Peter Barnes | Romans 16:1-2
SERMON NOTES
A WOMAN DEACON
(Romans 16:1-2)
– there are two ordinary offices in the church: elders/overseers (1 Tim.3:1-7) and deacons (1 Timothy 3:8-13).
1. A woman deacon.
– 16:1; note that Phoebe did not change her pagan name (the moon goddess)
– she is not an elder or overseer (1 Tim.2:12) but a deacon. Calvin: ‘she exercised a very honourable and holy ministry in the church’. He cites 1 Tim.5:10.
2. How the Roman Christians were to treat Phoebe.
– 16:2
(a) to receive or welcome her. See 3 John 5-8.
(b) to assist her in her work. One can assume that food and lodging would be especially in mind.
3. Phoebe’s work.
– 16:2; she had already helped many, including Paul
– probably not with doctrine (although note Acts 18:24-26). See Luke 8:1-3
– not unlike Lydia (Acts 16:14-15). See Matt.20:25-28.