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AVT · #23 (**permalink**) 05-19-2008, 08:52 PM

I understand I Tim 3. But what exactly is Phebe in Romans 16:1? Was she merely a "helper," or did she have diaconal authority in the church?

Scripture doesn't give us much information about Phoebe. There is no mention of her husband and she is described as a "servant." She is commended for her faithfulness. It is quite possible she was of the "servant widow" type of I Timothy 5 and what is said comports with that (widow, faithful service).

If she was "merely a helper," that was important to God speaking through the Apostle Paul and she is commended for it. If she was of the servant-widow office there were specific qualifications, but again this is not the office of Deacon. There are other places where men and women are commended for faithful service...

What is unclear in Scripture is best resolved in favor of what is clear, which is that the office of Deacon is for men only, it has authority and that is rightly exercised over women and men.

Our congregation is considering 4 denominations to possibly align with, with the ARP being one. However, the issue of women deacons is causing many on the session to veer away from the ARP.[/QUOTE]

I believe there are many wonderful Christians in this denomination and that they get a lot right.

My understanding is that the issue of ordaining women to authority over men is is causing a lot of "undercurrent concern." It is also my understanding that most congregations in ARP do not ordain women deacons, many are opposed to it. In my opinion, the unresolved stance (let each congregation decide) will only build confusion and division and needs to be resolved for the peace and purity of the denomination... that's only an outsider's opinion.

Truly, I want you to find the option that would best help you as a congregation to Honor and Glorify God. There certainly are many very good ARP churches and God may be leading you to join and submit there, imperfections notwithstanding.