Amica Pauli: the Role of Phoebe in the Early Church

Abstract

The role of Phoebe in the early Church has long been the subject of debate. There is a lack of understanding of the terminoogy used by Paul to describe her— διακoνoς and πρoστατις. Moreover, little attempt has been made to relate these terms to the context of voluntary associations where such terms are particularly common.

In this paper the role of Phoebe is re-examined drawing upon the recent disciplines of epistolary analysis and rhetorical interpretation. It is expected that once the social and literary contexts have been clarified, a historically nuanced reading of Rom. 16.1-3 will be possible.