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Phoebe – A Servant of the Church

Phoebe’s Story: Acts 16:1–2

In the Word

I [Paul] commend to you our sister Phoebe, a servant of the church … (Romans 16:1a).

Of the Word

All we know about Phoebe is that she was a servant at the church in Cenchreae who was willing to carry Paul’s letter to the Christians in Rome. Paul also tells the people to … help her in whatever she may need from you, for she has been a patron of many and of myself as well (Romans 16:2b). Phoebe was a woman who was eager to deliver the gospel message to others at her own expense. She most likely helped finance the work of the church in her home town and welcomed others into her home. Phoebe was enthusiastic to do her part in growing the church.

How willing are we to deliver the Good News of Jesus’ love? We don’t have to go too far to do it. Someone in our family, circle of friends, coworkers, or neighborhood may need to hear the encouragement and assurance of God’s Word. Quite possibly God has chosen us, as He chose Phoebe, to be the ones who bring that message.

Walking with my Lord

Savior God, when someone in my life needs to be encouraged by Your Word, help me remember I am not alone. You will give me the words to say and the strength to say them. In Your Son’s name. Amen.


Mustard Seed: Daughters of the King. Marcia Gomulka and Myrna Lou Meyer, authors. 32/34 ©2013 Lutheran Women’s Missionary League, 801 Seminary Place Ste. L010, St. Louis, MO 63105. www.lwml.org

Unless otherwise indicated, Scripture quotations were taken from The Holy Bible, English Standard Version Copyright ©2001 by Crossway Bibles, a division of Good News Publishers.

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