Introduction

Phoebe is introduced to us in Romans 16:1-2. In these two verses, which are the only verses in which she is mentioned, Paul introduces her as a someone to be welcomed into the church at Rome as either a transfer or visitor from the church at Cenchreae. From these verses we know that she was already a member of the body and serving her church in Cenchreae. Everything else about Phoebe remains a mystery.

Origins

Name

The name Phoebe (Φοίβη) means "radiant."[7] This name is related tho the Greek word meaning light, which is fitting for a woman who was active in spreading the light of the gospel. That being said, the name is of Greek origin and was the name of on of the 12 Titans of Greek mythology.[8]

Heritage

The Bible doesn't give us any information about Phoebe's lineage. The best clue we have is that she was part of the church in Cenchreae, which was located near Corinth. This means she was not from Judea and opens the possibility for her to be a Gentile. Note that I say "possiblity," as there were Jews who lived outside of Jerusalem.

Questions

About the Passage

1. Why did Paul commend her?
2. What does commend even mean?
3. What does it mean to be a benefactor?
4. Was she wealthy--since she’s described as a benefactor?
5. Why would she need help?
6. Did she move to that area?
7. If so why didn’t Paul commend the rest of her family? What about her husband? Children?
8. How old was she?
9. Where was she originally from?
10. How did she get involved with the church?
11. What does servant mean? Was she a leader?
12. Why were there so many female benefactors and why are they called out so much?
13. Where was Cenchreae?
14. How would they have treated her without his instruction?
15. Why does Paul have to tell them how to welcome someone?
16. What is the difference between welcoming a stranger and a saint?
17. Was Phoebe Jewish?
18. How did she meet Paul?
19. How long had she been saved? Involved with the church at Cenchreae?

If I could meet her...

Most of my questions for Phoebe, like many of the women of the New Testament, are about her exact role in the Church and how she came to be in the position she was in. For instance, she is called a benefactor—this means she had money to lend or rooms to spare or other means to assist those who did not. Many times when women are mentioned in the Bible as being part of the Church they seem to be affluent, why is that? Moreover, Phoebe is introduce sans husband or family; does that mean she was single? Was her whole life dedicated to the Church? Was this an official vow the way nuns are today or was this just how the cookie crumbled as she followed the path God set for her?

Word Studies

A lot of my questions during this study came from what certain words in the passage mean. One of the beautiful benefits of reading multiple translations is that it becomes apparent how the connotation of certain words significantly change how a passage is read. For example, in Acts 16:1, the KJV says that Phoebe is a servant and succourer of the Church, while the NASB says servant and helper, and the NIV says deacon and benefactor. Although these words have different connotations, they aren't so different in literal meaning. The decision to use one word versus another is based on interpretation. In these situations, I like to see what the original text (in this case, Greek) used and then compare the different possible translations (prayerfully).

What Does Commend Mean?

Romans 16:1 says Paul "commends" Phoebe to the church. My first thought was that it is congratulatory, like in the phrase "I want to commend you a job well done." Merriam-Webster has a few definitions that make sense in the context of the passage. The first means to entrust in the care of, while the second definition means worthy of recommendation. The first is passice, in the sense that all it says about Phoeve is that Paul cares enough aboutt her to want her cared for, while the second would almost like an ordination.[1]

The Greek word originally used is συνίστημι, which could simply mean to introduce favorably or it could mean to stand with. This is the same word used when describing Moses and Elijah standing with Christ during the transfiguration.[2] I would say that the general consensus of the Greek and English definitions is to support, acknowledge, and present a person.

Servant or Deacon?

A deacon is supposed to be a servant, but I definitely grew up in a church were the office of deacon and elder blurred together. People often see deacons are leaders despite the fact that they are called to serve the body. Nonetheless, if you attend a more conservative church, they will likely teach or assume deacon means man. At the church I attended growing up the word "deaconness" was used to describe the wife of a deacon, but women were not made deaconness in their own right.

The qualifications for a deacon are given in 1 Timothy 3:8-13; if you read the full context before and after these verses, it does seem unlikely that a woman would be a deacon. The passage describes the expected behavior of leaders, then deacons, then (depending on versions) women or the wives of deacons—does that imply that these are mutually exclusive groups? This is an age old debate that still causes contention within the Church today. I don't know the answer to the question, but I can see how the passage could be read to support either direction.

