Phoebe
A Christian of the church at Cenchreae whom Paul warmly commends to the Church in Rome, probably as bearer of his letter.
- Early Church
Awaiting theological review
What we know — and how
Scripture tells us
- Paul calls her a diakonos of the church at Cenchreae and a patron (prostatis) of many, including himself.(Romans 16:1–2)
Historians debate
- Whether diakonos here means “servant” in a general sense or names a recognised ministry; translations differ, and the question touches later debates about the diaconate.
Key passages