Dear Church,

Tucked away in the final chapter of Romans is a powerful, almost hidden tribute to someone we might easily overlook, her name is Phoebe. Listen to how Paul speaks about her: 

“I commend to you our sister Phoebe, a deacon of the church in Cenchreae. I ask you to receive her in the Lord in a way worthy of his people and to give her any help she may need from you, for she has been the benefactor of many people, including me.”
(Romans 16:1–2)

Have you ever paused to wonder how the early church received Paul’s letters? There was no email or FedEx, no WhatsApp groups or Dropboxes. Instead, Paul would entrust his letters to faithful believers who carried them by hand, often over long and risky journeys which would take days or even months to deliver. 

Most scholars agree: Phoebe was the one who carried Paul’s letter from Corinth to Rome. Think about that. The most theologically rich book in the Bible, the letter to the Romans, was hand-delivered to the church by this humble, faithful woman. She didn’t write it, Paul did. But without her, they never would’ve read it, we would never read it.

Phoebe wasn’t in the spotlight, but her faithfulness made all the difference.

There are many modern-day Phoebes with us. People who serve quietly and faithfully, often without applause, but always with purpose. They greet at the door, clean the rooms, brew the coffee, serve in Children’s Ministry, run tech in the back, stack chairs when no one is watching, and send texts of encouragement that come right on time.

Without them, the ministry of the church would never move forward. They may not preach the sermon, but they help deliver it, just like Phoebe did.

And Jesus Himself said something we’d all do well to remember:

“Whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant… for even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve.”
(Mark 10:43,45)

So today, I want to say thank you to every server, every helper, every behind-the-scenes volunteer who makes ministry possible. You reflect the heart of Christ. You model Jesus without needing a microphone.

You may never know the full impact of your service on this side of heaven. But heaven sees. And heaven applauds.

Keep serving. It matters. Let there be more Phoebes at Immanuel and let’s keep encouraging the Phoebes who are already serving here.

Be Encouraged,

Mathews