Women in the early church | Acts 16:1-15 (Part 2) | Join The Journey Podcast

All right, all right, join the journey, All right, all right, join the journey, family, friends, and guests. You're family, friends, and guests. You're family, friends, and guests. You're listening to Join the Journey podcast listening to Join the Journey podcast listening to Join the Journey podcast with your host, Emma Daughter. with your host, Emma Daughter. with your host, Emma Daughter. >> Thanks [music] for joining. This week, >> Thanks [music] for joining. This week, >> Thanks [music] for joining. This week, we're reading Acts 16:1-15, we're reading Acts 16:1-15, we're reading Acts 16:1-15, [music] [music] [music] but today, we're zooming out and looking but today, we're zooming out and looking but today, we're zooming out and looking at the whole book of Acts, answering the at the whole book of Acts, answering the at the whole book of Acts, answering the question, "How are women presented question, "How are women presented question, "How are women presented throughout the book of Acts?" Now, if throughout the book of Acts?" Now, if throughout the book of Acts?" Now, if you're a male listening, you're a male listening, you're a male listening, it might be easy to hear, "Today we're it might be easy to hear, "Today we're it might be easy to hear, "Today we're talking about women in Acts," and think, talking about women in Acts," and think, talking about women in Acts," and think, "Mhm, this episode's probably not for "Mhm, this episode's probably not for "Mhm, this episode's probably not for me." me." me." But that would be a mistake, But that would be a mistake, But that would be a mistake, because this isn't ultimately an episode because this isn't ultimately an episode because this isn't ultimately an episode about women or for women, it's an about women or for women, it's an about women or for women, it's an episode about the kind of kingdom, the episode about the kind of kingdom, the episode about the kind of kingdom, the kind of church that God is building. kind of church that God is building. kind of church that God is building. Luke was a man writing in a world where Luke was a man writing in a world where Luke was a man writing in a world where women's stories were rarely centered, women's stories were rarely centered, women's stories were rarely centered, rarely preserved, and often overlooked. rarely preserved, and often overlooked. rarely preserved, and often overlooked. And yet, And yet, And yet, under the inspiration of the Spirit of under the inspiration of the Spirit of under the inspiration of the Spirit of God, he goes out of his way to name God, he goes out of his way to name God, he goes out of his way to name them.

them. them. Which should make all of us, regardless Which should make all of us, regardless Which should make all of us, regardless of our gender, stop and ask, of our gender, stop and ask, of our gender, stop and ask, "Why?" "Why?" "Why?" What did Luke want us to see about the What did Luke want us to see about the What did Luke want us to see about the people God uses and the way the gospel people God uses and the way the gospel people God uses and the way the gospel spreads? spreads? spreads? And if you're a female listening, And if you're a female listening, And if you're a female listening, especially if you've ever been hurt by especially if you've ever been hurt by especially if you've ever been hurt by the church, felt overlooked, or made to the church, felt overlooked, or made to the church, felt overlooked, or made to feel like your gifts don't matter, feel like your gifts don't matter, feel like your gifts don't matter, these stories are really significant. these stories are really significant. these stories are really significant. The book of Acts tells a different story The book of Acts tells a different story The book of Acts tells a different story than what you may or may not have than what you may or may not have than what you may or may not have experienced. It shows women praying at experienced. It shows women praying at experienced. It shows women praying at Pentecost, prophesying, hosting Pentecost, prophesying, hosting Pentecost, prophesying, hosting churches, churches, churches, funding ministries, making disciples, funding ministries, making disciples, funding ministries, making disciples, and using their influence for the and using their influence for the and using their influence for the kingdom. Not as an afterthought, not as kingdom. Not as an afterthought, not as kingdom. Not as an afterthought, not as a footnote, but as a visible, valuable a footnote, but as a visible, valuable a footnote, but as a visible, valuable part of the church's expansion. part of the church's expansion. part of the church's expansion. Luke included women simply because God Luke included women simply because God Luke included women simply because God included women. included women. included women. And for all of us, And for all of us, And for all of us, regardless of gender, again, this topic regardless of gender, again, this topic regardless of gender, again, this topic is significant is significant is significant because it forces us to ask, do I see because it forces us to ask, do I see because it forces us to ask, do I see people the way God sees people?

