Bible Character Explorer
New Testament • 1st century AD
Phoebe
Servant of the ChurchThe trusted deaconess and 'succourer of many' whom Paul commended to the church at Rome.
"I commend unto you Phebe our sister, which is a servant of the church which is at Cenchrea... for she hath been a succourer of many, and of myself also."
Romans 16:1-2 (KJV)
Overview
Phoebe is introduced by Paul at the close of his letter to the Romans as 'our sister,' a servant, or deaconess, of the church at Cenchrea, the port city near Corinth. Paul commends her to the Roman believers, instructing them to receive her in the Lord as befits the saints and to assist her in whatever business she requires of them, explaining that she had been 'a succourer of many, and of myself also,' language describing a patron or benefactor who provided material support and protection to Paul and others in ministry. Many scholars believe Phoebe likely carried Paul's letter to the Romans itself to its recipients, making her the very person entrusted with delivering what would become one of the most theologically significant documents in Christian history.
Gospel Connection
Phoebe's trusted delivery of the letter to the Romans placed in her hands the fullest and most systematic articulation of the gospel of grace found anywhere in Scripture, that righteousness comes not by works of the law but through faith in Jesus Christ, meaning her quiet faithfulness helped carry the very words that have shaped the church's understanding of salvation for two thousand years.
Discover More
See how this life points to Christ in the Gospel Connection section above.