Without question, Phoebe was reverent in the way she lived. Whatever her lifestyle as a pagan, as a Christian she no longer lived “as the Gentiles do, in the futility of their thinking” (Eph. 4:17). She had “put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness” (Eph. 4:24).

A Faithful Servant

Phoebe definitely developed a good reputation in the Christian community. Not only did she help Paul but she helped many others as well. In fact, some believe this godly woman had an official position in the church in Cenchrea, serving as a deacon. In Romans 16:1, Paul used the Greek word diakonos to describe Phoebe’s ministry. This word, translated “servant” in the New International Version of the Bible, is also used to describe what all believers are to be and do. But in this passage Paul seemed to use the term in a more specific way: to describe her deacon role.

Paul went on to describe Phoebe as being “worthy of the saints” (v. 2), which means that she had earned the right to be highly respected and consequently to be cared for financially. In fact, she may have been a widow who met all of the qualifications also outlined by Paul in his first letter to Timothy (see 1 Tim. 5:9-10). If so, we can understand more fully why Paul recommended that the church in Rome should without hesitation “give her any help she may need” (Rom. 16:2).

Though Phoebe’s role as Paul’s assistant was very unique in this first-century setting, her character was not to be unique among women who professed to follow Jesus Christ. She beautifully exemplifies the quality Paul listed first in his letter to Titus: She was reverent in the way she lived.

A Woman’s Reflections

Over the years, we’ve had the wonderful opportunity of ministering together with the wives of elders at Fellowship Bible Church North in Plano, Texas. We’ve asked each of these women to write a letter to you, the reader, reflecting on the qualities of maturity outlined by Paul in his letter to Titus.

In this chapter, it’s a privilege to introduce you to Sharon Cornwall, who is serving our church along with her husband, Mike.

Dear Reader,
      
       The portrait on Phoebe’s life reminds me of a woman I’ll call Sue. She and her husband were in our small group at church. To get to know one another, my husband and I encouraged everyone to relate his or her life story.
      
       As Sue began to share, tears streamed down her face. “You might not like me after I share my life,” she said, straining to get the words out.
      
       Sue had come out of a hard drug culture, and immorality was part of her lifestyle. We could feel her pain as she shared the results of bad choices. But we now saw God’s amazing grace reflected in Sue’s life! We told her so. We reassured her that she was cleansed and that Jesus was shining through! Her life was now being lived in devotion to God and in service to others. She, as Phoebe, proved herself reverent by her inner life, which was manifested outwardly.
      
       As you conclude this chapter, ask yourself what God is seeking to do in your own life. Do you recognize the changes He has already made in your life? On the other hand, are there areas that need a “housecleaning” by the Holy Spirit? Ask God to reveal these to you, to give you a tender heart and then to empower you! He will! Your reverent life, lived for God and for others, will be both amazing and rewarding!
      
       Lovingly yours,
       Sharon Cornwall