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Psalm 5:11 But let all who take refuge in You be glad, Let them ever sing for joy; And may You shelter them, That those who love Your name may exult in You. Hymns Invitation Red Songbook - Supplemental

The Question about Phoebe Romans 16:1-2 The Question about Phoebe We use the expression “a Romans 14 issue” when we are in disagreement over something that is not consequential to our faith. What does this mean?

The Doctrines of Deacons Deacons: An “office” given to the church 1. Servants who make peace (Acts 6) 2. Called by qualifications (1 Tim. 3) 3. Seen with elders (Phil. 1, T Tim. 3) 4. Always a plurality (Phil. 1, 1 Tim. 3) Early church testimony of deacons Deacons are the least spoke of work in the NT church. No passages discuss their duties, and no certain examples exist of their office holders. That they have specific qualifications similar to elders causes us to conclude this is an office in the church. Polycarp letter to the Philippians speaks of the qualifications of deacons as an office like elders Didache – elders and deacons appointment

Was Phoebe a Deacon? I commend to you our sister Phoebe, a deacon of the church in Cenchreae. (NIV) I commend to you our sister Phoebe, who is a deacon in the church in Cenchrea. (NLT) I commend to you our sister Phoebe, a deaconess of the church at Cenchreae, (RSV) Darby Bible Translation - But I commend to you Phoebe, our sister, who is minister of the assembly which is in Cenchrea;

Why She is NOT a “Deacon” 1. The Greek Word is used in Romans for a servant Romans 15:4 Romans 15:8 Translators did not translate this as deacon, as the usage of the word elsewhere in Romans was not for deacon

Why She is NOT a “Deacon” 1. The Greek Word is used in Romans for a servant 2. Phoebe does not fit the qualifications of a deacon 1 Timothy 3:8-13 “Deacons likewise must be men….” (NASB) Accusative Plural Masculine 1Ti 3:8 ¶ Deacons likewise must be men of dignity, not double-tongued, or addicted to much wine or fond of sordid gain, 9 but holding to the mystery of the faith with a clear conscience. 10 These men must also first be tested; then let them serve as deacons if they are beyond reproach. 11 Women must likewise be dignified, not malicious gossips, but temperate, faithful in all things. 12 Deacons must be husbands of only one wife, and good managers of their children and their own households. 13 For those who have served well as deacons obtain for themselves a high standing and great confidence in the faith that is in Christ Jesus.

Why She is NOT a “Deacon” Qualifications of Deacons in I Timothy 3:8-13 a man (deacons wives) reverent reverent/grave (deacon wives) not slanderers not double tongued (deacon wives) temperate not given to much wine (deacon wives) faithful in all things not greedy for money   holding the mystery of the faith blameless husbands of one wife ruling their children & houses well 1. The Greek Word is used in Romans for a servant 2. Phoebe does not fit the qualifications of a deacon 1 Timothy 3:8-13 1Ti 3:8 ¶ Deacons likewise must be men of dignity, not double-tongued, or addicted to much wine or fond of sordid gain, 9 but holding to the mystery of the faith with a clear conscience. 10 These men must also first be tested; then let them serve as deacons if they are beyond reproach. 11 Women must likewise be dignified, not malicious gossips, but temperate, faithful in all things. 12 Deacons must be husbands of only one wife, and good managers of their children and their own households. 13 For those who have served well as deacons obtain for themselves a high standing and great confidence in the faith that is in Christ Jesus.

Why She is NOT a “Deacon” Qualifications of Deacons in I Timothy 3:8-13 a man (deacons wives) reverent reverent/grave (deacon wives) not slanderers not double tongued (deacon wives) temperate not given to much wine (deacon wives) faithful in all things not greedy for money   holding the mystery of the faith blameless husbands of one wife ruling their children & houses well 1. The Greek Word is used in Romans for a servant 2. Phoebe does not fit the qualifications of a deacon 1 Timothy 3:8-13 1Ti 3:8 ¶ Deacons likewise must be men of dignity, not double-tongued, or addicted to much wine or fond of sordid gain, 9 but holding to the mystery of the faith with a clear conscience. 10 These men must also first be tested; then let them serve as deacons if they are beyond reproach. 11 Women must likewise be dignified, not malicious gossips, but temperate, faithful in all things. 12 Deacons must be husbands of only one wife, and good managers of their children and their own households. 13 For those who have served well as deacons obtain for themselves a high standing and great confidence in the faith that is in Christ Jesus.

Why She is NOT a “Deacon” 1. The Greek Word used in Romans is for a servant 2. Phoebe does not fit the qualifications of a deacon 3. Phoebe’s visit does not fit the context of a deacon This visit is NOT a local church work Context of visit is not within the work of a local church

Why She is NOT a “Deacon” 1. The Greek Word used in Romans is for a servant 2. Phoebe does not fit the qualifications of a deacon 3. Phoebe’s visit does not fit the context of a deacon 4. Phoebe does not fit the historical context of a deacon - Early writers distinguish the work of deacons All early church writers (Didache, Polycarp) place the work of a in a fashion much as we perceive it – a work in a local church of a married man (and woman)

Why She is NOT a “Deacon” 1. The Greek Word used in Romans is for a servant 2. Phoebe does not fit the qualifications of a deacon 3. Phoebe’s visit does not fit the context of a deacon 4. Phoebe does not fit the historical context of a deacon 5. Phoebe’s second “title” is more significant All early church writers (Didache, Polycarp) place the work of a in a fashion much as we perceive it – a work in a local church of a married man (and woman)

A “Helper of the Church” She has been a “helper” of many Saints - Benefactor - Guardian - Caring for the needs of others Photo – Racoon Smith

Are You a Helper of the Church A protector of brethren and the church? A facilitator of the work of the church? A nurturer of the workers in the church? Protector – at the least, not one who causes harm. Are you devoted to seeing that your brethren are well? Facilitator – do you establish bible studies, etc for other workers? Nurture – do you encourage others in their works?

Learning from Phoebe Phoebe did not hold the “office” of a deacon Phoebe was a servant and helper of the church We ought to see her real work and learn from it

The Plan of Salvation in Romans Hearing and Believing ……….Romans 10:17 Confessing Jesus as Lord ……..Romans 10:9 Repentance from sin ….….Romans 6:11-13 Baptism into Christ ……………Romans 6:3-4 Remaining faithful ……………Romans 12:1-2