people the way God sees people? people the way God sees people? Do I value the contributions of others Do I value the contributions of others Do I value the contributions of others the way scripture does? Do I understand the way scripture does? Do I understand the way scripture does? Do I understand my own role in the mission of God? my own role in the mission of God? my own role in the mission of God? So, whether you're male or female, So, whether you're male or female, So, whether you're male or female, serving visibly or behind the scenes, serving visibly or behind the scenes, serving visibly or behind the scenes, the message of Acts is the same. the message of Acts is the same. the message of Acts is the same. The spirit of God fills all kinds of The spirit of God fills all kinds of The spirit of God fills all kinds of people and uses all kinds of people for people and uses all kinds of people for people and uses all kinds of people for the spread of the gospel. the spread of the gospel. the spread of the gospel. The question isn't whether or not you The question isn't whether or not you The question isn't whether or not you have a place in God's story. have a place in God's story. have a place in God's story. The question is whether you're willing The question is whether you're willing The question is whether you're willing to step into it and encourage others, to step into it and encourage others, to step into it and encourage others, regardless of gender, to do the same. regardless of gender, to do the same. regardless of gender, to do the same. But as we dive in, I also want to add a But as we dive in, I also want to add a But as we dive in, I also want to add a disclaimer. As I walk through the book disclaimer. As I walk through the book disclaimer. As I walk through the book of Acts, I will be solely in today's of Acts, I will be solely in today's of Acts, I will be solely in today's episode calling out instances where episode calling out instances where episode calling out instances where women are specifically mentioned, and women are specifically mentioned, and women are specifically mentioned, and I'll be seeking to challenge I'll be seeking to challenge I'll be seeking to challenge preconceived notions we might be preconceived notions we might be preconceived notions we might be bringing to the text. That said, bringing to the text. That said, bringing to the text. That said, the emphasis on women in the early the emphasis on women in the early the emphasis on women in the early church in today's episode is by no means church in today's episode is by no means church in today's episode is by no means discrediting the faithful ministry of discrediting the faithful ministry of discrediting the faithful ministry of men Luke mentions all throughout Acts.

men Luke mentions all throughout Acts. men Luke mentions all throughout Acts. After all, he talks about the guys a lot After all, he talks about the guys a lot After all, he talks about the guys a lot more than he talks about the gals. more than he talks about the gals. more than he talks about the gals. Nonetheless, Nonetheless, Nonetheless, his mentioning of the women is of his mentioning of the women is of his mentioning of the women is of incredible significance for both incredible significance for both incredible significance for both modern-day men and women alike. modern-day men and women alike. modern-day men and women alike. As we explore the role of women in the As we explore the role of women in the As we explore the role of women in the book of Acts, one thing is clear. book of Acts, one thing is clear. book of Acts, one thing is clear. Women played a key role in the early Women played a key role in the early Women played a key role in the early church and were teammates with the men. church and were teammates with the men. church and were teammates with the men. Luke seems to go out of his way to Luke seems to go out of his way to Luke seems to go out of his way to highlight their involvement. From day highlight their involvement. From day highlight their involvement. From day one, one, one, women were full participants in Christ's women were full participants in Christ's women were full participants in Christ's mission. mission. mission. The first instance where women are The first instance where women are The first instance where women are mentioned is right after Jesus' mentioned is right after Jesus' mentioned is right after Jesus' ascension. It's Acts 1:14, which reads, ascension. It's Acts 1:14, which reads, ascension. It's Acts 1:14, which reads, "They all met together and were "They all met together and were "They all met together and were constantly united in prayer." constantly united in prayer." constantly united in prayer." There wasn't division between the There wasn't division between the There wasn't division between the followers of Christ. They were united in followers of Christ. They were united in followers of Christ. They were united in prayer along with Mary, the mother of prayer along with Mary, the mother of prayer along with Mary, the mother of Jesus, several other women, Jesus, several other women, Jesus, several other women, and the brothers of Jesus. One and the brothers of Jesus. One and the brothers of Jesus. One commentator puts it like this, commentator puts it like this, commentator puts it like this, "The women referred to were apparently "The women referred to were apparently "The women referred to were apparently the same ones who accompanied the the same ones who accompanied the the same ones who accompanied the disciples from Galilee to Jerusalem."

disciples from Galilee to Jerusalem." disciples from Galilee to Jerusalem." Luke's interest in including women, Luke's interest in including women, Luke's interest in including women, which is so evident in his gospel, which is so evident in his gospel, which is so evident in his gospel, continues in Acts. continues in Acts. continues in Acts. Mary, the mother of Jesus, was there, Mary, the mother of Jesus, was there, Mary, the mother of Jesus, was there, but you will notice they were not but you will notice they were not but you will notice they were not praying to Mary, nor were they burning praying to Mary, nor were they burning praying to Mary, nor were they burning candles to her. They were not addressing candles to her. They were not addressing candles to her. They were not addressing themselves to her, nor asking her for themselves to her, nor asking her for themselves to her, nor asking her for any blessing. But Mary, the mother of any blessing. But Mary, the mother of any blessing. But Mary, the mother of Jesus, was kneeling with the 11 and the Jesus, was kneeling with the 11 and the Jesus, was kneeling with the 11 and the women, and all together they prayed to women, and all together they prayed to women, and all together they prayed to the Father. the Father. the Father. "This is, by the way," the commentator "This is, by the way," the commentator "This is, by the way," the commentator writes, "the last reference to Mary, the writes, "the last reference to Mary, the writes, "the last reference to Mary, the mother of Jesus, in the Bible." mother of Jesus, in the Bible." mother of Jesus, in the Bible." What I love about this first instance in What I love about this first instance in What I love about this first instance in Acts chapter 1 is that you see both the Acts chapter 1 is that you see both the Acts chapter 1 is that you see both the apostles, the key leaders of the early apostles, the key leaders of the early apostles, the key leaders of the early church, church, church, spending intentional time in prayer with spending intentional time in prayer with spending intentional time in prayer with the women specifically. And Luke goes the women specifically. And Luke goes the women specifically. And Luke goes out of his way to mention both Mary and out of his way to mention both Mary and out of his way to mention both Mary and these other women. He could have these other women. He could have these other women. He could have excluded the the mention of Mary, the excluded the the mention of Mary, the excluded the the mention of Mary, the call of her specifically, or just said call of her specifically, or just said call of her specifically, or just said the other disciples, but he specifically the other disciples, but he specifically the other disciples, but he specifically chose to note that the leaders of the chose to note that the leaders of the chose to note that the leaders of the early church were united in prayer with early church were united in prayer with early church were united in prayer with the female followers of Jesus.

