Maranatha Messenger

THE CHURCH

A PLACE TO SERVE (Part 3)

God has endowed every child of God with at least one spiritual gift. Each believer is responsible to exercise his gift so as to benefit the body of Christ. Let me illustrate.

1. Romans chapter 16 contains a list of 35 individuals that Paul personally commended for their faithful service to the local, New Testament church. Terminology such as, servant (v. 10), helpers (vv. 2, 9), labour (vv. 6, 12), fellowprisoners (v. 7), approved (v. 10), workfellow (v.21), and salute (vv. 5, 7, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 21, 22, 23) are found throughout this passage.

2. This chapter of commendation and salutation was specifically directed to a diverse group of personalities. We read of Romans, Greeks, Jews, Gentiles, men, women, prisoners as well as prominent individuals. It reveals a multicultural church from all ethnicity and economic status.

Notice a couple of individuals mentioned by the Apostle Paul.

3. First of all, Paul commended Phebe for serving Christ in her local church. Paul said, “I commend unto you Phebe our sister, which is a servant of the church which is at Cenchrea: 2 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 succourer of many, and of myself also” (Romans 16:1-2). Phebe was a diakonos {servant} of the church at Cenchrea. Paul explained that this wealthy woman had been a prostatis {succourer} or one who cared for the needs of others. Some have translated prostatis “helper.” Not only did she help many in the local church at Cenchrea, she assisted the Apostle in his missionary endeavors. Everett Harrison shares further insight into the Greek word prostates. Harrison says,

The word ‘help’ (prostates) as applied in the last clause of v.2 to the service of Phoebe is not the same as that used for assistance to be given her; it is a
somewhat rare term used nowhere else in the NT, conveying the idea of affording care and protection (for papyri examples, see MM). One may conclude
that she was outstanding in her ministry of aiding and befriending others.[1]

4. Phebe was also entrusted with the sacred assignment of delivering this Pauline letter to the church in Rome. The Apostle demonstrated great confidence in Phebe by personally selecting her to transport this inspired manuscript to the believers in Rome. Phebe was a tremendous servant of Christ in her church.

5. Paul also mentioned the husband-wife team, Priscilla and Aquila. He said, “Greet Priscilla and Aquila my helpers in Christ Jesus: 4 Who have for my life laid down their own necks: unto whom not only I give thanks, but also all the churches of the Gentiles” (Romans 16:3-4). They were known as sunergos {helpers} to the church planting ministry of the Apostle Paul. They were so loyal to him that they were willing to face any peril to further the cause of Christ. They prioritized Paul’s ministry ahead of their own physical wellbeing while putting their own necks on the line. This faithful couple
even surrendered their own home to be used as a gathering place for the local congregation (Romans 16:5a). What a wonderful example of the family unit serving Jesus in the church.

Discussion:

1. How are you using your spiritual gift in this local fellowship?
2. What did you learn from the testimony of sister Phebe?
3. What did you learn from the ministry of Priscilla and Aquila?



[1] Everett Harrison, The Expositor’s Bible Commentary, Romans, (Grand Rapids: Zondervan corporation, 1976), 161.