I commend to you our sister Phoebe, a deacon of the church at Cenchreae, so that you may welcome her in the Lord, as is fitting for the saints, and help her in whatever she may require from you, for she has been a benefactor of many and of myself as well. Greet Prisca and Aquila, my coworkers in Christ Jesus, who risked their necks for my life, to whom not only I give thanks but also all the churches of the gentiles. Greet also the church in their house. Greet my beloved Epaenetus, who was the first convert in Asia for Christ. Greet Mary, who has worked very hard for you. (Romans 16:1-6, NRSVue)
I commend to you our sister Phoebe, a leader in the church, whom you should welcome and help as she needs.
Phoebe was a leader of the church, and this is not the only time Paul lifts women as leaders and commends the church to welcome and accept them.
Why does the current church not do this and say women can not be leaders? Because 1 Timothy says that women should be quiet and not be allowed to teach? As a biblical scholar, I would say that 1 Timothy was not written by Paul, but by someone using the power of Paul’s name to stir up trouble and keep men in power.
Women have been leaders in the church since the beginning, and there were several women who were disciples of Jesus and spent all of his ministry with him. Stop oppressing the body of Christ with your jealousy and misogyny.
All are capable and worthy to be leaders in the church, if that is the gift they were given by God. Their gender, ethnicity, or anything else we use to separate people should not get in the way.
Welcome her and help her.
SHow God’s love in all you do.
aSacredRebel 