Live Your Life With Purpose

"For if you remain silent at this time, relief and deliverance for the Jews will arise from another [pace, but you and your father will perish. And who knows but that you were born for such a time as this." Esther 4:15.

 

Meet Queen Esther... Every time I read the story of Esther in the New Testament my respect and admiration grows for this Jewish Queen that lived in a time and place that hated her people, the Jewish people, God's chosen people.

 

Grab a cup of coffee and come along with me as we journey through Esther's story...

 

Esther was born in a time when Israel was in captivity as a consequence of their disobedience to God. When Esther's parents were killed, her cousin, Mordecai adopted her as a daughter. They were both Jews living in Persia, a country unfriendly to the Jewish people. King, Xerxes, known as Ahasuerus was the most powerful monarch who ruled the Persian Empire. He had a reckless and easily manipulated character. He had recently banished his wife, Queen Vashti for being disobedient. One day King Xerxes decided to find a new queen so he appointed agents inside the Provence to find a beautiful young maiden. Mordecai introduced his beautiful young cousin Esther without revealing her ethnic identity. Esther eventually found favor and won the heart of the King and she was selected to become the new queen of Persia.

 

Haman, a close confidant to King Xerxes had risen to the post of Prime Minister. He knew that Mordecai was Jewish and he hated him. So much that he manipulated King Xerxes into issuing a decree that would wipe out all the Jews in the Empire. Mordecai goes to Esther and tells her that because she has favor with the king, she is obligated to go to the king and present her plea for the Jewish people or they would all be annihilated. Esther is queen and yet she is still vulnerable because she is a Jew. Mordecai then tells her "If you keep silent and do nothing, our people will all be annihilated forever." She realizes what she must do will disclose her true identity. She simply says, "If I perish, I perish." Esther does save her people, she does so because she is stirred by an act of extraordinary of love.

 

Today, we live in a time of unrest and hostility. We wonder is it safe anymore? Are my loved one going to be okay? Like Esther, we were, "born for such a time as this." We were all created incredibly unique for this reason. There is so much need, so much heartache, so much injustices in the world today. We all have something that calls our hearts, that pulls at our heartstrings of our souls. That is a gift given to you for this very reason.

 

Wherever you live, wherever you find yourself, perhaps, this is your moment. Perhaps you are the chosen one of your generation. Perhaps this story of Esther will captivate your heart and soul. Think again about Esther, she didn't have it easy, you may not have it easy either. Se had amazing gifts, so do you. The heart of our story lies in these echoing words... "Perhaps you were born for such a time as this!" I pray you can echo this question in your heart. Live your life with purpose.

 

"For we are God's handiwork, created in Jesus Christ to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do."

Ephesians 2:10.

 

Sweetest Blessings,

Jo

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The Proverbs 31 Woman

Extraordinary Women Of God

"The Proverbs 31 Woman"

 

The Proverbs 31 Woman

 

Key Scripture: Proverbs 31:10-31

Her Character: She represents the fulfillment of a life lived in wisdom.

Her challenges: The Proverbs 31 woman describes an exemplary and vitreous women. Today, women who have a heart to please God may find it difficult or even discouraging to try to follow her example.

Her Joy: To be praised by her husband and children as a woman who stands above all other women.

Pre-Story: The deep beauty of a godly woman is spiritual attractiveness. She is a role model for Christian women of all generations. With all her responsibilities, first and foremost, she looks to God. Her primary concern is God's will in her life. She is a woman after God's own heart. "It is in Him that we live and move, and have our being." Acts 17:28.

Her Story: In Hebrew, Proverbs 3, king Lemuel's, mother, was speaking to her son about how a virtuous king should reign, and also, detailing the attributes of a virtuous wife or ideal woman. It goes on to direct women to be industrious and fear the Lord. (King Lemeul was believed to be King Solomon).

For centuries god-fearing women have looked at a Proverbs women as an ideal role model. But what about today's women? What value can this ancient poem be to women of today? To the married, the single, the young and the old, those with or without children, it may be far more relevant than you know.

Often, today's woman believes that the Proverbs woman doesn't really apply to our modern lives. They don't believe that God's Word stands the test of time. But scripture tells us differently; "The grass withers, the flowers fade; but the Word of our God will stand forever." Isaiah 40:8.

