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Bible Study Phoebe

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JohnDB

JohnDB

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Phoebe from Romans 16:1 is a bit of controversial scripture. Paul called her a deacon. Of course this brings a host of issues to a "Man dominant" society.

From what I've been able to figure out from my research.
Phoebe was in fact a Deaconess. She was educated and financially stable living in a suburb or Corinth. She, as the trusted Currier to deliver Paul's letter to the Romans was given the same introduction as Timothy and other fledgling Apostle/disciples trained by Paul. She was expected to explain the letter she carried to the Romans in case of any queries. (Wish she was around today)
Origen talked about her as she was an official at the church in her home. Other women later were heralded as being just like her.

She was listed first, not in Jewish fashion, but in Roman fashion as being the messenger of the letter and fully capable of explaining it in minute detail if questioned.

She wasn't relegated to just children's ministry, although I'd dare say she wouldn't shirk it if it was needed. But she was fully capable of of teaching men and women. (She was rich and educated...a rarity in Roman society)
She may not have been a "leader" but she was an official and a teacher and a diligent worker on behalf of the church.
It was part and parcel with the Roman style of Patron/benefactor and pride/shame cultural makeup of Roman society.
 
JohnDB said:
Phoebe from Romans 16:1 is a bit of controversial scripture. Paul called her a deacon. Of course this brings a host of issues to a "Man dominant" society.

From what I've been able to figure out from my research.
Phoebe was in fact a Deaconess. She was educated and financially stable living in a suburb or Corinth. She, as the trusted Currier to deliver Paul's letter to the Romans was given the same introduction as Timothy and other fledgling Apostle/disciples trained by Paul. She was expected to explain the letter she carried to the Romans in case of any queries. (Wish she was around today)
Origen talked about her as she was an official at the church in her home. Other women later were heralded as being just like her.

She was listed first, not in Jewish fashion, but in Roman fashion as being the messenger of the letter and fully capable of explaining it in minute detail if questioned.

She wasn't relegated to just children's ministry, although I'd dare say she wouldn't shirk it if it was needed. But she was fully capable of of teaching men and women. (She was rich and educated...a rarity in Roman society)
She may not have been a "leader" but she was an official and a teacher and a diligent worker on behalf of the church.
It was part and parcel with the Roman style of Patron/benefactor and pride/shame cultural makeup of Roman society.
Click to expand...
That's good stuff JohnDB
For my own personal growth, can you provide your sources?
The letter to the Romans was written about 57-58 AD and Origen didn't come around until much, much later so for him to write about her, there must be other writings. Do you know which writings these are?
 
StoveBolts said:
That's good stuff JohnDB
For my own personal growth, can you provide your sources?
The letter to the Romans was written about 57-58 AD and Origen didn't come around until much, much later so for him to write about her, there must be other writings. Do you know which writings these are?
Click to expand...
Nope, I was busy making dinner as my wife was reading it to me. I'll have to ask her for the researcher's article she was reading from. (Lots of bibliography) it was well reasoned and quoted source materials.
 
Pheobe (Romans 16:1-2): This woman was a deaconess of the church in Cenchrea, who was beloved of Paul and many other Christians for the help she gave to them. She filled an important position of leadership. It would be a difficult stretch of the imagination to say that this woman fulfilled her duties without ever speaking in the church!

I really never dug into a deeper study of her and thank you JohnDB for posting the article. Will save it and read it tomorrow.
 
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