We all love “shout-outs,” don’t we? Times when we are recognized by name, for something we’ve done. For some, these words of affirmation are their primary love language and truly speak life and love. But for all of us, on some level, we appreciate knowing that others feel we are doing a good job and are commending us – recommending, giving a shout-out, or saying good things – about us.

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Phoebe is named once in all of Scripture, but this shout-out by Paul tells us something important about her and gives us an example to follow. So, let’s look a bit closer to find out the context and what we know about Phoebe.

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First, the book of Romans is drawing to a close. Paul is winding down his letter. He has just finished telling the church in Rome about his desire to come visit them and what he will be doing in the meantime (Rom. 15:22-33). Then, he begins to make his closing comments much like we might do in a letter – say hi to Aunt Susie and Uncle Joe and don’t forget about giving an extra hug to Papa. In Paul’s case, he is going to list, by name, some of the Roman believers who are dear to him. But first, he starts with Phoebe.

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Phoebe means “bright and radiant” and from Paul’s brief description of her as a servant of the church at Cenchrea and as one who has helped many, we can tell that she has made an impact. Cenchrea was a port city and the eastern port of Corinth. Most likely it was from here that Phoebe then carried Paul’s letter to the Roman church.  

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Phoebe had obviously served well within her church and community for Paul to entrust this letter to her care and then to entrust her to the Roman church. So, what does it look like to serve well?

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I imagine that Phoebe was radiant with the love and compassion of Jesus. Being described as a servant, I imagine she served those around her both in the church and in her community. Perhaps she cared for the poor and the sick. Perhaps she fed and ministered to those who had needs; she most likely practiced hospitality. She served and she helped. Those were her defining characteristics – not her beauty, not necessarily her talents, as Paul doesn’t expound on those, and not her wealth. But with what she had, she helped and served. He doesn’t say how much, how often, etc. – but her life was lived in such a way that Paul noticed and chose her for an important task and gave her a shout-out that gives us an example.

Which challenges me – and hopefully, you, too! First, would Paul commend me? Am I serving in a way that is commendable? Am I sharing who I am, what I have, and the story of how Jesus has changed me with those around me?

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ACF continues to grow by the grace of God. I love to share with people that I meet about where I go to church and why. One of the things I can boldly say is that God is at work in and through ACF, and lives are being changed. Just witnessing the monthly baptisms is humbling and amazing! I want to continue to be a part of what God is doing at ACF. What about you? There are plenty of needs – and growing needs as the church grows. You are needed to serve at ACF, as well as help in your own circle of influence. Will you take the Phoebe challenge? Be commendable!