In our “Good News Travels Fast” series, we have heard the stories of Stephen, Philip and the Ethiopian Eunuch, Peter and Cornelius, Paul and Ananias—all men who experienced God’s call to faith and, in many cases, to sharing the good news with others. This Sunday we move to considering the role of women in the Book of Acts, from the day of Pentecost to Philippi, where we meet a “Gentile God-worshipper” and successful businesswoman named Lydia.
As you may be able to guess, given that we chose the name Lydia for our daughter, the Lydia we meet in Acts 16 is one of my favorite characters in Scripture. She is faithful, bold, hospitable, intelligent, hardworking, and a natural leader. She is also the founder of the very first church on the continent of Europe, when she opens up her home in Philippi (today located in north-eastern Greece) to be a place of worship and teaching about Christ.
Lydia stands in a line of women in Acts who take on significant ministry roles in the early church. On Pentecost there was Jesus’ mother Mary and many other women who received the gift of sharing the gospel in many languages, as did the male followers of Jesus (Acts 1:14-2:4); later we meet Tabitha whose life “overflowed with good works and compassionate acts on behalf of those in need” (Acts 9:36); and Priscilla, who, together with her husband Aquila, taught about Christ to Apollos, a man who soon became a prominent leader in the church (Acts 18); and there are the four unmarried daughters of Philip who were all prophets of the Lord (Acts 21:9).
Their witness—as preachers; evangelists; compassionate, mission-minded leaders; teachers; and prophets in the early church—is significant and inspiring. I encourage you to read Lydia’s story in Acts 16:11-15 and to join us Sunday to uncover more insights into the voices of women in the Book of Acts and the early church.
Pastor Laura
Scripture for Sunday: Acts 16:11-15 You can read or listen here.
Sermon Title: “From Pentecost to Philippi: Women’s Voices in Acts”
