by Walter A. Boyd (South Africa)
PAPER 21
(A) His Commendation of Phebe (Romans 16.1,2)
The benedictory prayer at the end of chapter fifteen has led some to think that the epistle concludes with the word "Amen," and that chapter sixteen is an appendix, or postscript. This is not the case, as can be confirmed by a careful reading of the final chapter, which reveals firm links with the earlier fifteen chapters. Therefore, chapter sixteen must be regarded as an integral part of the whole letter. In our consideration of this chapter, we will note some of the links as we come to them, and discover that many of them serve as examples of what Paul had taught in the previous part of the epistle. It will be sufficient at this stage to point out that the features of the gospel that he mentions in ch.16.25-27 are a repetition of truths taught in chapter one. Chapter sixteen serves as a very fitting conclusion to the letter.
In his conclusion, Paul greets his friends in Rome, and passes on the greetings of friends who are with him in Corinth, from where he is writing. He commends Phebe to those in Rome, and mentions the names of so many individuals, including a word of warning against division-makers. The chapter can be divided into five sections;
1. His Commendation of Phebe v1, 2.
2. His Salutations to Rome v3-16.
3. His Admonition and Encouragement v17-20.
4. His Salutations from Corinth v21-24.
5. His Concluding Benediction v25-27.
1. His Commendation of Phebe (v1,2).
While it cannot be proven conclusively that Paul entrusted Phebe with the safe conveyance of this epistle to the saints in Rome, it is not unreasonable to accept this as an explanation for her name being singled out for special commendation at the start. If that is so, it is clear why her name should have such prominence in this chapter, amongst the associates of the Apostle Paul. When she would arrive as a stranger in Rome, the commendation of the Apostle to the Gentiles would give her a ready acceptance among his many friends in assembly fellowship, in the capital of the Gentile world. In addition, it would relieve his friends in Rome of any anxiety as to the genuineness of the bearer of a letter that had his signature. The mention of so many names in Rome and Corinth would have given weight to the authenticity of the letter. If Phebe did convey this letter to Rome, what a noble service she performed for those to whom Paul wrote, and indeed to every Christian throughout the present dispensation. The mention of Phebe’s name in this letter did not constitute a letter of commendation of exactly the same sort as Paul states in 2Cor.3, but the principle is the same. A letter of commendation, carried by a believer moving from one assembly to another, is quite scriptural, and is still required today. The mention of her name in v1 was a testimony to her genuineness, and was necessary when she arrived in Rome. Another principle is noteworthy: Phebe was engaged in a service for the believers, and as such had to be of commendable character. The world watches on with far more interest than we are aware of, and careful attention should be given to ensure that those who are engaged in public or private service of the saints are of good report.
A) Her Introduction to the saints in Rome (v1,2). Phebe, whose name means "pure," appears only here in the New Testament. She is commended in a three-fold way, that highlights her — relationship: "sister"; responsibility: "servant"; resources: "succourer of many." She was a sister in Christ, a servant in the church, and a succourer of the Christians. That relationship in Christ led Paul to describe her as "our sister." She may never have met any of the believers in Rome before, yet she was related to them as a sister in Christ. The use of the word "servant" does not identify the office of deaconess. It simply indicates that she used her time and energy in the service of other Christians in the assembly. Ecclesiastical history may have formalised the office of deaconess, but that gives no warrant for assemblies to adopt the practices of Christendom. Since Paul was happy to commend such a servant, her service would have been within the limitations for sisters that he teaches in other epistles. Her service was not public; it was not preaching, nor was it pastoring. These types of service by a sister are not sanctioned by Scripture.
One idea in the word ‘succourer’ is a person who affords protection for a stranger. As an itinerant preacher, the Apostle would have needed such a ministry. This is still a noble service for any exercised sister, and when done for the Master and His people it will reap a rich reward.
B) Her Reception by the saints at Rome (v2). Paul asks that she should be received and assisted. It is important to observe that her reception is to be "in the Lord." She was to be received in the fellowship of the Lord, or because she belongs to the Lord. Her obedience to the Lord as Master, and their submission to the same Master, would combine to provide a willing reception of Phebe. To do so is becoming of those who are saints; or, in other words, it is acting worthily towards the Lord. If some in Rome were of a mind to reject Phebe, they would be rejecting her Lord, and acting unworthily of the name of saints. This is why Diotrophes comes in for severe censure by John in his third epistle.
Phebe was to be assisted in whatever business she required. She should be made to feel at home among them, with warmth and Christian love. This would include asking her how they could help in the furtherance of the purpose of her visit to Rome. This is a practical responsibility that we should fulfil, when a visitor bearing a letter of commendation comes to our assembly. Help should be readily available for whatever needs they have. The writer knows of some assemblies where this is manifested today; and young believers away from home, at University or College, are assured of practical help, as well as the fellowship of the various meetings of the assembly. The availability of a mature believer to help young saints in a hostile world has been a great blessing to many, and has proved to be a significant spiritual help and preservative in their young lives. It also forges links of fellowship that are lasting, and a testimony to the grace of God. How sad, when a believer arrives at a new assembly, to be greeted with nothing more than a suspicious glance, or icy stare. When we do that, we have failed!
Paul had every confidence that Priscilla and Aquila (v3), Mary (v6), or the mother of Rufus (v12), to name but some, would do as he requested in the reception and help of Phebe. His past experience of their fellowship assured Paul that they would extend the same to Phebe. This is one reason for the list of names in the section from v3-16. Paul was not ‘name-dropping,’ in order to get on in life, as some would do. He was showing the sterling character of those Christians that he knew in Rome. He was confident that they would worthily receive Phebe, and honour his request. If Paul were writing to the assembly in your locality, would your name appear in a list of those in whom he could have confidence?
—to be continued (D.V.)