Foibe – ett exempel på en betydande kvinna i den tidiga kyrkan : En studie om Foibe i Romarbrevet 16:1–2

Sammanfattning: The aim of this essay is to get a broader understanding of the women who lived in the early Christian church. I intend to do so through a closer look into Phoebe, who is mentioned in Romans 16:1-2. I have posed two questions, one which concerns Phoebe’s mission and function in the church, the other question is regarding how Paul’s words about Phoebe can give us a wider understanding of the women in the early church. My aim with this paper is to try to solve a problem that I identified. The problem consists of gaps in the existing research which in my opinion poses difficulties in a deeper understanding of the women in the early church. I have tried to solve this by connecting different areas of research through a historical-critical method and a social-science theory on Romans 16:1-2. My conclusions are that Phoebe as a sister was reliable and loyal. Phoebe as a diákonos was a trusted servant to the congregation and Paul. Phoebe as the person who carried the letter of Romans to Rome had a special standing. Phoebe was an important part of the early church and its future, as through her Paul could present his theology in Rome.