Arguments For Phoebe as a Deacon

One of the arguements to support the idea that women can be deacons is that the word used in 1 Timothy 3:8,12 is the same word used to describe Phoebe in the original language. Strong's defines the word to mean a Christian teacher and pastor, while Thayer's Lexicon says that the word references a person who cares for the poor and manages the distribution of money meant for the poor. Since Phoebe was a benefactor to many, including Paul, we know that she caring for others in some capacity. Throughout the KJV, this word is translated as deacon, minister, and servant. In fact, Paul introduces Timotheus the same way in 1 Thessalonians 3:2—he is called a brother and a minister, where minister is the same Greek word translated to servant for Phoebe.

Arguments Against Phoebe as a Deacon

The main arguement against women being deacons is that they are commanded to be the husband of one wife. In the KJV the section of 1 Timothy 3:8-13 that describes women is actually a description of a deacon's wife, which doubles down on the idea that a deacon must be a man. However, if we take this as the interpretation, it also must follow that a single man cannot be a deacon.

Where do I stand?

I don't know for certain if Phoebe was or wasn't a deacon, but do know that she was significant. Paul took the time to officially stand behind her in the letter; this akin to an ordination or endorsement. Not only does Paul stand behind Phoebe in support, he instructs the people of the church to assist her. Since a deacon's duties were to see to the needs of the congregation (see Acts 6), it stands to reason that Paul was instructing people to assist her in assisting others...

What is a Benefactor?

When I hear the word benefactor, I tihnk of a financial supporter—someone who writes checks to invest in a business of endeavor—however the textbook definition only species that the person needs to offter help, which does not necessarily have to be money. The KJV uses the word succourer, which of course I have no frame of referense for. I looked it up in Merriam-Webster Dictionary and found the base word succour means to relieve or come to the aid of.[4]

The Greek word translated to benefactor or succourer is προστάτις. According to strongs this is actually the feminine form of προΐστημι and it means to be set over, to be a guardian, and/or to protect others.[5][6]

Phototheology

Phototheology is a way of learning the Bible taught by Ivor Myers.[9] I am employing this technique in my weekly Woman of God study journal. The following three prompts are the ones I drew from the card deck while studying the Phoebe.

How does the text or story relate to goodness?

There are 2 examples—maybe even 3—of goodness in this passage.

• The hospitality Paul commands or requests of the Church for Phoebe is an example of goodness and how we should treat each other.
• Phoebe being a benefactor of many is an example of her goodness and the good she has done in the world.
• Paul uses his position of authority to require goodness for someone else; this could also be seen as a unique type of goodness.

Study the text against the backdrop of the events in heaven.

The closest thing I could think of is after judgment day, we will all be entering the Kingdom and Messiah is going to commend us (the Church) to the Father the same way Paul commended Phoebe. I don't know if there will be a "welcoming" committee or a need for assistance when we arrive, but I assume if there is, Messiah will command the angels to assist us in all that we need as well. I couldn't think of anything concerning the war in Heaven (which has been happening from the beginning to present) that is related to this passage.

How does the text relate to events that occur in earth present?

Despite moving around more than ever today, we don't recommend people to churches like this. I think there's a lot to unpack with that, though. For starters, the body is much larger than it was during Paul's day. I have lived in South Carolina, Florida, Texas, and North Carolina; none of the people I've attended church with in these states have ties to the other states. If the pastor of the church I attended in Florida wrote a letter commending me to the church in Texas, it wouldn't have meant much because the pastor in Texas didn't know the pastor from Florida. In order to have this effect, it would have to be a well-known pastor commending you, or someone at the regional, national, or international level (if your church is structured that way).

Initially, I thought this was a function of size, but this could be a function of how connected Phoebe was. For Paul to be familiar with her and willing to commend her, suggests she was extremely involved and highly regarded. Perhaps this is the equivalent of being so involved in the ministry that a famous pastor can vouch for you...

Journal Pages

References & Footnotes

1. "Commend". Merriam Webster; visited August 23, 2025
2. Strong's G4921. συνίστημι". Blue Letter Bible; visited August 23, 2025
3. "Strong's G1249: διάκονος". Blue Letter Bible; visited August 23, 2025
4. "Succor". Merriam-Webster; visited August 23, 2025
5. "Strong's G4368. προστάτις". Blue Letter Bible; visited August 23, 2025
6. "Strong's G4291. προΐστημι". Blue Letter Bible; visited August 23, 2025
7. "Strong's G5402. Φοίβη". Blue Letter Bible; visited August 23, 2025
8. "Phoebe". Wikipedia; visited August 23, 2025
9. Pastor Ivor Myers' Phototheology Game Deck