Romans 16:1 KJV
I commend unto you Phebe our sister, which is a servant of the church which is at Cenchrea:
Here is the value of a word of commendation. Paul gave his reputation for the reputation of another. Without such commendations, there would be no way for her to have made an inroad into these believers to help her in her business. Communication was slow and limited and testimonies are not built overnight. For this church to have aided her without such commendation would have been imprudent.
A similar thing happens among Christians today. It can take the form of a missionary approval by an organization like Global Independent Baptist Missions or the like. It might be as simple as a missionary using the name of one pastor as he asks for a meeting in a church that is unknown to him.
My thought today is that such commendations ought to be carefully handed out and more highly regarded. The commendation is only good if the one commending
- Has extended experience with the person
- Is truthful and accurate in the commendation
- Considers his personal commendation a valuable treasure not to be given freely
I also note that it is Paul making the commendation and not Phebe implying such a commendation exists. (I know that Phebe carried this letter and the commendation with her. I do not believe this in any way negates the idea that Paul made the commendation. He was under no constraint to give it.) Perhaps it would be better if a missionary's request for aide was preceded by contact first from the one making the commendation. It would put a burden on that person but it would also indicate their sincere endorsement of the individual
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