Phoebe is the first person to be mentioned in Paul's letter to the Romans:
I commend to you our sister Phoebe, a servant of the church in Cenchrea. I ask you to receive her in the Lord in a way worthy of the saints and to give her any help she may need from you, for she has been a great help to many people, including me. (16:1-2)
A superficial reading of these two verses will miss the importance of Phoebe. Phoebe was, first of all, a servant, diakonos (διακονος). She was also a "great help" (NIV, NASB, NKJ, RSV). This translation hardly captures the essence of the Greek prostatis (προστατις).
Sorry, this article is being processed.
Further Reading & Resources:
☰Terry L. WIlder, "Phoebe, the Letter-Carrier of Romans, and the Impact of Her Role on Biblical Theology," Midwestern Journal of Theology 15.2 (Fall 2016): 107-118. pdf 
©ALBERITH