Competence: Phoebe
Influence Through Faithfulness: Lessons from Phoebe
In a world obsessed with followers, likes, and viral content, we often misunderstand what true influence really means. Real influence isn't built on followers—it's built on faithfulness. This truth comes alive through the story of a woman named Phoebe, found in just two verses in Romans 16:1-2.
Who was Phoebe?
Phoebe appears briefly in Paul's letter to the Romans as someone traveling from Cenchrea to Rome who needed a place to stay. Paul writes a letter of recommendation for her, essentially vouching for her character so the Roman Christians would welcome her into their homes.
Despite having only two verses dedicated to her story, Phoebe emerges as a powerful example of biblical influence. Her name means "radiant and bright," and while it was originally associated with a pagan goddess, Phoebe now radiated for Jesus Christ instead.
What Makes Someone Truly Influential?
Influence Comes from Family
Paul introduces Phoebe as "our sister," immediately establishing her place in the family of God. This was crucial because her pagan name might have raised red flags among the Roman Christians. Paul's endorsement wasn't based on her past but on her new identity as part of God's family.
Many people today believe their past disqualifies them from having influence. They think their mistakes, their background, or their former lifestyle means they can't serve or speak about Jesus. But influence isn't about the crowd you come from—it's about the family you've come into.
God's family is full of people with complicated histories. It's made up of former pagans, former criminals, and former failures. But it's also made up of forgiven, redeemed sons and daughters of God. Your influence comes from your new family, not your past failures.
Influence Comes from Being Planted
Paul describes Phoebe as "a servant of the church at Cenchrea." The word "servant" here is actually "diaconos"—she was a deacon, a leader in her local church. But notice the key phrase: she was planted "at Cenchrea."
Phoebe wasn't a spiritual freelancer. Her influence was rooted in a local church community. She had pastors, accountability, and a place where she lived out her faith in practice with other believers.
If you want influence in God's kingdom, be planted in a local church. This raises important questions about the voices influencing us today: Are the Christian leaders, authors, and online personalities we follow planted and rooted in a local church? Do they have pastors? Who's teaching them, correcting them, holding them accountable?
An influencer who isn't planted in a local church can be dangerous because they have a platform but no pastor, a voice but no accountability.
Influence Comes from Being Invested
Paul notes that Phoebe "has been a patron of many and of myself as well." She was a supporter, someone who invested sacrificially in ministries and people. Her influence wasn't just vocal—it was sacrificial.
True influencers don't just want a seat at the table; they want to help build the table. They don't just look for a platform to share their ideas; they put in the hard work of serving, loving, and caring for people.
Influence is built through faithfulness—long obedience in the same direction over time. It comes from investing in others, not just seeking a platform for yourself.
Influence Comes from Being Competent
Here's something remarkable that's hidden in the text: Phoebe was likely the courier who delivered Paul's letter to the Romans. This wasn't just a delivery job—she had to read the entire letter aloud to multiple house churches, explain difficult concepts, answer theological questions, and report back to Paul.
The Book of Romans is considered one of the most important and theologically rich documents ever written. Paul entrusted this crucial letter to Phoebe because she was competent, faithful, and could communicate its deep truths effectively.
She wasn't a shallow influencer speaking about things she didn't understand. She had to grasp the theology deeply enough to teach it to others. She didn't just carry Romans—she communicated it.
What Does This Mean for Modern Influence?
In our social media age, we often think influence requires the right camera, the right platform, or the right number of followers. But Phoebe shows us a different way. She was influential because she was:
Part of God's family, regardless of her past
Planted in a local church community
Personally invested in others' success
Competent in her understanding of the Gospel
If you want influence, chase faithfulness. Be faithful in your circles, your time, and your day. Use your influence to point people toward Jesus, not toward yourself.
Life Application
This week, instead of seeking a platform or trying to build a following, focus on being faithful where you are. Choose one way to invest sacrificially in someone else's success or in your local church community. Whether it's volunteering, mentoring, or simply showing up consistently, commit to long obedience in the same direction.
Ask yourself these questions:
Am I more concerned with having a voice or with being faithful?
How am I investing in others rather than just seeking influence for myself?
Am I planted and accountable in a local church community?
Do I understand the Gospel deeply enough to communicate it to others?
Remember, Jesus needs followers—and we use our influence to give Him followers. Your role is simply to be faithful.
