734. ROM 16:1, ROM 16:2. PHEBE

Rom_16:1, Rom_16:2. Phebe

"I commend unto you Phebe our sister, who is a servant of the church which is at Cenchrea: That ye receive her in the Lord, as becometh saints, and that ye assist her in whatsoever business she hath need of you; for she hath been a succorer of many, and of myself also."’97Rom_16:1, Rom_16:2.

This chapter is one of Christian salutations. It is probable that most of the persons here referred to were those the apostle had met with in various places in his labors, and who had gone to reside in, or visit the imperial city. While Christianity condemns all adulation and flattery, yet it not only gives honor to whom honor is due, but also it is eminently courteous and polite. It exhibits the kind, considerate, and gentle spirit of goodness on all occasions. What is said of charity by the apostle, may, with equal truth, be said of Christianity, as a whole. "It suffereth long and is kind," &c. 1Co_13:4-7.

This spirit was eminently displayed by the apostle Paul, and nowhere is it more beautifully seen than in this closing letter to the Christian Church at Rome.

These salutations he introduces by commending to their Christian courtesy Phebe, by whom it is very probable that this epistle was sent.

Observe respecting Phebe,

I. What is said of her Christian character.

II. Of her Christian excellences. And,

III. The demands the apostle makes on her behalf.

Observe in reference to Phebe,

I. What is said of her Christian character.

She was a sister of the saints. "Our sister." And therefore, of necessity, a converted spiritual person. The church of the Saviour is one great family. God is Father and Head. Jesus is the elder brother, and all believers are brethren and sisters in Christ. Here is a fraternity’97not like the isolated families of man’97nor the local associations of countries, but a spiritual fraternity, composed of all regenerated persons, on the face of the earth.

To this holy sanctified family Phebe belonged. She was a Christian in heart, and life, and in profession; and was recognized as such by the apostle Paul.

Observe what is said of,

II. Her Christian excellences.

1. She was a servant of the Church of Christ.

"The church at Cenchrea." This was one of the ports or harbors of Corinth, and here a Christian church had been erected. Of this church she was a servant. The word rendered "servant" probably signifies deaconess’97an office which doubtless obtained in the earliest ages of Christianity. Pliny speaks of this office when writing to Trajan, and says, "he had put two maid-servants to the torture, who were called ministr’e6." This class of persons evidently were appointed to be organs of communication with female inquirers, and also probably to visit and minister to the sisterhood in the church who might be poor or afflicted. Doubtless, in choosing such persons, they would be influenced by Christian intelligence, decision of character, and superior spirituality of mind. To be chosen, therefore, was a sign of the church’s estimation and confidence in them. There is evidently as much need for this office now as ever; and no persons can be more useful, than intelligent, devoted women in the church of Christ. Now we think it is clear that Phebe was a deaconess of the church at Cenchrea.

2. She was distinguished for Christian kindness and hospitality.

"A succorer of many," &c. It is not unlikely that she was at the head of her domestic establishment, and as such, could make her dwelling the seat of Christian goodness and beneficence. Here was a little sanctuary for the disciples of Jesus. A peaceful retreat from a hating and persecuting world. Here was Christian principle living and acting according to Christ’s own command, and in his spirit’97in deeds of generous love and tender sympathy.

Many had been cheered by her benignant spirit. Many relieved by her timely hospitality. Many blessed by her spiritual communications. Of these the apostle refers to himself: "And of myself also." There is a reference to Paul’s visit, Act_18:18. But as Cenchrea was so near Corinth, it is likely that the apostle had often enjoyed the refreshings of kindly hospitality from the hands of Phebe.

It would seem from Paul’s first letter to Timothy, 1Ti_5:9, &c., that the church probably provided for the sustenance of this class of the servants of Christ; and he gives orders as to the features by which such should be distinguished.

Then notice,

III. The demands the apostle makes on her behalf.

"I commend," &c. He demands for her,

1. Christian reception.

"That ye receive her, &c., as becometh saints." Here is one of your own spiritual family’97a sister to me and to you’97let her have a cordial, kind welcome. Now a Christian reception would involve the idea,

(1.) Of thanks to God for her’97for her Christianity’97for her mercies, for her being brought to them. It would include also,

(2.) Prayer for her. That they would receive her in a devout spirit’97seeking the divine blessing to rest upon her, and bless her.

(3.) Genuine love. Show her the affection worthy of the disciples of Christ. The love which is not in word, but in deed. Love unfeigned. The pure goodwill and genuine complacency which the Spirit of God inspires.

He demands for her,

2. Christian communion or fellowship.

I think this is distinctly included in the phrase, receive her "in the Lord." As one of his dear children. And let her share with you in all your religious services and privileges. Enjoy your society’97share in all the means of grace you possess. Now I hesitate not to affirm, that a real Christian should have a free passport to every Christian church in the world, and that by virtue of his common Christianity. He demands for her,

3. Christian sympathy and assistance. Enter with her on the object of her visit. Make her business yours. Give her counsel and help in any way she needs, and in any way you can. Let her feel that she has your confidence and affection, and then necessarily your kind cooperation. Learn,’97

1. The exalting influence of Christianity on the female character and station.

In Christ there is neither bond nor free’97male nor female, &c.

2. The generous spirit it breathes. A religion of goodness and love.

3. The great claims it makes on all who possess it.

Autor: JABEZ BURNS