Lexical Summary prostatis: Patroness, helper, protector Original Word: προστάτις Strong's Exhaustive Concordance assistantFeminine of a derivative of proistemi; a patroness, i.e. Assistant -- succourer. see GREEK proistemi NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfem. of a derivation of proistémi Definition a patroness, protectress NASB Translation helper (1). Thayer's Greek Lexicon STRONGS NT 4368: προστάτιςπροστάτις, προστατιδος, ἡ (feminine of the noun προστάτης, from προΐστημι); a. properly, a woman set over others. b. a female guardian, protectress, patroness, caring for the affairs of others and aiding them with her resources (A. V. succourer): Romans 16:2; cf. Passow on the word and under προστάτης at the end; (Schürer, Die Gemeindeverfassung der Juden in Rom, as above with (Leip. 1879), p. 31; Heinrici, Die Christengemeinde Korinths, in Hilgenfeld's Zeitschr. for 1876, p. 517f). In the Greco-Roman world a προστάτις was a patroness—a woman of means or influence who provided protection, sponsorship, and material aid to clients, travelers, or civic causes. Patronage was not mere charity; it created reciprocal relationships of loyalty and public honor. When Paul applies this title to Phoebe, he draws on a term readily understood by Roman believers. It signals both her social capacity to assist others and her intentional decision to leverage that capacity for the advance of the gospel. Biblical occurrence Romans 16:2 is the sole New Testament use: “Welcome her in the Lord in a manner worthy of the saints, and assist her in any matter she may need from you. For she has been a great help to many people, including me.” Here Paul urges the church in Rome to honor Phoebe and to become, in effect, her clients—mirroring the care she has already extended to others, Paul included. Phoebe’s ministry profile 1. Financial supporter. A patroness typically underwrote expenses. Phoebe likely financed part of Paul’s missionary work and the costly travel and delivery of the Roman epistle. Connections to wider biblical themes • Hospitality and provision: Abigail’s intervention for David (1 Samuel 25), the Shunammite woman’s room for Elisha (2 Kings 4:8-10), and the women who “were helping to support” Jesus “out of their own means” (Luke 8:3). Historical significance for the early church Phoebe’s presence shows that the gospel reached influential strata in port cities such as Cenchreae. Her patronage would have provided the nascent congregation with meeting space, legal cover, and credibility among local officials. By commending her, Paul also models how diverse socioeconomic groups integrate within the one body of Christ, preserving unity while recognizing God-given capacities. Theological insights 1. Gift-based service. Spiritual gifting (Romans 12:6-8) includes giving and leadership; Phoebe exemplifies both. Practical application for today • Encourage believers with financial or professional resources to view themselves as patrons of gospel enterprise—church plants, missionaries, benevolence ministries. By bridging first-century patronage with twenty-first-century stewardship, Strong’s Greek 4368 challenges every generation to imitate Phoebe’s Christ-like commitment: using personal influence to shelter, sustain, and propel God’s people and God’s mission. |
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