A Servant

I commend unto you Phebe our sister, which is a servant of the church which is at Cenchrea:

Romans 16:1

In this final chapter of Romans, Paul identifies many Christians who have been integral and helpful in the ministry of Christ. Paul first introduces Phebe whose name means “bright”. It is clear from her life and Paul’s comments that the brightness of Christ radiated from her life. What did Paul comment about Phebe that we can learn to apply our own lives?

She was a servant of the church. Paul did not say that she was a servant of Christ, but she was a servant of the church. She was a servant of the people of God – the assembly at Cenchrea. We cannot serve Christ when we are unwilling to serve His people. When we serve His people, we serve the Lord Jesus. To serve men means to do the tasks for men, and for their sakes. It may mean buying lunch for a brother who is sick, or responding to another’s need of care for a child when they have a urgent crisis. It may involve forgoing our rest that someone else may rest. Many say, “I serve God, but I choose not to serve men.” It is a meaningless argument because God says we cannot love the God whom we cannot see if we fail to love the people whom we can see. A servant of Christ serves people with a heart of love overflowing to bring the people to the Lord Jesus. Our Saviour is clear. In Matthew 25:40, He said, “the King shall…say…Verily I say unto you, Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me.” Phebe’s life of service to people shone brightly for the Lord Jesus.

She was busy. She was busy serving the Lord in different areas within the local church. Whatever she found her hands on, she served and did her utmost. Paul admonished the church to help her in whatever business she may have been involved in. A servant looks for opportunities to be busy for the Lord Jesus and strives to always be occupied for the Lord’s sake.

She was a supportive help to many, including Paul himself (Romans 16:2). Paul, writing of this humble servant, noted that she was a succourer of many. She had been kind to many and also was a constant source of comfort, support and practical help to many. This servant was a great encouragement to many of the brethren because she lifted them up. However, it is noted that she not only helped them with her hands. Being filled with the Holy Spirit of God, she helped many with her heart. Her heart of love, grace, concern and humility for the people must have been a great reservoir of support and love, both practically and spiritually, that even the great apostle Paul was a recipient of such kindness.

Are we a servant of people? Do we serve each other with a love that comes only from God, looking for nothing in return? Are we filled with His love, seeking no other reward but a “well done” from our Saviour? Are we busy for the Lord with a heart that loves the Father’s business? Do we consider God’s business more important than our necessary meat? Are we a supportive help to many, including the servants of God? Do we practically and spiritually support people with needs? Bringing relief in their situations and hope to the hearts? May we be servants of the Lord, serving people, busy and helpful in hand and heart.

Written by: Pastor Johnny Tan
Edited by: Timothy Lee
Image Credit: Timothy Lee