"I commend to you Phoebe our sister, who is a servant of the church in Cenchrea . . . "
What a neat thing to be said about a person. First, the great Apostle "commends" her. Second, she is a "sister," a part of a great covenantal family. Thirdly, she is a "servant of the church." Phoebe's life is valuable, and well-spent. Fourthly, she is a "servant" of a particular church--the one in "Cenchrea." Phoebe did not content herself with her association with the "invisible" church. Instead, she was committed to a local one.
Godly women are exalted in Christianity. Their roles are critical. The church cannot prosper or thrive without them.
[Puritan quote of the day: "Christ does His church more good now that He is in heaven . . . " --Richard Sibbes, in "Glorious Freedom"]