Proverb 31 Woman:
A virtuous woman serves God with all her heart, mind, and soul. She respects her husband and teaches her children in the ways of the Lord. She takes good care of her appearance. She cares for the health of her family. She is a good steward of her time. She willingly serves her husband, her family, her friend and her neighbors. She spends money wisely and works diligently with her hands. She spends all her time wisely. She is a homemaker, yet, she can run a business efficiently. Above all else, her beauty comes from the Lord.

Who Is a Virtuous Woman Today:
Proverbs 31 tells us that it is the woman who puts God first. A godly woman should have the underlying characteristics of a Proverb woman. She is a woman that others aspire toward. She will live a life that brings honor and glory to her Lord and blessing to her household. Cultures change, but this woman's God-inspired character still shines brightly across the centuries.

The Message of Proverbs 31:
"But a woman who fears the Lord, she shall be praised." Proverbs 31:30. And "She is more precious than rubies." Proverbs 31:10.

Her Place in God's Divine Plan:
From the beginning to the end, Proverbs is a practical handbook for leading a life based on wisdom. In the end, there are only two choices. To embrace wisdom or love folly. The Proverbs woman is meant to inspire women with a picture of what a virtuous life is capable of producing. True blessedness.

Lesson We Can Learn From Her Legacy:
Many women find the thought of being a Proverbs 31 woman discouraging, unattainable and daunting. Remember that this very capable, admirable and godly woman is ultimately praised. Not praise due to all her accomplishments but praise because she fears the Lord. That should be every woman's desire. Not outward beauty, not a perfect life, not the smartest woman. It is her all-consuming love for God. "Charm and grace are deceptive, and beauty is vain. But a woman who reverently and worshipfully fears the Lord, she shall be praised." Proverbs 31:30.

*After two years and countless amazing stories about heroines and despicable women, we have finished this "Extraordinary Women of the Bible" study. Thank you from my heart for coming with me on this journey! I pray that you have seen yourself in one or two of our stories and gleaned knowledge, courage and faith to apply to your journey. These women were really not so different then the women of our time but God thought their stories important enough to make sure that thousands of years later, they would reach our hearts.

Sweetest Blessings on your Journey!



Eunice & Lois

Extraordinary Women of the Bible

Women in The Early Years of the Church

"Eunice & Lois"

   Key Scripture: Acts 16:1-3; 2 Timothy 1:5, 3:14, 15:4-5

Eunice Name Means: "Conquering Well"

Lois Name Means: "Agreeable or Desirable"

Pre-Story: Eunice and Lois were the mother and grandmother of Paul’s young protégé Timothy. When Paul was imprisoned in Rome, near the end of his life, he wrote to Timothy encouraging him in the work of the ministry. But first he took the time to eulogize the two women in Timothy's life that had the greatest impact on him spiritually. By their example and teaching, these Jewish women prepared Timothy to receive that same conviction in the existence and providence of the God.

Their Story: We know from Scriptures that Eunice was Timothy’s mother and his grandmother was named Lois.

Eunice: She was a Jewess who was married to a Greek man, a gentile, therefore an unbeliever. They had a son, whom they named Timothy. Nothing else is said about her husband, so many assume that he was dead by the time Eunice met the Apostle Paul. She lived in Derbe and Lystra, which is now part of modern day Turkey.

Lois: She was a devout Jewess who had instructed her beloved daughter and grandson in Old Testament Scriptures. The Scripture is silent about Lois husband, yet we do know that she gave her daughter a Greek name, which might indicate that he himself was Greek. The family lived in Lystra, among a people who worshipped the gods of Greece, yet she faithfully raised a daughter who loved God and helped raised a grandson who shared that love.

Together, the little family of three lived at Lystra, and it is likely that during Paul's first visit to that city that Lois, Eunice, and Timothy were all converted to the Christian faith. There is no doubt that their devout Jewish faith and knowledge of the Old Testament Scriptures prepared their hearts to hear the words of Paul regarding eternal life through Jesus Christ.

Coming to Lystra on his second missionary tour, Paul found the young man highly spoken of by the little group of Christians in that city. He was of such evident ability and promise that Paul made him a missionary helper.

Eunice and Lois had no doubt been the teachers of Timothy's youth. His fitness to be the companion and co-worker of Paul's finds its explanation largely in the home training and pious example given him by these two noble women. This family learned to trust God by relying upon His grace and His promise to care for the widow and orphan who call on Him.
 Eunice and Lois took the responsibility to pass on their faith very seriously and as a result they raised up a young man to become a servant of Christ. For this, they have gone down in history as outstanding mothers and great women of faith.

