Deaconess
Culture & Societyâš¡ IN BRIEF (SUMMARY)
A deaconess was a woman appointed to specific ministerial and administrative duties within the early Christian church, a role exemplified by Phoebe, who is identified in Romans 16 as a servant of the church at Cenchreae.
What is the meaning of Deaconess in the Bible?
A deaconess was a woman appointed to specific ministerial and administrative duties within the early Christian church, a role exemplified by Phoebe, who is identified in Romans 16 as a servant of the church at Cenchreae.
SIGNIFICANCE
Recognizing the office of deaconess helps readers accurately interpret passages regarding women's service in the New Testament, distinguishing their supportive and administrative functions from the authoritative teaching and governance roles reserved for male elders and apostles.
Bible Study Quick-Reference Guide
- Why did the biblical author mention Deaconess in this passage?
- What cultural or historical assumption does Deaconess clarify?
Source Attribution & Provenance
Built upon the 1915 International Standard Bible Encyclopedia (ISBE) and Easton's Bible Dictionary (1897). Entries have been editorially modernized, checked for academic truthfulness, and formatted for fast contextual reference.