Phoebe’s continual efforts on behalf of those who were socially vulnerable, she came to be regarded as having a special responsibility in this particular area of service. Although Clement knows of women who minister fundamentally to other women or children, Phoebe’s activities are not gender specific. Undoubtedly, Phoebe would have been viewed as a leader in the church at Cenchrea because of her status and labor in behalf of the community. However, to infer that she had a “position of great authority”