A Lesson from great women
Romans 16:1-2 I want this letter to introduce to you Phobe, our sister, a deaconess of the church at Cenchrea. Please give her a Christian welcome, and any assistance with the work that she may need. She has herself been of great assistance to many, not excluding myself. Philips version
Paul here introduces Phoebe (which means “bright, radiant”) She was Paul’s was appointed by Paul to deliver this letter to Rome. He addressed her as a spiritual Sister and a deacon at the church where she served. Nine women are mentioned in this chapter: Phoebe, v. 1; Priscilla, v. 3; Mary, v. 6; Tryphena, v. 12; Tryphosa, v. 12; Persis, v. 12; the mother of Rufus, v. 13; Julia, v. 15; and the sister of Nereus, v. 15. Some critics have accused Paul of being against women, but no man ever did more to emancipate women from heathen bondage and dignify them in the manner God intended from the beginning. Jesus also dignified and set women free for use in their God given purpose. The scripture speaks of other women that helped Jesus such as in Luke 8:1-3, “He continued according to plan, traveled to town after town, village after village, preaching God's kingdom, spreading the Message. The Twelve were with him. There were also some women in their company who had been healed of various evil afflictions and illnesses: Mary, the one called Magdalene, from whom seven demons had gone out; Joanna, wife of Chuza, Herod's manager; and Susanna — along with many others who used their considerable means to provide for the company. {The Message version}
Paul teaches that women have a special and important place in the ministry of the local church. Think of it, the most powerful theological letter ever written was put into the hand of a faithful woman of God. Amusingly, many men I know who revere the book of Romans have a poor opinion of women in ministry. So much is said against women in ministry in many circles but this whole chapter is a testimony of the great things women did in the church. The way the scripture reads “a deaconess of the church” means she mostly likely had a recognized position in that church.” This is further confirmed by the fact that Paul is sending here with this letter. She was of great assistance {lit, a protector} She gave assistance to Paul and many others in time of want, difficulty, or distress. She has helped others…it is your turn to help her.
The bible speaks of the blessing of helping others and how the favor will be returned.
Psalms 41:1-3- “Blessed is he who has regard for the weak; the Lord delivers him in times of trouble. The Lord will protect him and preserve his life; he will bless him in the land and not surrender him to the desire of his foes. The Lord will sustain him on his sickbed and restore him from his bed of illness.”
2 Timothy 1:16-18 May the Lord show mercy to the household of Onesiphorus, because he often refreshed me and was not ashamed of my chains. 17 On the contrary, when he was in Rome, he searched hard for me until he found me. 18 May the Lord grant that he will find mercy from the Lord on that day! You know very well in how many ways he helped me in Ephesus.
Paul asked people not only to receive this great woman but to help her, simply because she had helped others. Let’s not be guilty of not helping those who have helped other. Let’s be thankful for people who have volunteered their time and effort. People who have helped others should not be abandoned in their time of need. Has someone helped you, do they need your help. Don’t hide you face and resources form them now that they need you!
Your Pastor, Mike Gibney
I can vouch for the demise of labeling women as the weaker sex. Being in contact with women who have chosen the medical field as nurses or as medical assistants, I am witness to their strength, their caring nature and deligence towards their patients. I am also witness to those whose have weaknesses of their own through abuse treat these angels of mercy with disrespect. These women I speak of would be excellent candidates to be of service if Paul had requested their help. Their stamina is extraordinary whether it be leaving at 7AM to go home to see their children off to school or get ready for another day of classes to further their career choice in the health care field. I am alos witness of another example of strength and stamina, this at a personal level. My wife, bad back and all will trudge off to her job, housekeeping for our landlord's daughter. Bad hands and back do not deter her from her contribution to our household, in addition to sharing her delicious recipes with her hubby. Yes, gentleman, take a closer look at the examples of the women in Paul's time and the women of our time.
ReplyDeleteNever understood until now what kept these women I mentioned going. Tending to the weak and needy, have made them stronger. Psalm 41 has helped this recipient and admirer of these women understand.