that a “Deaconess” is less important than a “Deacon,” that seems to be a misunderstanding or a mistranslation.

Phoebe is called a “sister,” “servant” and “succourer” in the KJV. A succourer is one who gives help in times of need. She is a “sister,” a “ministrant,” and a “leader” in Young’s Literal Translation, YLT. The New Revised Standard calls her a “sister,” “deacon,” and a “benefactor.” She is a “sister,” “servant,” and “helper” in the New American Standard Bible. The New American Bible calls her a “sister,” “minister,” and “benefactor.” The word translated as “deacon” means “servant,” so it is difficult to distinguish between the two.

I have discussed the Deaconess Phoebe with conservative Baptists. “All Phoebe did was sweep the floor,” they told me.

Who is the Deaconess Phoebe and what did she do? It is no small matter for Paul to refer to Phoebe as a “helper,” as the NASB has it. Timothy is also called a helper.

He [Paul] sent two of his helpers, Timothy and Erastus, to Macedonia, while he stayed in the province of Asia a little longer. Acts 19:22 NIV​

Scholars believe that Paul wrote the Book of Romans, as a letter, while in Ephesus. Phoebe was the courier who delivered the letter. Ephesus is 700 miles from Rome and travel in the ancient world was slow and hazardous. She probably traveled with other people, either men in her family, or servants. Paul would not have entrusted the delivery of the Book of Romans to anyone unless they were trustworthy and resourceful.

In his commentary on Romans 16:1-2, the traditional commentator John Gill says:

“The person who is here recommended was, as appears from the subscription of this epistle, if that may be depended on, the bearer of this letter …”

Why is Phoebe called a servant of the church, a Deacon or Deaconess, even a minister?

“Rather, as some think, she was a deaconess appointed by the church, to take care of the poor sisters of the church …”

Even if she never preached or taught, it is clear that her responsibilities went far beyond sweeping the floor.​

If she was a deacon(ess), I need to know the name of her wife.
Paul writes the requirements for being a deacon in 1 Tim 3:12..."Let the deacons be the husbands of one wife, ruling their children and their own houses well."

 

[Reluctant Theologian]

If she was a deacon(ess), I need to know the name of her wife.
Paul writes the requirements for being a deacon in 1 Tim 3:12..."Let the deacons be the husbands of one wife, ruling their children and their own houses well."

Paul's requirements' underlying message is 'above reproach/blameless/exemplary' but his list cannot be used in the literal sense so that a suitable/exemplary believer who does not have children, or who is not married by definition would fail the requirements. If that were the case Paul himself would fail to qualify ..

He is quite clear on the male/female dynamics, but for deacons that may not be limiting factor simply because of the nature of the tasks.

 

[The Righterzpen]

Any woman who is serving in the church with a particular task (children's ministry, coffee, admin, etc.) can be called a 'deacon' (= servant) in Biblical Greek. So Phoebe was a dedicated and important one. We don't know whether she was also officially appointed to the office of 'deacon' (the word 'deacon' can be used in the general or specific office sense).

Personally I would not necessarily object against female deacons in office terms - as they're not supposed to hold authority over/teach men.

How would you explain prophetesses "instructing" men then? For to proclaim the Word of God is inherently "instructing men".

 

[Strong in Him]

If she was a deacon(ess), I need to know the name of her wife.
Paul writes the requirements for being a deacon in 1 Tim 3:12..."Let the deacons be the husbands of one wife, ruling their children and their own houses well."

ONE wife, yes - as opposed to several.

So deacons must be married, must have children and must be able to manage them? Presumably any unmarried, infertile men are banned from being a deacon?
I doubt that. And why was Paul more concerned with their fertility than whether or not they had faith, were men of prayer, etc?

 

[Strong in Him]

The word Diakonos can be translated as "deacon", "servant" or "minister".
It is used of both Jesus and Paul - neither of whom were married.

 

[The Righterzpen]

If she was a deacon(ess), I need to know the name of her wife.
Paul writes the requirements for being a deacon in 1 Tim 3:12..."Let the deacons be the husbands of one wife, ruling their children and their own houses well."

"I commend you Phebe.... which is a deaconess of the church." (Romans 16:1) That is the same Greek word used in 1 Timothy 3:12. Please reconcile that! (Is Phebe "trans-gender"????)

