May 10, 2026

Romans 16:1-2

Cherish the Ladies

2 Timothy 1:3-7

1. Introducing Phoebe (v. 1)

A. The Carrier

“Letters of recommendation were well known in antiquity, and it was customary to commend or recommend the courier of the letter, especially if he or she was unknown to the audience.”
Ben Witherington, “Paul's Letter to the Romans”

B. Our Sister

Philemon 1:1-2

James 2:5

Galatians 6:10

Ephesians 2:18-22

The importance of everyone to build up the church.

C. A Deacon of the Church of Cenchrea

Philippians 1:1

1 Timothy 3:8-13

Who has authority in the church?

James 4:1-7

Two couples of importance.

Romans 16:3-5

Romans 16:7

Acts 18:18

Acts 18:1-4

2. Welcome and Work (v. 2)

A. Welcome

Romans 12:13

The Edict of Claudius refers to the Roman Emperor Claudius's action—likely around A.D. 49—to expel Jews from Rome due to ongoing disturbances

B. Help Her Help You

Patron or Benefactor

“We are justified in our evaluation of Phoebe as something like Paul’s ‘financial agent’ in his negotiations with the Roman church.”-LT Johnson

1 Corinthians 4:12

2 Corinthians 11:7-9

Luke 8:1-3

“Jesus Paid it All
All to Him I owe
Sin had left a crimson stain
He washed it white as snow”

3. A Family Welcome (vs. 3-16)

A. Embrace

“It literally means to wrap one’s arms around and embrace someone”
Ben Witherington

B. A Family Example

Romans 16:13

Romans 12:1-2

“I always wanted to be a mom and the Lord just keeps letting me love people like a mom.” - Valerie

Reflection:

Tell your mom you love her today if you can.

Tell one of the ladies who has been a leader, teacher, or who has reached out to care for you in the church thank you (text, call, send a card!).

Follow UP in the Word this Week…

Monday:

Read: 2 Timothy 1:3-7

Who has been in your life the way Timothy’s mother and grandmother were? Is it a family member or someone in the church? Who are you being there for in the same way?

Tuesday:

Read: Romans 12:1-2

As you present your body as a living sacrifice, how are you giving yourself for others?

Wednesday:

Read: Luke 8:1-3

When you read about these women, what happened their lives to cause them to follow Jesus and give so much to Him? Has your reaction to Jesus been similar?

Thursday:

Read: Acts 18:1-4

Have you ever had co-workers like Paul did, people who lived and cared for Jesus and others the way you did?

Friday:

Read: James 4:1-7

As you read James today, is there anything that you need to lay down to Jesus? Any conflicts? Any problems?

Saturday:

Read: Ephesians 2:18-22

How are you being led by the Lord to build up the household of God today?