Finding Phoebe (of Romans fame)

The Bible has many intriguing characters. We often wish to know more about them. 

This is true even with some rather important people. Isaac is one of the three patriarchs. We know very little about him, and one story (involving his wife) is just a repeat of a story about Abraham.

I commend to you our sister Phoebe, a deacon of the church at Cenchreae,  so that you may welcome her in the Lord as is fitting for the saints, and help her in whatever she may require from you, for she has been a benefactor of many and of myself as well. (Romans 16:1-2 NRSV)

Phoebe (not the friend of Monica and Rachel, though both are Jewish) is one such person. We can learn a bit about her by parsing the few words ("deacon" and "benefactor" or patron, for instance) supplied. And, considering what the typical woman in her position might have been like.

People have helpfully tried to do this. The book is written by both a historian and a church elder. It is useful both for the general reader and faithful believer (it has study guide sections intended for church discussion groups).  

I learned a few things, including how women in that era sometimes served in local administrative offices. The book reminds us that women often served an active role, even if they clearly were not treated equally to men. 

It is unclear why no chapter discusses the typical job of a "deacon" of a church. The role of a deacon is discussed, but such a chapter would have been helpful. A deacon basically was (and is) a general assistant. This webpage is helpful.  

Bart Ehrman, in his books, argues that some of his "surprising" discussions are well known by clergy from their college classes. He argues that they should encourage their congregations to learn about them.

The historical context overall is a helpful way to get the full benefit of scriptural works. The same includes close reading with help on what to look for. 

The result is not that the works (especially works from c. 100 CE) are free from criticism. They are more complicated than the "for" and "against" sides often think. This includes the more troublesome pseudo-Pauline letters with some of the most sexist language.

This book does so with the New Testament (and other works, such as Judith) to help readers learn what they can learn about its views on women. That is a good way to get the most from the material.  

An educated believer can be the best customer of faith traditions. To twist a famous advertising slogan.