 

[Reluctant Theologian]

How would you explain prophetesses "instructing" men then? For to proclaim the Word of God is inherently "instructing men".

There is a very fundamental difference between a prophet and a teacher or bishop/overseer/elder. A prophet does not teach/interpret but directly speaks the very word of God without any personal injections. So by definition for a prophet(ess) the gender does not matter because it's not the person speaking but God Himself. For prophet experience/education/skills/gender do not matter - because God Himself speaks.

For teacher/bishops/overseers/elders this is quite different. Paul knew quite well there were female prophets (also in the Acts period) - yet he is adamant about the fact women should not have authority over/teach men, and strict on the hierarchy between husbands/wives (as for also the norm for Judaism - Paul even refers to the Law in general for that).

 

[The Righterzpen]

The word Diakonos can be translated as "deacon", "servant" or "minister".
It is used of both Jesus and Paul - neither of whom were married.

Well, we know Jesus wasn't ever married. Lot's of theological reasons for that.

But it is unclear whether or not Paul was ever married. Based on the culture of being a Pharisee / religious leader; it's unlikely that he would not have been married; as that was one of the "requirements" to being a leader. There are some vague verses in Scripture that indicate he may have been married. We're not really told directly "yes" or "no" on that one. All we know is that at the point he became an apostle, he was not married. But Paul was also fairly young at the time. Paul and John were probably close in age.

 

[The Righterzpen]

There is a very fundamental difference between a prophet and a teacher or bishop/overseer/elder. A prophet does not teach/interpret but directly speaks the very word of God without any personal injections. So by definition for a prophet(ess) the gender does not matter because it's not the person speaking but God Himself. For prophet experience/education/skills/gender do not matter - because God Himself speaks.

For teacher/bishops/overseers/elders this is quite different. Paul knew quite well there were female prophets (also in the Acts period) - yet he is adamant about the fact women should not have authority over/teach men, and strict on the hierarchy between husbands/wives (as for also the norm for Judaism - Paul even refers to the Law in general for that).

Yet if you are to say the Word of God bears authority in and of itself, then by implication a female declaring what God has told her is "instructing men". Deborah who was a prophetess as well as a judge; clearly displayed legal civil authority over men.

Thus, does God contradict Himself or rather are you misinterpreting 1 Timothy 2:12?

 

[Reluctant Theologian]

Yet if you are to say the Word of God bears authority in and of itself, then by implication a female declaring what God has told her is "instructing men". Deborah who was a prophetess as well as a judge; clearly displayed legal civil authority over men.

Thus, does God contradict Himself or rather are you misinterpreting 1 Timothy 2:12?

I think the distinction between a prophet and the other roles is clear enough that Paul could safely and understandably issue his instructions; at no point did he prohibit female prophetesses, but he did for for the authority over/teach over men - both in church and in marriage.

 

[Strong in Him]

Well, we know Jesus wasn't ever married. Lot's of theological reasons for that.

I know - I said that to make a point.

But it is unclear whether or not Paul was ever married. Based on the culture of being a Pharisee / religious leader; it's unlikely that he would not have been married; as that was one of the "requirements" to being a leader.

Yes, I once read part of a book about Paul which said that, as a Pharisee, it's very likely he would have been married.

I was just trying to make the point that the founder of the church, and one of the more prominent Apostles, would have been disqualified from being a deacon. And it was Paul himself who gave those qualities!

 

[Reluctant Theologian]

I know - I said that to make a point.

Yes, I once read part of a book about Paul which said that, as a Pharisee, it's very likely he would have been married.

I was just trying to make the point that the founder of the church, and one of the more prominent Apostles, would have been disqualified from being a deacon. And it was Paul himself who gave those qualities!

AFAIK there is some understanding that he would have been married in the past (as that was the defacto model behaviour for any adult Jew / Pharisee and possibly even member of the Sanhedrin. During his missionary travels there is no mention of a wife so possibly she had passed away. Paul does mention the 'right' of others with travelling wives/women. There is no separate Greek word for 'wife/wives' only woman/women.

 

[BobRyan]

Even if she never preached or taught, it is clear that her responsibilities went far beyond sweeping the floor.