What a testimony these two women had. When Paul was imprisoned in Rome, near the end of his life, he wrote to Timothy encouraging him in the work of the ministry. But first he took the time to eulogize the two women in Timothy's life that had the greatest impact on him spiritually.

2 Timothy 1:2-5 says: "To Timothy, my dearly beloved son: Grace, mercy, and peace, from God the Father and Christ Jesus our Lord. I thank God, whom I serve from my forefathers with pure conscience, that without ceasing I have remembrance of thee in my prayers night and day; Greatly desiring to see thee, being mindful of thy tears, that I may be filled with joy; When I call to remembrance the unfeigned faith that is in thee, which dwelt first in thy grandmother Lois,  and thy mother Eunice; and I am persuaded that in thee also.

Their Place in God's Divine Plan: The instruction that these two women gave Timothy provided him with the foundation of Bible knowledge that enabled him to receive advanced training from Paul. Timothy was then entrusted to teach others.

Their Victories: Lois and Eunice had victory over the immoral society in which they lived by raising a devout son and grandson.

Lesson We Can Learn from Her Legacy: Eunice and Lois passed down a Godly heritage. This should be an encouragement to all mothers and grandmothers who want to raise their children to love God. Reminding them that their godly influence has an eternal impact on the lives and futures of their children and grandchildren.

Genealogy: No genealogy available. 

 

 



Drusilla and Berenice

 

 

Extraordinary Women of the Bible
Women in The Early Years of the Church
"Drusilla and Berenice"

 

Key Scripture: Acts 21-26

 

Drusilla Name Means: "watered by the dew."

 

Berenice Name Means: "victorious."

 

Their Character: Both of them were shameless. They were heiresses of station, temptations, personal beauty and fascination of manner, and ungovernable passions!

 

Pre-Story: After returning to Jerusalem after years of missionary travel Paul was persecuted by Jewish leaders and accused of sedition (Acts 21- 23). He was taken into custody and taken to the Caesarea to be brought before Felix, the Roman Governor. Felix agreed to listen to Paul and listened as he defended himself against the Jewish accusations. (Acts 24: 1-20).

 

Drusilla and Berenice were nieces of Herod Antipas. (who beheaded John the Baptist.) They were the 4th generation from Herod the Great, great-granddaughters of the man who tried to kill Jesus. Their aunt Herodias was the one who engineered the situation to request John’s head.

 

Drusilla Story: Drusilla, a Jewess, was the daughter of Herod Agrippa I. Her father, just prior to his death, betrothed Drusilla, at age six to Callinicus, the Prince of Commagene. The betrothal was annulled as Callinicus did not become circumcised, so she was given in marriage at the tender age of 14 to Azizus, king of Emesa.

 

They lived in a territory, now called Lebanon, that was under the control of Rome. Felix the procurator of Judea, first saw Drusilla while on a visit to King Azizus, and fell madly in love with her. Felix determined to have her, and employed a friend, Simon Atomus, a Cyprian sorcerer to persuade Drusilla to desert Azizus, and become Felix' wife.

 

Now married to Felix, she was interested in her Jewish heritage, with its expectation of a coming Messiah, and the furor surrounding the examination of Paul, she asked Felix to arrange a private meeting for them with Paul. Felix knew quite a bit about Christians, but Drusilla wanted to hear Paul explain to her, concerning the faith in Christ. Felix agreed.

 

Instead of talking about the doctrine and differences between Judaism and Christianity, Paul reasoned with Felix and Drusilla on three subjects. Righteousness, Temperance, and Judgment to come! Most likely they viewed Paul as an interesting character and were prepared to be educated and even entertained by his message. What they weren't prepared for though was the way in which Paul's testimony would shake them because as Acts 24:25 says, " ... as he reasoned of righteousness, temperance, and judgement to come, Felix trembled..."

 

Paul took advantage of his trial before Drusilla and Felix to proclaim Jesus Christ as Lord. Drusilla had turned her head against the lessons that Paul was trying to teach. (Acts 24:24). Both Drusilla and Felix were wicked, immoral, vile and greedy people. They both exchanged worldly pleasures and physical gratifications for eternal glory and joy.

