Romans 16:1-16

Be Still: Lord, today open the eyes of my heart. Speak to me through your Word. Guide my steps and lead me in your everlasting ways. Amen

Read: Romans 16:1-16

''I commend to you our sister Phoebe, a deacon, of the church in Cenchreae. I ask you to receive her in the Lord in a way worthy of his people and to give her any help she may need from you, for she has been the benefactor of many people, including me.'  (v1,2)

Encounter: Over seventeen years ago, I became a father to a beautiful baby girl named Phoebe. Rachel and I loved the name, particularly because of all that Phoebe represented in the book of Romans.

Paul entrusted Phoebe to deliver his letter to the church in Rome. This involved so much more than simply passing on Paul’s towering theological masterpiece. It was customary in the ancient world, for those entrusted with such letters to read them aloud to their recipients and to explain and expound some of the content. Paul was entrusting Phoebe with significant responsibility. This is why he describes her as ‘deacon.’ The term deacon, or minister, is a title Paul applies elsewhere to himself and throughout much of his writing Paul often applies the role of deacon to teaching and expounding the word of God. The term ‘deacon’ was reserved for those called to Spirit-filled church leadership. We need to remember that leadership is both male and female!

Apply: At Gas Street, we are passionate about seeing women released into leadership. I don’t believe there is any glass ceiling placed over women. Yes, there are a couple of Scriptures (1 Corinthians 14:33-35 & 1 Timothy 2:11-14) that seem to prohibit women from teaching and exercising authority in church: I believe these are contextual. We haven't time here to explore this topic more extensively through Scripture, but I firmly agree with Simon Ponsonby, who writes: 'Paul’s pragmatic and actual employment and recognition of women in senior leadership roles must take priority over the two hermeneutically difficult texts that may appear to restrict women in leadership.' *

For any women reading this today, God has a plan and a purpose for you. I’m so sorry if you’ve ever felt crushed or held back in the church. We want to pray that you will feel free and released to run with the call and dreams God has placed in your heart. 

Devote: Lord, we thank you for the gifted, strong, and anointed women who bring so much leadership to our church and beyond. Encourage and strengthen them to be all that you are calling them to be. 

*GOD IS FOR US: 52 Readings from Romans. Simon Ponsonby: Monarch Books Oxford UK