Daily Devotion Thoughtful Thursday | March 19, 2026

It’s Thursday, and time for your daily devotion. Usually, deacons are thought of as men who serve in the church. However, in Romans 16:1, the Greek word diakonos, meaning deacon, is used to refer to a woman.  Many churches hold to the traditional standard of male deacons, although the Bible doesn’t exclude women. In today’s daily devotion, ask yourself a question: Can women serve in the church?  

A Servant’s Heart

In writing to the Roman church, Paul introduces Phebe, whom he has entrusted with delivering his letter. In verse 1, Paul says, “I commend unto you Phebe our sister, which is a servant of the church which is at Cenchrea:” Paul not only introduces Phebe, but he speaks highly of her as one who is committed to serving God’s people.

His approval shows he considers her a trustworthy sister in the faith. The word deacon is translated “servant” in the King James Version; it identifies Phebe’s role at the church in Cenchrea. In your daily devotion, Phebe, a 1st-century deacon, shows that women can fill this role. When you have a servant’s heart, your gender doesn’t matter.

Receive Her in the Lord

In verse 2, Paul asks that Phebe be welcomed by the church: “That ye receive her in the Lord, as becometh saints.” Later in the chapter, Paul tells believers to greet one another with a holy kiss. In Ephesians 4:32, he speaks of being kind and tenderhearted, while in Colossians 3:12 and 14, he urges them to have bowels of mercy and love for one another. In this daily devotion, determine that as a person of faith, you will receive fellow believers with kindness and acceptance. 

She Has Helped Many

In the latter part of verse 2, Paul says, “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.” Paul requests that the saints in Rome be willing to assist Phebe if she requires anything. As their spiritual father, he wants to stir their hearts and minds to good works.

As fellow believers, they may offer food, shelter, hospitality, or anything that makes her stay pleasant. Paul goes on to say that she has helped many people, including himself. In today’s daily devotion, regardless of who they are, Jesus teaches that we should do unto others as we would have them do unto us.

A Generous Benefactor

In 1 Timothy 3: 8-12, Paul lists qualifications for deacons; the same word used to refer to Phebe is used here. He says deacons must be respectable, sincere, sober, and not greedy for gain. They must be faithful, godly, non-gossipers, trustworthy, and self-controlled. Phebe, undoubtedly, has these attributes, or else she wouldn’t be recommended by Paul and trusted to deliver this important letter.

We don’t know the nature of Phebe’s help to Paul, but we know she was generous to him and others. Another translation calls her a benefactor, implying she’s a woman of means who could support others financially as she saw their need. In your daily devotion, the only limitations you have are those you put on yourself. Women aren’t limited to secondary roles; in the body of Christ, there is neither male nor female. 

Remove All Limitations

In Thursday’s daily devotion, Phebe isn’t mentioned at random; Paul shows women had significant roles in the early church. Her selfless, compassionate nature shines clearly. As a deacon in the early church, Phebe served others within her church community. In this daily devotion, know that women can absolutely serve in the church.

Disclaimer: This article contains a summary of Romans 16:1, Ephesians 4:32, Colossians 3:12, and 1 Timothy 3: 8-12, as well as interpretive insights from the author. Interpretations of biblical texts can differ, and this piece represents one approach to understanding the passage.