Her life could be described in many ways, but Phoebe was most known as a godly woman who served. Paul entrusted to her the delivery of his letter to the believers in Rome, and she willingly accepted the responsibility. Because she was a woman of influence and wealth in her hometown of Cenchreae, perhaps she was headed to Rome on business. Regardless of her reasoning for travel, she would deliver Paul’s letter, but Paul knew she needed a brief note of commendation.

Letters of commendation were needed when travelling to a new town, because in that time, travelers could not depend on public places for meals or for overnight lodging. The letter was written by a mutual friend to a friend in the visiting town. It helped to introduce an unknown believer to a local church, vouching for their character, beliefs, and unity shared with Christ. Because Paul lists Phoebe first in his commendation, it is believed she was the bearer of his letter to the Roman church. It is in this short note that Paul introduces us to a godly woman named Phoebe.

Paul describes Phoebe as a devoted Christian and a servant. He calls her his sister and patron, not only of him but of many. He expresses his desire for them to accept her as one of their own, meeting her needs, and providing hospitality. He longed for her to receive the same love and respect she always showed to others. Paul looked out for Phoebe in the same way she looked out for him – the same way we should look out for the needs of the brothers and sisters in Christ around us. They put each other above themselves with a humble heart to serve.

In Philippians, Paul offers Jesus as the example of this humble heart of serving, the model for how Paul and Phoebe chose to live their lives.

“So if there is any encouragement in Christ, any comfort from love, any participation in the Spirit, any affection and sympathy, complete my joy by being of the same mind, having the same love, being in full accord and of one mind. Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves. Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others. Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus, who, though he was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped, but emptied himself, by taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men. And being found in human form, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross.” (Philippians 2:1-8)

Both Paul and Phoebe were people of influence. Paul was known throughout the Roman Empire, and God used him to reach many for Christ. Phoebe was a wealthy woman and quite possibly held a house church in her home. She supported many financially and was a prominent and well-regarded leader in Cenchreae. Yet both humbly served by putting others ahead of themselves, following the life of Jesus.

The greatest influence you will have in life is not the result of being well known. While others may know who you are, you will be known by what you do and how you do it. When you humbly serve others, you have followed the example of Jesus. Not only will you find joy in serving others, but others will find joy in serving you. Influence others in the way you serve them. Your heart of humble serving may be what points them to the One who left the splendor of heaven for the cross.