The diakonia in Paul's thought

an exploratory essay from a gender perspective

Abstract

The article studies diakonia in Pauline thought, especially within the context of Romans 16:1-2. From the gender perspective, Phoebe is taken as a biblical example of the plausibility of female participation in ecclesiastical leadership positions. Moreover, historical, exegetical and social aspects are taken and investigated in order to understand the context of the word diákonon in Jewish, Greek and Roman cultures. Arguments against and in favor of diakonia are also considered during this article. Finally, a return to the Scriptures and to Christ is pointed out, as a hermeneutic key, so that the church can be an inclusive agent in society.