 

Bernice Story: Berenice of Cilicia, also known as Julia Berenice. Berenice was a member of the Herodian Dynasty that ruled the Roman province of Judaea. She was also the daughter of King Herod Agrippa I.

 

Berenice is described as the one "who vexed the church" (Acts 12:1). She was also Jewish. She was very beautiful, but insanely jealous of Drusilla's beauty. The behavior and conduct of Bernice was scandalous even the citizens of Rome would not accept.

 

After her Father died, while still a girl in her teens, she was given in marriage to her uncle Herod of Chaleis, old enough to be her father. At twenty, a widow with two children, she came to Rome to the house of her brother; and there was nothing, either in his character or in hers to prevent horrible suspicions of them from being in an incestuous relationship.

 

To avert scandal, she was married to Polerno, a petty king in Asia Minor, whom she soon deserted, and returned to the society of Agrippa. She spent much of her life at the court of Agrippa, and by all accounts shared almost equal power.

 

At forty-two, twice a widow, and of infamous reputation, her fascinations had so captivated the heart of Titus, the emperor’s son, who was eleven years her junior. She became his lover.

 

She lived with Titus at the palace and reportedly acting in every respect as his wife. The Roman populace however perceived the Eastern Queen as an intrusive outsider, and when the pair was publicly denounced them, Titus caved in and sent Berenice away.

 

It is not known what happened to Bernice after her final dismissal from Rome. Her brother Agrippa died around 92 and with him the Herodian Dynasty came to an end.

 

There is no record that Drusilla and Berenice, sisters who hated each other, ever got another chance to hear the Gospel.

 

If heredity stands for anything, its lessons are forcibly taught in the history of the Herodian family. For instance, Berenice and her sister Drusilla were two of the most corrupt and shameless women of their time in Roman history. As Bernice, a wicked woman who lived an incestuous life, listened to Paul’s impassioned appeal as he repeated what God had done for his soul, one wonders what impression it made upon her evil heart.

 

As her brother listened, he said to Paul, “In a short time would you persuade me to be a Christian?” Acts 26:28. What a different record would have been written if Agrippa and Bernice had repented of their sordid sin, and yielded their lives to Him whose blood can make the foulest clean!

 

Lesson We Can Learn from their Legacy: Our purpose for studying women like Drusilla and Berenice is to avoid their heart. Just like Felix and Drusilla, too often many of us hear the message of the gospel, we may even go to church every week, read our scriptures, and listen to the prophets, but we don't allow the message to get past our minds and into our hearts.

 

Genealogy:

Drusilla: Born Circa A.D. - 79 AD

Children: Marcus Antonius Agrippa, (Son) · Antonia Clementiana, (Daughter)

 

Bernice: 28 AD – 81 AD

Children: Vespasiana Polla. (Daughter) · Bereniceianus Chalcis, (Son) · Hyrcanus Chalcis. (Son).

 







Phoebe

Extraordinary Women Of The Bible

Women In The Early Years Of The Church

"Phoebe"

 

Phoebe: "Pure or radiant as the moon"

 

Key Scriptures: Romans 16:1,2

 

Her Character: She was a saintly servant who seems to have been powerful, influential, generous, and sacrificial.

 

Her Joy: Paul commends Phoebe to the Roman believers and asks that they receive her in a gracious and friendly manner into their homes and hearts with love and affection.

 

Pre-Story: The Ministry of Women in the Early Church.

 

Her Story: Phoebe was a first-century woman in Cenchreae, the eastern port of Corinth. It is possible she was Grecian. We know very little about her, however, it appears that she must have been a woman of some means.  She was not a Jew but a devout Christian.

Phoebe was probably a single woman or widow, her husband isn’t mentioned which suggests she did not have one. How she made her money we have no idea but we do know that after becoming a Christian she used her wealth to bless the church and Paul himself, being described as a ‘benefactor’ or wealthy sponsor. Generous with her finances and her time.

Paul described Phoebe as a "Sister" which means she was a member of the body of Christ. Paul also described Phoebe as a deaconess. She is the only deaconess we know by name in the New Testament. As a deaconess, she could be a teacher of many of female inquirers of the faith and since she was a deaconess, she would have been active in the relief of the temporal needs of the poor among the flock.

Paul arrived back to Corinth on his third journey from where he wrote Romans. He recommends Phebe to the Christians at Rome. He is sending this letter to the believers in Rome from Corinth, an important trading city in Greece. At the crossroads between Asia and Europe, Corinth was the ‘third city’ of the entire Roman Empire and it had a reputation for two things; money and debauchery.

