WHAT IS A SUCCOURER

(King James Bible, rightly divided)

A succourer is a person who brings strong, timely help that relieves need and steadies others so they do not fall. The King James Bible uses the verb “succour” to describe giving aid at the right moment. “For in that he himself hath suffered being tempted, he is able to succour them that are tempted” (Hebrews 2:18). God says, “I have heard thee in a time accepted, and in the day of salvation have I succoured thee” (2 Corinthians 6:2). The noun appears of Phebe, “for she hath been a succourer of many, and of myself also” (Romans 16:2). A succourer is therefore a strong helper, an active supporter, and a steadying hand who steps in with grace when it most counts.

1) The pattern, Christ succours first

Our Lord is the ultimate succourer. He aids the tempted and strengthens the weak. He did this by giving Himself at Calvary, shedding His blood for our sins, rising again, and now interceding for His own. See Ephesians 1:7 and Romans 8:34. Believers who succour others are simply passing along what they first received from Christ, comfort and help in due season. See 2 Corinthians 1:3 to 4.

2) Phebe as the clearest example

Romans 16:1 to 2 records Paul’s commendation of Phebe. She was a faithful sister, a servant with the saints at Cenchrea, and a proven succourer of many, including Paul himself. Her aid was not sentimental. It was substantive. It likely included hospitality, logistical help, introductions, letters of commendation, material support, and steady presence when the work was opposed. See Romans 12:13 and 2 Corinthians 3:1.

3) What succouring looks like in practice

1. Material relief when needs press. Distributing to the necessity of saints and being given to hospitality. See Romans 12:13 and 1 Timothy 5:10.

2. Logistical and administrative help. Opening doors, carrying messages, arranging travel, and smoothing practical hindrances so ministry can run. See 1 Corinthians 16:3 and Romans 16:2.

3. Refreshment and courage. Strengthening weary workers by presence, prayer, and encouragement. See 2 Timothy 1:16 to 18 and 1 Corinthians 16:17 to 18.

4. Financial partnership. Communicating and supplying so that the word of God has free course. See Philippians 4:15 to 18 and 2 Corinthians 9:7 to 12.

5. Advocacy and protection. Standing with faithful ministers so the ministry is not blamed. See 2 Corinthians 6:3 and Romans 15:31.

4) What a succourer is not

A succourer is not a ruling office that overturns Pauline order. Elders are men who must be apt to teach and to rule well. See 1 Timothy 3:1 to 7 and Titus 1:5 to 9. Women do not usurp authority over the man, yet abound in approved service and good works. See 1 Timothy 2:11 to 12 and Titus 2:3 to 5.

A succourer is not an enabler of false doctrine. We help in ways that adorn sound Pauline truth and guard the gospel of grace. See Galatians 1:6 to 9 and Romans 16:25.

A succourer is not a replacement for the gospel. No amount of aid can save a soul. Salvation is by faith in Christ’s finished cross work, with redemption and forgiveness through His blood. See 1 Corinthians 15:3 to 4 and Ephesians 1:7.

5) How to become a succourer today

1. Offer yourself first to the Lord. Availability precedes ability. See 2 Corinthians 8:5 and Romans 12:1.

2. Look for “necessary uses.” Train yourself to meet practical needs that let doctrine run. See Titus 3:14.

3. Bear another’s burden. Move toward the weight, not away from it. See Galatians 6:2.

4. Practice intentional hospitality. Make room for saints and workers so the work is strengthened. See Romans 12:13.

5. Give with purpose. Aim support toward clear Pauline ministry that makes all men see the fellowship of the mystery. See Ephesians 3:9 and Philippians 4:18.

6. Refresh with words and presence. Encourage, write, visit, and stand beside faithful workers, especially when they are isolated. See 2 Timothy 1:16.

7. Protect the testimony. Choose speech and conduct that give no offence, so the ministry is not blamed. See 2 Corinthians 6:3.

6) A simple checklist

Before you act, ask

1. Will this relieve a real need at the right time

2. Does this strengthen faith and advance Pauline truth

3. Am I guarding the gospel and the testimony of the ministry

4. Is this done from grace and love, not from pressure or pride

5. Does this help another believer walk without stumbling

Summary

A succourer is a grace filled helper who supplies timely aid, steady encouragement, and practical support that prevents others from falling and lets sound doctrine advance. Christ succours us, then we succour others. Phebe’s name stands in Scripture as a model of this ministry. In the Body of Christ today, succouring means opening our homes, our hands, our schedules, and our wallets so that the gospel of the grace of God is adorned, the saints are established, and all men see the fellowship of the mystery.