We are nearing the close of our series on women of purpose in the Bible, which I have decided to turn into a book when it is complete. This week, we will look at a list of women Paul mentioned as he closed his epistle to the Romans and pay particular attention to two of the women named Phoebe and Junia.
THE LIST
When we read Romans 16:1-9, Paul mentioned nine women who were involved in the Roman church. They were Phoebe, Priscilla, Mary, Junia, Tryphena, Tryphosa, Persis, Rufus' mother, and Nereus' sister. In addition, Paul wrote in verse 11, "I urge you, brothers and sisters, to watch out for those who cause divisions and put obstacles in your way that are contrary to the teaching you have learned. Keep away from them." Paul was not only writing to the men, he was addressing the women as equals.
From the list of nine, we can conclude that women played an important role in either establishing or maintaining the church in Rome, which had become significant due to its location. Rome was the capital of the Empire and a crossroads for everything that Rome stood for and cherished. It was also a meeting place for the people of the Empire who had official business.
Women played an important role in the church and Paul acknowledged some of what they did. Priscilla had risked her life for Paul and she led a church in her home along with her husband. Mary worked hard for the Romans saints. Tryphena, Tryphosa, and Persis were also commended for their hard work, presumably in the church. What work goes on in the church except for evangelism, discipleship, pastoral duties, preaching, and teaching? These women must have been involved in some or all of those activities, sharing the leadership roles in the church with their male counterparts.
Two women stand out in the list and Paul's comments, and they are Phoebe and Junia. Let's look at them apart from the others.
A DEACON AND AN APOSTLE
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).
Phoebe had served in the church at Cenchreae, a town close to Corinth. She had distinguished herself to such an extent that Paul entrusted his letter to the Romans for her to deliver. Paul instructed the church to provide whatever she needed. Phoebe was a deacon or a servant and was recognized for her exceptional work with a special mention in Paul's letter. She was traveling just like any man in ministry, and Paul had no reservations about her role or travels.
Then there is the woman Junia: "Greet Andronicus and Junia, my fellow Jews who have been in prison with me. They are outstanding among the apostles, and they were in Christ before I was" (Romans 16:7). There is some disagreement over who Junia was or if she was even a woman. The name Junia has also been transcribed as Junias, but that also appears to have been a female or male name. We assume Adronicus was her husband, but he could have been her sibling or brother in the Lord.
Then there is Paul's commendation, which included the words "outstanding among the apostles." That could mean that Junia was well known among the apostles for her contributions to the team. It could also mean that she was an apostle herself. She came to the Lord before Paul, and was imprisoned along with Paul and Adronicus because of her work for the Lord, which leads me to believe that she was more than just a companion. She was a co-worker. The Romans would not have imprisoned a spouse unless she was a nuisance as the male workers had become to Rome. The historic church considered Junia a woman and an apostle (click to enlarge her picture to see the caption), so this assumption of her apostolic role has more than a little credibility.
THE LESSON
Paul gave us two examples of women of purpose who were leaders in the early church, one a deacon and the other an apostle. They had spiritual gifts that distinguished them from their peers. If Paul did not quibble over their gender, and made no qualifying statements that would have caused the church to treat them differently than the men, then we should be careful not to do the same in their case or in the case of modern women who also serve, teach, preach, or stand out for their work in the church and among God's people.
Paul set out the requirements for women in ministry when he addressed the requirements for leadership in 1 Timothy 3:8-11:
In the same way, deacons are to be worthy of respect, sincere, not indulging in much wine, and not pursuing dishonest gain. They must keep hold of the deep truths of the faith with a clear conscience. They must first be tested; and then if there is nothing against them, let them serve as deacons. In the same way, the women are to be worthy of respect, not malicious talkers but temperate and trustworthy in everything.
Paul had a large task and purpose, which was to establish the Church among the Gentiles. He could not do this without using all the gifted people at his disposal, and some of them were women. The same strategy should be employed today. There are no rules that say a certain number or percentage in leadership must be women, but there are no rules to say that they cannot serve, if their purpose and gifts are proven to benefit God's cause. I am certain that there are many women like Junia and Phoebe who are serving in the church, with many more waiting in the wings. Let's not hinder them but make room in our hearts and ministries for women whom God has chosen to call and take their place alongside men. Have a blessed week!
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