The Bible Keeps Surprising Us
I commend to you our sister Phoebe… (Romans 16:1)
You are never too old to learn. I declared a Religion major almost 43 years ago. My Biblical study has been non-stop ever since. Yet, I am regularly shocked by new information on the Scriptures. Anyone who believes the Bible is a dead book that offers nothing new doesn’t spend much time with it. A surprise hit me again in the past week when I started reading Finding Phoebe by Susan E. Hylen. Hylen uses scholarly reflection to prove that the role of Biblical women is different than most of us understand.
Rather than all women existing without any power, privilege, or financial resources, Hylen argues convincingly that many women had similar opportunities to men. Sure, men had more resources, power, and economic wealth on average, but that does not mean all women were exempt from opportunity. Like men, many women were exempt from socio-economic and other benefits because they were born into slavery, poverty, or in an area where education and other opportunities were not available. In Biblical antiquity, fortunate women were given opportunities and even leadership in their society.
The Apostle Paul mentions Phoebe in just two verses, but those few words open the door to many vital questions. “I commend to you our sister Phoebe, a servant of the church at Cenchreae, that you may welcome her in the Lord in a way worthy of the saints, and help her in whatever she may need from you, for she has been a patron of many of myself as well.” Within these two short verses, men commend this woman and say she is worthy of the saints. The call to help her with what she may need from you implies leadership. Finally, this woman is a patron, confirming that she has significant financial means. There is no mention of her resources being the husband’s money.
Today, prayerfully thank God for the Biblical women who against social norms, remained strong, worthy, and self-confident. Then, pray for our historical and theological understanding to recognize we were closer to equality than first imagined. When we make that vital connection, we can stand firm in the commitment to sexual equality now and in the future. Patriarchy may live within Biblical history, but it does not mean entirely male-centric or that male dominance is what God desires. Pray for equality in all areas of life, now and always.