 

Paul trusted Phoebe to deliver his letter to the Romans. He wanted to send a strong message to the Roman church about the quality of Phoebe. In writing to the church that almost surely met in her home, Paul refers to her both as a deacon and as a helper or patron of many.  He introduces Phoebe as his emissary to the church in Rome and, because they are not acquainted with her, he provides them with her credentials.

"I commend to you our sister Phoebe, who is a servant of the church which is at Cenchrea; that you receive her in the Lord in a manner worthy of the saints, and that you help her in whatever matter she may have need of you; for she herself has also been a helper of many, and of myself as well."

Although little is said about this selfless servant of the church of Jesus Christ, her legacy is that of a woman "Who Wore the Badge of Kindness."

 

Her Place in God's Divine Plan: Phoebe was a crucial part of the church in Rome and in all of Judea as "she has been a patron of many and of myself as well" meaning that she served Paul and certainly the church in general as the office of deaconess is meant to be.

 

Her Challenges Along the Way: She had made the journey at risk of both assault and persecution.

 

Her Victories: She was indeed one of the forerunners of the vast army of women who have rendered such loyal service to Christ and His Church.

 

Lesson We Can Learn from Her Legacy: Phoebe gives us a glimpse of the qualities leaders demonstrated in the early church regardless of age, gender, or training, and her courage, faithfulness and generosity are something to aspire to for all of us.

 

Genealogy: No genealogy available except...
Death: Rome, Italy.



                      

        







Priscilla

Extraordinary Women of The Bible

Women In The Early Years Of The Church

"Priscilla"

Priscilla: "Worthy" or "Venerable"

Key Scriptures: Acts 18-19; Romans 16:3-4; 1 Corinthians 16:19; 2 Timothy 4:19.

Her Character: Priscilla was a woman whose spiritual maturity and understanding of the faith helped build up the early church.

Her Sorrow: To experience opposition to the gospel from both Jews and Gentiles.

Her Joy: To spread the gospel and nurture the church.

Pre-Story: The year was 52 A.D. The Roman emperor Claudius issued an edict expelling all Jews from the city of Rome. That was when a Jew named Aquila, a Jewish Christian, who had migrated to Rome from the province of Pontus on the Black Sea, packed his belongings, bid farewell to his friends, and embarked for the city of Corinth. By his side was his faithful wife, Priscilla. They were always together. One’s name never occurs without the other.

Her Story: When we first meet Aquila and Priscilla, we are told that they had come to Corinth from Italy as victims of Roman persecution, not for their Christian faith but because Aquila was a Jew. The Emperor Claudius expelled all Jews from Rome, and no doubt Jews deemed it unsafe to remain in any part of Italy.

Aquila and Priscilla found their way to Corinth and settled there, pursuing their trade as tentmakers. When Paul, a tentmaker himself, came to Corinth, he went to see them, no doubt having heard of their faith in Christ. Paul lived and worked with them while founding the Corinthian church.

After a year and a half, Paul left for Ephesus and took Aquila and Priscilla with him. The couple stayed in Ephesus when Paul left, again establishing a church in their home (1 Corinthians 16:9).

Then an eloquent preacher named Apollos came through Ephesus. Apollos was mighty in the Scriptures, but he only knew the baptism of John. This means Apollos knew Christ had come and fulfilled John’s prophecies, but he didn’t know the significance of Christ’s death and resurrection, the ministry of the indwelling Holy Spirit, or the mystery of the church containing both Jews and Gentiles.

Priscilla and her husband took Apollos aside and explained these things to him (Acts 18:24-26). Both Aquila and Priscilla possessed an in-depth understanding of doctrine learned from Paul, and this husband and wife team was able to pass it on to another Christian and build him up in the faith.

Paul’s last reference to them is in his last letter. Paul was imprisoned in Rome and writing to Timothy one last time. Timothy was pastoring the church at Ephesus, and Aquila and Priscilla are there with him, still faithfully ministering (2 Timothy 4:19). To the end, Aquila and Priscilla were offering hospitality to other Christians, spreading the gospel they had learned from Paul, and rendering faithful service to the Master.

