The term "succourer" is derived from the concept of providing aid, assistance, or relief to those in need. In the context of the Bible, a succourer is someone who offers help and support, often in times of distress or difficulty. This role is highly esteemed within the Christian faith, as it reflects the compassionate and selfless nature of Christ Himself.

Biblical References:

One of the most notable references to a succourer in the New Testament is found in the Book of Romans. The Apostle Paul commends Phoebe, a deaconess of the church in Cenchreae, for her role as a succourer:

"I commend to you our sister Phoebe, a servant of the church in Cenchreae. Welcome her in the Lord in a manner worthy of the saints and assist her with anything she may need from you, for she has been a great help to many people, including me." (Romans 16:1-2)

In this passage, Phoebe is recognized for her significant contributions to the early Christian community. The term "great help" in the Berean Standard Bible is often translated as "succourer" in other versions, highlighting her role in providing support and assistance to Paul and others.

Old Testament Context:

While the specific term "succourer" is not used in the Old Testament, the concept is evident throughout. The Hebrew Scriptures frequently depict God as the ultimate source of help and deliverance for His people. For instance, in the Psalms, David often refers to God as his helper and deliverer:

"But I am poor and needy; may the Lord think of me. You are my help and my deliverer; O my God, do not delay." (Psalm 40:17)

This divine assistance is mirrored in the actions of individuals who act as instruments of God's aid, providing support to those in need.

Theological Significance:

The role of a succourer is deeply rooted in the Christian understanding of love and service. It embodies the call to bear one another's burdens, as instructed by the Apostle Paul in Galatians 6:2: "Carry one another’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ."

Succourers are seen as living examples of Christ's love, demonstrating His compassion and mercy through their actions. Their service is not only a reflection of their faith but also a testament to the transformative power of the Gospel in their lives.

Practical Application:

In the life of the church, succourers play a vital role in fostering a community of care and support. They may serve in various capacities, such as providing for the physical needs of others, offering emotional support, or engaging in acts of kindness and charity. Their work is essential in building up the body of Christ and ensuring that no member is left in need.

The call to be a succourer is not limited to a select few but is an invitation extended to all believers. By following the example of Christ and individuals like Phoebe, Christians are encouraged to actively seek opportunities to serve and support one another, thereby fulfilling the command to love their neighbors as themselves.4368. prostatis -- a patroness, protectress
... assistant. Feminine of a derivative of proistemi; a patroness, ie Assistant --
succourer. see GREEK proistemi. (prostatis) -- 1 Occurrence. 4367, 4368. ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/4368.htm - 6k

Phoebe
... her in the Lord, worthily of the Saints, and that ye assist her in whatsover matter
she may have need of you: for she herself hath been a succourer of many ...
/.../maclaren/romans corinthians to ii corinthians chap v/phoebe.htm

To Mrs. Sarah ) Mrs. Mary And) Abney, Mrs. Elizabeth )
... all the chief Offices of the City, and leaving a Lustre upon them, seems imperfect
in his own Esteem, without the Addition of this Title, A Succourer and a ...
//christianbookshelf.org/watts/divine songs for children/to mrs sarah mrs.htm

Of the Power of Conferring Baptism.
... 8713] , if at any time circumstance either of place, or of time, or of person compels
you (so to do); for then the stedfast courage of the succourer, when the ...
//christianbookshelf.org/tertullian/on baptism/chapter xvii of the power of.htm

Our Ally
... Then, still further, the other designation here of this strong Succourer and Friend
is 'the Spirit of truth,' by which is designated, not so much His ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture st john chaps xv to xxi/our ally.htm

The Second Homily. On the Annunciation to the Holy virgin Mary.
... She is the boast and glory of virgins, and the exultation of mothers. She is the
sure support of the believing, and the succourer [519] of the pious. ...
/.../the second homily on the.htm

The Life of Captain John Paton.
... He was also a great succourer of those sufferers himself, in so far as his
circumstances could admit, several of his fellow-companions in the tribulation and ...
/.../howie/biographia scoticana scots worthies/the life of captain john.htm

The Extraordinary Teachers of the Apostolic Church; and Its ...
... herself by her humane and obliging disposition; for Paul refers apparently to this
portion of her history when he says, "she hath been a succourer of many, and ...
/.../killen/the ancient church/chapter ii the extraordinary teachers.htm

On the Death of his Father.
... were dragged off, and the scoundrel was felled to the ground: then his anger was
directed not against his assailant, but against his eager succourer, as a ...
/.../cyril/lectures of s cyril of jerusalem/oration xviii on the death.htm

A Book for Boys and Girls Or, Temporal Things Spritualized.
... I'll keep thee safe from cat and cur, No manner o' harm shall come to thee;
Yea, I will be thy succourer, My bosom shall thy cabin be. ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/a book for boys and.htm

John Bunyan on the Terms of Communion and Fellowship of Christians ...
... that ye receive her in the Lord, as becometh saints, and that ye assist her in
whatsoever business she hath need of you; for she hath been a succourer of many ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/john bunyan on the terms.htm

Succourer (1 Occurrence)
... Multi-Version Concordance Succourer (1 Occurrence). Romans 16:2 That ye
receive her in the Lord, as becometh saints, and that ye ...
/s/succourer.htm - 6k

Phebe (1 Occurrence)
... Paul commended her to the Christians at Rome; "for she hath been," says he,
"a succourer of many, and of myself also" (Romans 16:1, 2). ...
/p/phebe.htm - 7k

Becometh (82 Occurrences)
... 2 That ye receive her in the Lord, as becometh saints, and that ye assist her in
whatsoever business she hath need of you: for she hath been a succourer of many ...
/b/becometh.htm - 30k

Such (2370 Occurrences)

/s/such.htm - 7k

Succoured (2 Occurrences)

/s/succoured.htm - 7k

Business (147 Occurrences)
... 2 That ye receive her in the Lord, as becometh saints, and that ye assist her in
whatsoever business she hath need of you: for she hath been a succourer of many ...
/b/business.htm - 42k

Whatsoever (167 Occurrences)
... 2 That ye receive her in the Lord, as becometh saints, and that ye assist her in
whatsoever business she hath need of you: for she hath been a succourer of many ...
/w/whatsoever.htm - 35k

Myself (395 Occurrences)
... 2 That ye receive her in the Lord, as becometh saints, and that ye assist her in
whatsoever business she hath need of you: for she hath been a succourer of many ...
/m/myself.htm - 37k

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