The unsung Heroes of Rome during Paul’s time. (Chap.16)
- Phebe or Phoebe: (16:1-2):
Phebe (means radiant or moonlight) was a minister or deaconess at Cenchrea. Cenchreae is a municipality in Corinth. Phoebe is derived from Greek moon goddess, the goddess of Artemis or a feminine form of Artemis. Christians on their conversion felt no need to change their names even now also many Christians don’t change their names after conversion.
But Phebe whom Paul commended is shone as a light for Jesus, the Light of the World. There were women deacons in the early church who served by visiting the sick, assisting the young women and helping the poor. She carried Paul’s letter to the believers in Rome and the church. She was going on a long trip to Rome on business of her own and offered her services to carry Paul’s letter. Paul declared Phebe as a minister, a patron, servant of the Lord, serving other Christians and himself and his emissary to the church in Rome. She was no ordinary helper, but one of high esteem and integrity and was a businesswoman of considerable wealth. She used influence and her financial means, as well as her personal time and effort as a helper of many fellow believers and Paul as well.
Paul referred Phebe as highly esteemed and solicits the attention and respect of the leaders in Rome’s church, which also included other highly respected women viz. Priscilla, Mary, Junia, Tryphena, Tryphosa and Persis. According to Dean and professor of theology Denis Fortin, Phebe was the only person identified by Paul as (Gk. Prostatis) which means woman deacon in the same capacity of Tychicus, Epaphras, Apollos etc. It appears that Timothy also had women deacons (1 Tim.3:11), sometimes referred as overseer or elder or pastor.
The apostle Paul asked the believers in Rome to receive her as his messenger and give her whatever help she needed. She was carrying one of the most important priceless letter which the church was eagerly cherishing to receive. Although God inspired no woman to write a part of the Scripture, He used Phebe to transport the first copy of this marvellous letter, which is one of the basic book of New Testament theology. This woman joins with countless women whom God had used and honoured with great distinction within the framework of His divine plan.
- Aquila and Priscilla: (16:3-5a): These two were a greatly dedicated husband-and-wife couple who were tent-makers (Acts.18:1-3) in profession were drawn to Paul and his ministry. Paul met them at Corinth. Because Aquila was a Jew, they were expelled from Rome during the time of emperor Claudius, so they came to Corinth. They were helping Paul. The couple were mentioned 6-times in NT on different occasions and for four-times Priscilla name comes first which shows she was more dedicated and having leadership qualities. When Paul moved from Corinth to Ephesus, Aquila and Priscilla also moved to Ephesus and assisted in founding the church. Later Paul left them at Ephesus for his overseas ministry at Antioch and elsewhere.
Aquila and Priscilla stand out as a great example for to-days ministry. Although Priscilla was more capable, they had such a great understanding and together they helped the church to grow. They have nurtured even Apollos and guided them to be a better preacher. The Ephesus assembly was meeting in their house and they were very hospitable to believers. Their house was an open home. This couple even risked their own lives to help save Paul at one time (Rom.16:4). They went to Rome and assisted the church (Rom. 16:3). The church was also meeting in their house. Wherever they went, be it Rome or Ephesus, they started a church and the church was meeting in their home. In other words their home was an open home and a place of worship place. Again they came back to Ephesus to help Timothy (2 Tim: 4:19). It is amazing that Priscilla and Aquila moved from Corinth to Ephesus to Rome to Ephesus, just to serve the Lord better. And whenever they moved, they had to move their business as well. People with this kind of dedication and sacrifice are not easy to find, but they are great assets to the local church. We can make a study of this couple (Acts 18:2-28; 1 Cor. 16:19, and 2 Tim. 4:19).
- Epenetus: (16:5b):
He was the first convert in the entire province of Asia. Paul calls him the first fruit. The firstfruit under the law are made to God from the first ripe fruits before the actual harvest begun. The Lord Jesus Christ is called the firstfruits of them that slept because of His resurrection which is an earnest deposit for the all the believers to follow. The apostle calls the first converts in a particular place as the firstfruits of that place unto Christ. All the children of God are a kind of firstfruits of His creatures just as John says: “They were purchased from among men and offered as firstfruits to God and the Lamb” (Rev 14:4).
Epenetus was living among the corrupt idolatrous people, got converted on the first preaching of Paul, displaying a character of zeal, integrity, inviting his friends and others to turn to the living and true God. He was called beloved was perhaps due to his zeal for the ministry and brought many souls to the Lord. He doubtlessly assisted Paul greatly. Epenetus displayed perfect sincerity and imitated Christ. He was the true to God’s word: “Seek first the Kingdom of God” (Matt.6:33). Yes it is a great honour and highest degree to be called the ‘Firstfruit.’