In part seven I briefly sum up what has been covered in the previous six parts. I also comment on the fact that, unlike other early Christian ministers and writers, Paul was not reticent about using the same ecclesial titles for both men and women ministers.
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In Part 6 we look at more evidence that deacons in the apostolic and post-apostolic period were travelling envoys and agents, and that some were teachers.
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In Part 5 of my series on Phoebe, I look at the passage concerning deacons in the church at Ephesus (1 Tim. 3:8-13). I also look at Phoebe as a prostatis (patron), and briefly compare her ministry with that of Olympias (one of Chrysostom’s patrons) and with that of Stephanas (1 Cor. 16:15-18).
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In part 4 I look at the deacons in the Philippian church, and at the development of church offices in the apostolic and post-apostolic church.
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We have only two lines about Phoebe in the Bible, but Theodoret of Cyrrhus has more information about her. Did Phoebe travel to Spain with Paul? Did she deliver his letter to the Romans?
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