This husband and wife team is mentioned six times elsewhere in the New Testament. (Romans 16:9), (Romans 16:21), (2 Corinthians 8:23), (Philippians 2:25),  (Philippians 4:3), (1 Corinthians 3:9).It is significant that Priscilla is usually mentioned first, since the cultural pattern would be to name the husband first. This may indicate that Priscilla was the more important or visible leader and may suggest that she had a higher social status and/or more wealth than Aquila. Paul indicated that he and all the Gentile churches were indebted to both of them. Paul designated Priscilla and her husband, Aquila, “fellow workers in Christ Jesus.”

Her Place in God's Divine Plan: Priscilla was a valued disciple, one who made a difference in Paul's life and in her world.

Lesson We Can Learn from Her Legacy: Whatever your role as a woman in your church, whether in the background or in a leadership position, you can be sure that what you are doing matters. Each task—no matter how small or large—is important to the spread of the gospel.

Genealogy:
Priscilla’s background and parentage in the Scripture is silent. Doubtless, like her husband, she was born in Pontus. Both were Jews of Asia-Minor, and as such were expelled by Claudius from Rome, and in Corinth, Priscilla and Aquila became the honored and much-loved friends of Paul. In fact, they were the most distinguished among his fellow-helpers in the cause of Christ. *These thirteen women (Lydia, Chloe, Nympha, Apphia, Mary, Persis, Tryphena, Tryphosa, Priscilla, Euodia, Syntyche, Phoebe, and Junia) provide clear evidence from Paul that women did participate in the gospel ministry. 





Lydia of Thyatira

Extraordinary Women of the Bible

Women in The Early Years of the Church

"Lydia of Thyatira"

 

Lydia: First Christian convert in Europe.

 

Key Scripture: Acts 16:6-40.

Her Name Means: Probably Phoenician, and a common name meaning "bending."

Her Character: Lydia was a seeker of truth and had prepared her heart and mind to receive it. She teaches us the value of cultivating our faith and having an inquiring mind and an open heart.
 
Her Sorrow: To see Paul and Silas beaten and thrown into prison for the sake of the gospel she had embraced. Her Joy: That God's Spirit directed Paul and his companions to Macedonia, enabling her and others at Philippi to hear the gospel for the first time.

 

Pre-Story: During Paul's third journey he and Silas are in Troas when Paul has a vision. In his vision Paul sees a man from Macedonia who pleads with Paul, "Come over to Macedonia, and help us." (Acts:16: 9). One of their first Converts was Lydia, a wealthy woman from Thyatira, a dealer in purple cloth.

 

Her Story: Scripture does not supply us with any information regarding Lydia’s background apart from the fact that she lived in Thyatira which was one of the Macedonian colonies. This small city was known for its commerce in Asia Minor. It was in an area noted for its abundant crops and the manufacture of purple dye and for being a center of indigo trade.

Lydia apparently had moved to Philippi to ply her trade in that city. She was a successful businesswoman who sold a type of cloth prized for its purple color. She was the head of her household, she may have been either widowed or single.

Although sincerely religious, Lydia was not a Christian. When Paul found her, she was honoring the Sabbath, which means she was likely a Jew. The account of Lydia’s conversion says that she was gathered with a group of other women on the Sabbath at a place of prayer near the river outside of Philippi. Her faith was born through hearing the Word of God. The fact that Paul, Timothy, Luke, and Silas came to the riverside to speak to the women most likely indicates there were not enough
Jewish men in Philippi to open a Synagogue there.

Lydia was baptized, along with the rest of her household. Whether "her household" refers only her family, or if there were servants included in the number, is unclear from the biblical account. Lydia’s transformation of life was evidenced by her eagerness to give missionaries the hospitality of her home. She always had "open house" for the saints of God and her home became a center of Christian fellowship in Philippi. Lydia not only sold her dyes, she served her Savior.

This is all that is recorded about Lydia. The thing that stands out to me the most about Lydia's story is how she had been prepared, long before Paul and Silas arrived in Phillipi, to hear and accept the gospel of Jesus Christ. The scriptures tell us that she "worshiped God" even before her conversion and that the Lord had opened her heart.

The story of Lydia in the Bible is a great example of God’s providence and His care for believers. Lydia was a worshiper of God but had not yet heard the gospel. In this story, so full of divine intervention, we see the sovereignty of God in salvation.

