Phebe
femaleNew TestamentMeaning: “Radiant; bright”
A servant (deaconess) of the church at Cenchrea and a helper of many, commended by Paul and entrusted to carry his letter to the Romans.
Biography
Phebe was a Christian woman of Cenchrea, the eastern port of Corinth, whom Paul commended to the church at Rome. He calls her "our sister, which is a servant of the church which is at Cenchrea" — the word "servant" (diakonos) marking her as a deaconess or minister of that church (Romans 16:1).
A succourer of many
Paul asked the Romans to receive her "as becometh saints" and to assist her in whatever she needed, "for she hath been a succourer of many, and of myself also" (Romans 16:2) — a generous benefactor and helper of the church and of Paul himself.
Bearer of Romans
By long understanding, Phebe was the trusted carrier of Paul's letter to the Romans — one of the most theologically rich books of the Bible — entrusting the precious document to a faithful woman of the church. Her brief mention honors the vital, often unsung service of women in the early church.
Life Timeline
Commended by Paul and entrusted with the letter to the Romans
Themes & lessons from Phebe
Biblical themes that run through the passages where Phebe appears.
People they appear with
Places in their story
Scripture Appearances
2 verses in 1 bookRomans2 verses
Romans 16:1
I commend unto you Phebe our sister, which is a servant of the church which is at Cenchrea:
Romans 16:27
To God only wise, be glory through Jesus Christ for ever. Amen. Written to the Romans from Corinthus, and sent by Phebe servant of the church at Cenchrea.
Frequently asked about Phebe
Who was Phebe in the Bible?
A servant (deaconess) of the church at Cenchrea and a helper of many, commended by Paul and entrusted to carry his letter to the Romans.
What does the name Phebe mean?
The name Phebe means “Radiant; bright”.
What did Phebe do in the Bible?
Phebe served as deaconess.
Where does Phebe appear in the Bible?
Phebe is mentioned 2 times across 1 book: Romans.
What can we learn from Phebe?
The story of Phebe touches on themes of missionaries, all christians should be as, hospitality, missionary work by ministers, wisdom of god, the — explore each to study the lessons drawn from Phebe's life.
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