The extensive use of this word _diakonos_ in the New Testament readily determines its meaning. That Paul conferred upon Phebe the church title “_diakonos_” is unquestionable, and as such it means minister or deacon. Liddell and Scott’s lexicon comments on _diakonos_ as used in the New Testament as follows: A servant, waiting man or woman, minister, a messenger, a minister of the church. Any one can see the above definition covers all the ground of elder. I will offer a few proof texts. “He that is greatest among you, shall be your servant [_diakonos_].” Mat. 23:11. “Whosoever will be great among you, let him be your minister [_diakonos_].” Mat. 20:26. “Ministers [_diakonos]_ by whom ye believed.” 1 Cor. 3:5. “Who also hath made us able ministers [_diakonos_] of the New Testament.” 2 Cor. 3:6. “Thou shalt be a good minister [_diakonos_] of Jesus Christ.” 1 Tim. 4:6. “In all things approving ourselves as the ministers [_diakonos_] of God.” 2 Cor. 6:4. “Whereof I was made a minister [_diakonos_].” Eph. 3:7. Thus we might swell the testimony that _diakonos_ was the common term used in the New Testament signifying the ministerial office of minister, elder, preacher, etc. Therefore the evidences are in Phebe’s favor that she was a minister or elder rather than a deaconess. If we consider Paul’s commendation of her standing and the sending of his Roman epistle by her, as having some weight, this certainly favors the above conclusion. Prophecy. _Propheteuo_—to prophesy publicly, to expound, to preach, etc. There were certain prophets and teachers in the church at Antioch, as Barnabas, Simeon, Lucius, Manaen, and Saul or Paul. Acts 13:1. They were public expounders of the Scriptures. Prophesy—to speak, to edify, exhort, and comfort. 1 Cor. 14:3. A few examples: Zacharias filled with the Holy Ghost prophesied. Luke 1:67-79. Compare this prophecy with Mary’s words in Luke 1:46-55. “They spake with tongues and prophesied.” Acts 19:6. “And Judas and Silas, being prophets also themselves, exhorted the brethren with many words, and confirmed them.” Acts 15:32. “Mystery of Christ which in other ages was not made known unto the sons of men, as it is now revealed unto his holy apostles and prophets by the Spirit.” Eph. 3:4, 5. Prophets were set in the church. “He gave some, apostles; and some, prophets.” Eph. 4:11. “And God set some in the church, first apostles, secondarily prophets.” 1 Cor. 12:28. And there were certain prophets and teachers in the church which was at Antioch. Acts 13:1.