Phoebe
PeopleWhat is the meaning of Phoebe in the Bible?
Phoebe was a believing woman who served as a deacon of the church at Cenchreae and a patron to many, including Paul, and was described by him as 'our sister' and 'a servant of the church at Cenchrea'. She may have voluntarily devoted herself to minister unto the saints through charity and hospitality.
SIGNIFICANCE
Phoebe's significance lies in her early Christian community service and her role as a patroness to many, including Paul, which highlights the importance of lay ministry and charitable work within the early Christian church.
Bible Study Quick-Reference Guide
Genealogy & Community Insight: When reading, notice how the lineage and actions of Phoebe reveal God's preservation of family clans and community records across generations.
Bible Study Reflection Prompts:
- Why did the biblical author mention Phoebe in this passage?
- What cultural or historical assumption does Phoebe clarify?
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
"Phoebe." Ancient Context Dictionary. Accessed 2026. https://ancientcontext.com/context/phoebe/