Her Place in God's Divine Plan: Lydia was in Philippi at the right place and at the right time. Paul had a vision to lead him in his journey. It was a Divine meeting. God will change your place of residence for His Divine Will and grace for your salvation. In this story, so full of divine intervention, we see the sovereignty of God in salvation.
 Her Challenges Along the Way: Lydia was a woman alone for whatever reason, she had to fully support herself and her household.

Her Victories: Lydia was a willing servant. When God opened her heart, she believed wholeheartedly. She became a servant, tending to the needs of the missionaries.

Lessons we can learn from her legacy: I think Lydia's story shows us the value of each soul to God and His willingness to answer our prayers. I don't doubt that Lydia's prayers were one of the reasons Paul and Silas were sent to Phillipi. Her soul was precious to God and her worth great in His eyes. The Lord heard the deepest desires of her heart and answered them, probably in ways greater than she ever imagined. I think her story is a beautiful testament of God's love for His children, especially His daughters, and the degree to which He is willing to go to save just one of His children who are ready and willing to hear the truth.  

Genealogy:
Birthplace: Thyatira
Residence: Philippi
Timeline: Around 50 AD

*Lydia's home was most likely used as the meeting place for the church in Philippi and perhaps Paul had Lydia in mind when later in his epistle to the Philippians he wrote, "I thank God upon every remembrance of you. Always in every prayer of mine for you making request with joy. For your fellowship in the gospel from the first day until now." Philippians 1:3-5.          



 
  



Dorcas

 Extraordinary Women of the Bible

Women in The Early Years of the Church

"Dorcas"

 

Dorcas: Also called Tabitha. "A woman full of good works"

Key Scripture: Acts 9:36-43

Her Name Means: "Gazelle" ("Tabitha" Is it's equivalent). Tabitha is a Jewish name.

Her Character: The implication of her name is that she was a beautiful and graceful woman.

Her Strengths: Scripture has a body of teaching concerning the treatment of widows. The true widows in Joppa became Dorcas responsibility and they came to depend upon her.

Her Sorrow: To have suffered a grave illness.

Her Joy: To serve Jesus by serving the poor.

Pre-Story: The Scripture record of Dorcas is limited to a few verses in the ninth chapter of Acts, but her name to this day stands for the benevolent use of the needle. Her example has been an inspiration to women throughout church history.

Her Story: Dorcas lived in the town of Joppa, a city on the coast of the Mediterranean Sea, thirty-five miles northwest of Jerusalem. Scripture does not tell us if she was married, however she could have possibly denied herself marriage, family, and home for the sake of the Lord. She was a woman who mothered the needy, the lonely, the helpless in the church community.

Dorcas belonged to one of the earliest Christian congregations. Through the Spirit-empowered ministry of Philip the evangelist, a Christian Church was established at Joppa. Possibly Dorcas came to know Christ as her Savior in this church, and there caught the vision of how she could serve Christ with her money and her needle. Behind her sewing of garments was a saved soul She was associated with a little band of Christians, most of whom were poor. She, however, apparently was a woman of means to serve humanity as freely as she did. She became known for her acts of charity. She made garments for the poor.

The time came when Dorcas fell sick. We do not know the nature of her sickness nor the length of it, but it was serious enough to cause her death. Upon her death, the congregation knowing that Peter was near at hand in the town of Lydda, sent for him, requesting "that he would not delay to come to them." They knew that Peter was connected with Jesus who could help them.

After Peter's arrival, he immediately ask for privacy and knelt beside the bed of Dorcas. He began to pray with assurance in his heart that God would answer his prayer. He prayed, "Tabitha, arise." She opened her eyes and sat up. He called for the people to come back into the room, and there they saw their friend, alive again. What joy they felt! The news spread quickly through the town of Joppa. Dorcas is alive again!

Because of the miracle many people believed in the Lord. The action was a demonstration of the power of God. It was only one of several resurrections recorded in the New Testament, but it authenticated the Gospel.

We do not know what became of Dorcas after this incident. Dorcas gave time, talent and tender care to others. Because of this she is immortalized as someone "full of good works."

Her Place in God's Divine Plan: The resurrection of Dorcas had a twofold effect. First of all, the miracle comforted the mourners for she had returned to her life of good works. This miracle was like our Lord’s miracles—one of mercy. The second effect was to convince all of the truth of the Christian faith attested as it was by miraculous power.

