Phebe
PeopleWhat is the meaning of Phebe in the Bible?
Phoebe is identified in Romans 16:1-2 as a deacon (diakonos) of the church at Cenchreae and a patron (prostatis) of many, including the Apostle Paul.
SIGNIFICANCE
Recognizing Phoebe as a deacon and patron clarifies the structural roles women held in early Christian communities and explains why Paul entrusted her with delivering and likely explaining the letter to the Romans.
Bible Study Quick-Reference Guide
Genealogy & Community Insight: When reading, notice how the lineage and actions of Phebe reveal God's preservation of family clans and community records across generations.
Bible Study Reflection Prompts:
- Why did the biblical author mention Phebe in this passage?
- What cultural or historical assumption does Phebe clarify?
Scripture Passages Mentioned:
Romans 16:1-2
Source Attribution
Built upon the 1915 International Standard Bible Encyclopedia and Easton's Bible Dictionary (1897). Entries have been modernized, checked for academic truthfulness, and shortened for clarity.
How to Cite This Entry
"Phebe." Ancient Context Dictionary. Accessed 2026. https://ancientcontext.com/context/phebe/