Kay

Holly,
Paul, who had not yet been to Rome, sends Phoebe to deliver his letter (book of Romans). Phoebe was entrusted with the original scripture to carry to the Romans. Ancient letter carriers also were given verbal instructions to teach by explaning parts of the letter as *they* read it out loud to the recipients. Paul is clear that Phoebe was a prominent leader in the church of Cenchrea because she helped him and many others. Phoebe is referred to as ‘Prostatis’ which basically means “one who is the legal representative of the foreigner.” In Jewish communities it meant the legal representative or wealthy patron. Phoebe somehow was the legal protector of the Christians at Cenchrea.