Consider the following scriptures:

And it came to pass afterward, that he went throughout every city and village, preaching and shewing the glad tidings of the kingdom of God: and the twelve were with him, and certain women, which had been healed of evil spirits and infirmities, Mary called Magdalene, out of whom went seven devils, and Joanna the wife of Chuza Herod’s steward, and Susanna, and many others, which ministered unto him of their substance. Luke 8:1-3

I commend unto you Phebe our sister, which is a servant of the church which is at Cenchrea: that ye receive her in the Lord, as becometh saints, and that ye assist her in whatsoever business she hath need of you: for she hath been a succourer of many, and of myself also. Greet Priscilla and Aquila my helpers in Christ Jesus: who have for my life laid down their own necks: unto whom not only I give thanks, but also all the churches of the Gentiles. Likewise greet the church that is in their house. Salute my well-beloved Epaenetus, who is the firstfruits of Achaia unto Christ. Romans 16:1-5

They set out two principles that appear to be dying or have been lost in the work of the gospel:

1. The importance of community support, and
2. The inclusive nature of the early Christian community

In the entourage that followed the Lord, along with the apostles of the Lamb were women, married women and probably some single women too. Would anyone in that entourage dare to live in any form of impropriety or immorality? Of course not!

In the latter scripture, Phoebe a deaconess was undertaking a journey, probably carrying Paul’s letter to the Church in Rome. The independence and enthusiasm of this sister in service jumps out from Paul’s statements. Paul’s letter of recommendation that was sent in advance to the church in Rome served two purposes:

1. There was both a legitimate need for the kind of assistance and support required during her stay; and
2. There were many deceivers who wanted to take advantage of the generosity of Christians

The two examples demonstrate the sort of practical role women have, as well as their help in doing the business of the gospel.

Spurgeon wrote on Priscilla and Aquila, “when two loving hearts pull together, they accomplish wonders. What different associations cluster around the names of “Priscilla and Aquila” compared to “Ananias and Sapphira.” The latter were a husband and wife conspiring in hypocrisy compared to a husband and wife united in sincere devotion. 

Paul spoke of the courage of Priscilla and Aquila in protecting him and how their actions benefitted many other churches (Acts 18:2,18,26). Where is your place beloved sister in the business of the Master?

Romans 16:5 gives us a clue to the organisation of the early church. In a city with a Christian community of any size, there would be many “congregations” meeting in different houses. No grandiose church buildings or the manner of denominationalizing and fragmentation that the parable of the mustard seed warned about (Matthew 13:31,32),creating supermen drawing accolades of followers rather than pointing followers’ attention to Christ.

In the service of the Lord, all of us, male and female, have someone who provides what we need to make it through the day. Paul said, “Phoebe has been helpful to many, especially to me.”

Who have you helped or rather who helps you in the business of the gospel? Such deserve our gratitude. Shalom

Pastor Afolabi Oladele