​

Deacons were men of the word as the example of Stephen shows us. Deaconesses are simply the female version of that.

BOTH Priscilla AND Aquilla a said to have instructed Apollos in the book of Acts.

In 1 Cor 14 we are told that when the church assembled "each one had a teaching", not "each one except women"

There are women prophets in both OT and NT

 

[Joseph G]

Paul commends Phoebe in Romans 16:1-2. Romans 16 is the last chapter of Romans and it is devoted to a series of greetings. I am not sure when Phoebe was first called a Deaconess, but the phrase “Deaconess Phoebe” seems to be familiar to most Christians. If anyone thinks that a “Deaconess” is less important than a “Deacon,” that seems to be a misunderstanding or a mistranslation.

Phoebe is called a “sister,” “servant” and “succourer” in the KJV. A succourer is one who gives help in times of need. She is a “sister,” a “ministrant,” and a “leader” in Young’s Literal Translation, YLT. The New Revised Standard calls her a “sister,” “deacon,” and a “benefactor.” She is a “sister,” “servant,” and “helper” in the New American Standard Bible. The New American Bible calls her a “sister,” “minister,” and “benefactor.” The word translated as “deacon” means “servant,” so it is difficult to distinguish between the two.

I have discussed the Deaconess Phoebe with conservative Baptists. “All Phoebe did was sweep the floor,” they told me.

Who is the Deaconess Phoebe and what did she do? It is no small matter for Paul to refer to Phoebe as a “helper,” as the NASB has it. Timothy is also called a helper.

He [Paul] sent two of his helpers, Timothy and Erastus, to Macedonia, while he stayed in the province of Asia a little longer. Acts 19:22 NIV​

Scholars believe that Paul wrote the Book of Romans, as a letter, while in Ephesus. Phoebe was the courier who delivered the letter. Ephesus is 700 miles from Rome and travel in the ancient world was slow and hazardous. She probably traveled with other people, either men in her family, or servants. Paul would not have entrusted the delivery of the Book of Romans to anyone unless they were trustworthy and resourceful.

In his commentary on Romans 16:1-2, the traditional commentator John Gill says:

“The person who is here recommended was, as appears from the subscription of this epistle, if that may be depended on, the bearer of this letter …”

Why is Phoebe called a servant of the church, a Deacon or Deaconess, even a minister?

“Rather, as some think, she was a deaconess appointed by the church, to take care of the poor sisters of the church …”

Even if she never preached or taught, it is clear that her responsibilities went far beyond sweeping the floor.

​

"All Phoebe did was sweep the floor".

Yep. Exactly why she was entrusted with greater responsibility. She worshipped God in her sweeping. She was faithful with a little, so she was given much.

Jesus says, "I came not to be served, but to serve."

Jesus says, "The greatest amongst you shall be the servant of all."

Evangelist, Prophet, Preacher, Pastor, Healer, Teacher, Deacon, Bishops, Encourager... whatever the gift. All crowns to be thrown at Jesus' feet in profound gratitude of being identified by the greatest honor bestowed upon us broken vessels...

Friend.

Dime to a dollar that wherever Phoebe was sent or what duty to perform - she kept her broom handy - and used it often!

It's a great way to remain humble while enjoying the supreme pleasure of seeing the Father in greater measure and His Grand Design being executed flawlessly. Even unto watching His work bear fruit through us as we journey and pause often to rejoice with Him and give all glory to Him.

Precisely how Jesus demonstrates and commands us to do likewise.

God bless us all who do, and shall, believe and obey!

 

[Dale]

If she was a deacon(ess), I need to know the name of her wife.
Paul writes the requirements for being a deacon in 1 Tim 3:12..."Let the deacons be the husbands of one wife, ruling their children and their own houses well."

Perhaps the question is …​

A male Deacon should be the husband of one wife, and have his household in order.​

Is it also correct to say:​

A female Deacon should be the wife of one husband and have her household in order.​

I believe that is the right way to look at it.



​

 

[Strong in Him]

AFAIK there is some understanding that he would have been married in the past

In the past, maybe.
Not when he founded his churches. Yet his own words would have apparently prevented him from being a deacon in one of those churches.