To the ends of the earth - Acts 16:12-15 (ESV) - Tim Kroeker
Proverbs 31:30
“…a woman who fears the Lord is to be praised.”
Fanny Crosby was a 19th-century American poet, composer, and mission worker who became one of the most prolific hymn writers in history. Despite being blind from infancy, she authored more than 8,000 hymns and gospel songs, including well-known pieces like "Blessed Assurance" and "To God Be the Glory.”
Amy Carmichael was an Irish Christian missionary who spent most of her life serving in India. She founded an orphanage, which provided sanctuary to over 1000 children exploited in the practice of temple prostitution.
Harriet Tubman was an American abolitionist who escaped slavery and then helped free more than 300 others through the Underground Railroad. A devout Christian, Tubman recounted numerous instances of God speaking to her through dreams and visions to warn her of impending dangers.
Throughout history, God has used faithful women like these to accomplish his purposes. In his gospel and now in the Book of Acts, Luke has made it a priority to highlight their contributions.
In the previous episode, we read that Paul received a vision of a Macedonian man calling the missionary team to come and share with them the gospel. However, as we continue reading, perhaps to Paul’s surprise, when they arrived in the city of Philippi, they found openness with a group of ladies. Among them was Lydia, a wealthy, entrepreneurial woman. She became the first Christian convert in Europe and an influential leader in the early church. She brought her entire household to faith, hosted the Philippian church in her home, and would become Paul’s primary benefactress for his subsequent missionary endeavors.
The story of Lydia demonstrates what profound influence a godly woman can have on the life of a church.
