What can we learn about Phoebe from her name and the place where she lived (see Note 1), from the description of her as ‘sister’ and ‘deaconess of the church’, and from the service that she rendered? What did Paul ask for her from the Christians at Rome. Answer: Sister, refers to her being a fellow believer in Christ. He specifically asks for help for her. Help to get what she needs to survive.
Looking down the list of names, note the reference to: a) diligent service; b) sufferings borne for Christ; and c) Christian character. Cf. 2 Cor 5:9, 10. 9 So we make it our goal to please him, whether we are at home in the body or away from it. 10 For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, that each one may receive what is due him for the things done while in the body, whether good or bad.
How often do you find the phrase ‘in the Lord’ or ‘in Christ Jesus’ or ‘in Christ’? Notice also the different connections in which it is used. What significance do you attach to the phrase? Answer: It is significant to me in that it shows how we are all part of one body, the Body of Christ.
Notes
V1 The name Phoebe, being that of a goddess, suggests that Phoebe had a heathen background. But now she is a sister in the Lord, one of the household of faith. Cenchrea, the eastern port of Corinth, was not an easy place in which to life as a Christian.
V7. ‘my relatives’: This probably means ‘fellow countrymen’, ‘fellow prisoners’; they may at the time have been imprisoned with Paul because of the gospel.
V13. Rufus, possibly the same as in Mark 15:21
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