Honoring Our Sisters

[Christ4Ever]

I commend to you Phoebe our sister, who is a servant of the church in Cenchrea, that you may receive her in the Lord in a manner worthy of the saints, and assist her in whatever business she has need of you; for indeed she has been a helper of many and of myself also. Romans 16:1-2 NKJV

Several commentators believe Phoebe was the bearer of this epistle from Paul to Rome. She’d proven herself as a trustworthy servant. The word is used to describe a deacon or deaconess. She is believed to have spent ample time ministering to female converts in the church at Cenchrea and may have even opened her home there for Christians to gather. She now needs to travel to Rome where Paul wants the church to welcome her with open arms as a sister in Jesus Christ.

Surely you know sisters in Christ who are worthy of such high praise for their Christian work. Their work is often done behind the scenes or in homes across the city. As was the case in Paul’s day, your sisters in the faith are responsible for so much of the ministry that occurs in the local church. They often out-serve the men.

What can you or your church do to express appreciation fro them? How can you show everyone that they are noticed?

Prayer: Lord, thank You for the many sisters in Christ who have worked tirelessly and without acknowledgment in my local fellowship. Make me a Paul as I seek to express my thanks for everything they have done.

 

[Hekuran]

Phoebe's role was not a behind-the-scenes homemaking type service. She was entrusted with the very public responsibility of being the first to read and explain Paul's letter to the Romans.

 

[Christ4Ever]

Phoebe's role was not a behind-the-scenes homemaking type service. She was entrusted with the very public responsibility of being the first to read and explain Paul's letter to the Romans.

Dear Brother,
I believe the point was that within Scripture it is not so evident how much Phoebe did, and I'm sure she was not the only one. Whether behind the scenes or those seen more often in Ministry. We should should acknowledge and be thankful for the support that our Sisters in Christ, and Brothers as well do for the Body of Christ/Church. Many do what I would consider is the "grunt" work in all areas of Ministry, and not always appreciated for it. I believe Paul was making sure that the recipients of the letter realized that she was more than just a carrier of a message to them, and that she had authority as well as a mission to accomplish, which might require their assistance.

Thanks for sharing your thoughts and insight.
With the Love of Christ Jesus.
YBIC
Nick
\o/
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