Welcome Phoebe

ByJim Stephens

Reading: Romans 16; Psalm 88

1 Be sure to welcome our friend Phoebe in the way of the Master, with all the generous hospitality we Christians are famous for. I heartily endorse both her and her work. She’s a key representative of the church at Cenchrea. 2 Help her out in whatever she asks. She deserves anything you can do for her. She’s helped many a person, including me. (Romans 16:1-2 MSG)

As Paul completed his letter to the Christ-followers at Rome, he wrote the most detailed greeting section of any of his letters to churches. He specifically identified at least eight women and also included families of leaders in his greeting…

  • Be sure to welcome our friend Phoebe – she’s important!… 16:1
  • Say hello to Priscilla and Aquila – they put their lives on the line for me… 16:3
  • Hello to Mary – what a worker she is!… 16:6
  • Hello to Tryphena and Tryphosa – diligent in serving the Master… 16:12
  • Hello to Rufus and his mother (She’s been a mother to me!)… 16:13
  • Hello to… Julia, Nereus and his sister – followers of Jesus… 16:15

This helps to bring some insight and understanding to the high esteem in which Paul held godly women. Merely reading parts of Paul’s first letter to Corinth and some lines from his letter to Timothy can give the impression that Paul didn’t think very highly of women. Paul’s obvious appreciation and respect for these godly women, servant-leaders in the church, helps to bring that into balance.

What about me? Do I allow wrong impressions to develop either by the things I say, or by not saying the things others need to hear? Do I make people feel unappreciated or disrespected by not taking time and not making the effort to specifically thank them and honor them?

How about you? Are you taking the time, making the effort to give honor, show respect, and express appreciation for others?

Prayer:

Father, I want to do better at this. Please help me not to make people feel unappreciated or disrespected through my words and actions, or my silence and inaction. May I champion the proper showing of respect and appreciation and may I demonstrate it through my words and actions. Help me to be quick to give honor and express appreciation for others at all times and in all kinds of situations. Amen.