Her Challenges Along the Way: Because a woman is a faithful minister unto others, is righteous and generous, does not mean that she will be spared the tribulations and trials of life. We may well imagine how Dorcas became tired in her endless errands of mercy and her deeds of kindness.

Her Victories: The magnificent work Dorcas was doing had far-reaching consequences. She did not aspire to be a leader, but was content to stay in her own home and try to do all she could in all the ways she could.

Lesson We Can Learn from Her Legacy: The lesson of the story of Dorcas reminds us of God's great love for all people. Dorcas was not a great pastor, prophet, or evangelist, but rather just a plain, everyday person like you and me. However, she was not too important for God to providentially include the story of her good works and charitable deeds in His Holy Word. Dorcas did not go to the mission field but she found a field of endeavor at her doorsteps.

Genealogy: The Bible is silent concerning the parentage and genealogy of Dorcas. Dorcas did the Lord's work effectively in a quiet and unsung manner. Whatsoever she did she did as unto the Lord (Colossians 3:23).   



Sapphira

Extraordinary Women of the Bible

Women in The Early Years of the Church

Sapphira

 

Sapphira: Money became her God.

Key Scripture: Acts 5:1-11.

Her Name Means: "Jewel" "Beautiful."

Her Character: Sapphira and her husband were fearless—and foolish.

Pre-Story: In the early Christian church in Jerusalem, the believers were so close they sold their excess land or possessions and donated the money so no one would go hungry. This story exposes the ugly secret of two hearts.

Her Story: Ananias and Sapphira were professed Christians who had turned from Judaism and had associated themselves with the newly-formed Christian community. They were members of the early church, the first body of people to worship the risen Christ.

In the first century, Christians willingly shared their resources, encouraged by believers such as Barnabas, who "sold a field he owned and brought the money and put it at the apostles' feet" (Acts 4:37), a public expression of devotion to God.

Barnabas had sold all his land and surrendered all the money it brought, to Peter, the representative and spokesman of the Twelve and leader in the Early Church. When the leaders heaped praise on Barnabas for his sacrifice, Sapphira and her hubby, Ananias, decided to earn a few accolades of their own. They "also sold a piece of property" (Acts 5:1) and put their profits "at the apostles' feet"  (Acts 5:2), with one little difference: Ananias secretly pocketed some of the proceeds "with his wife's full knowledge" (Acts 5:2).

They were under no obligation to sell their property to support the young church. But once they chose to lay the proceeds at the apostles' feet, Ananias and Sapphira openly gave that land to God.

Then Peter said, "Ananias, how is it that Satan has so filled your heart that you have lied to the Holy Spirit and have kept for yourself some of the money you received for the land? Didn’t it belong to you before it was sold? And after it was sold, wasn’t the money at your disposal? What made you think of doing such a thing? You have not lied to men but to God." (Acts 5:3-4). Ananias, on hearing this, immediately fell down dead.

A few hours later, Ananias' wife Sapphira came in, not knowing what had happened. Peter asked her if the amount they donated was the full price of the land. "Yes, that is the price," she lied. Peter said to her, "How could you agree to test the Spirit of the Lord? Look! The feet of the men who buried your husband are at the door, and they will carry you out also." (Acts 5:9). Just like her husband, she instantly fell down dead.

Had Ananias and Sapphira brought nothing to Peter there would not have been any blame. Their deceit came in trying to represent themselves as completely sacrificial as Barnabas, but in the attempt they acted a lie.

The sudden deaths of Ananias and Sapphira are among the scariest events in the Bible, a terrifying reminder that God will not be mocked.

Her Place in God's Divine Plan: God’s reasons for bringing about the deaths of Ananias and Sapphira involve His abhorrence of sin, the hypocrisy and the lesson for the rest of the church, both then and now. While their penalties seem extreme to us today, God judged them guilty of sins so serious they threatened the very existence of the early Church.

Lesson We Can Learn from Her Legacy: Sapphira's shocking tale should strike fear in our hearts. These two shocking deaths served as an example to the church that God hates hypocrisy. It also let believers and unbelievers know, in an unmistakable way, that God protects the holiness of his church.

Ironically, Ananias' name means "Jehovah has been gracious." God had favored Ananias and Sapphira with wealth, but they responded to his gift by cheating. God demands total honesty from his followers. Deceit and lying are to be deplored in the lives of those who are not the Lord’s.

Genealogy: The Bible gives us no record of Sapphira, nor of her husband.