the female followers of Jesus. the female followers of Jesus. But we've got to keep moving. So next, But we've got to keep moving. So next, But we've got to keep moving. So next, we see women mentioned in Acts chapter we see women mentioned in Acts chapter we see women mentioned in Acts chapter 2. 2. 2. This is when we read Peter's words as This is when we read Peter's words as This is when we read Peter's words as he's preaching to the crowd at he's preaching to the crowd at he's preaching to the crowd at Pentecost. He quotes Joel 2 and says, Pentecost. He quotes Joel 2 and says, Pentecost. He quotes Joel 2 and says, "In the last days, God says, I will pour "In the last days, God says, I will pour "In the last days, God says, I will pour out my spirit upon all people. Your sons out my spirit upon all people. Your sons out my spirit upon all people. Your sons and daughters will prophesy. Your young and daughters will prophesy. Your young and daughters will prophesy. Your young men will see visions and your old men men will see visions and your old men men will see visions and your old men will dream dreams. In those days, I will will dream dreams. In those days, I will will dream dreams. In those days, I will pour out my spirit even on my servants, pour out my spirit even on my servants, pour out my spirit even on my servants, men and women alike, and they will men and women alike, and they will men and women alike, and they will prophesy." prophesy." prophesy." Peter quoted Joel and made it clear that Peter quoted Joel and made it clear that Peter quoted Joel and made it clear that this new era of the spirit includes this new era of the spirit includes this new era of the spirit includes women just as much as it includes men. women just as much as it includes men. women just as much as it includes men. Your sons and daughters will prophesy Your sons and daughters will prophesy Your sons and daughters will prophesy and I'll pour out my spirit even on my and I'll pour out my spirit even on my and I'll pour out my spirit even on my servants, men and women alike. servants, men and women alike. servants, men and women alike. The example of prophecy was significant The example of prophecy was significant The example of prophecy was significant because prophecy was a visible, because prophecy was a visible, because prophecy was a visible, spirit-empowered gift tied to speaking spirit-empowered gift tied to speaking spirit-empowered gift tied to speaking God's truth. Now, we're not talking God's truth. Now, we're not talking God's truth. Now, we're not talking about prophecy in this podcast episode, about prophecy in this podcast episode, about prophecy in this podcast episode, but we'll put a helpful sermon on but we'll put a helpful sermon on but we'll put a helpful sermon on prophecy in today's episode's show prophecy in today's episode's show prophecy in today's episode's show notes.

notes. notes. From the very beginning of the church, From the very beginning of the church, From the very beginning of the church, Luke wants us to see that the spirit's Luke wants us to see that the spirit's Luke wants us to see that the spirit's empowering presence is not limited by empowering presence is not limited by empowering presence is not limited by gender. gender. gender. Men and women alike are recipients of Men and women alike are recipients of Men and women alike are recipients of the spirit. They receive the same the spirit. They receive the same the spirit. They receive the same spiritual gifts and are participants in spiritual gifts and are participants in spiritual gifts and are participants in God's mission. God's mission. God's mission. In Acts chapter 5, moving along In Acts chapter 5, moving along In Acts chapter 5, moving along throughout the book, we read about throughout the book, we read about throughout the book, we read about Ananias and Sapphira. Ananias and Sapphira. Ananias and Sapphira. The story of Ananias and Sapphira is The story of Ananias and Sapphira is The story of Ananias and Sapphira is worth noting because Sapphira, as the worth noting because Sapphira, as the worth noting because Sapphira, as the wife, as the woman, was also held wife, as the woman, was also held wife, as the woman, was also held personally accountable before God for personally accountable before God for personally accountable before God for her own sin, her own sin, her own sin, showing that in the early church, women showing that in the early church, women showing that in the early church, women were treated as morally responsible were treated as morally responsible were treated as morally responsible disciples, not merely extensions of disciples, not merely extensions of disciples, not merely extensions of their husbands. their husbands. their husbands. In Acts chapters 8 and 9, we see that In Acts chapters 8 and 9, we see that In Acts chapters 8 and 9, we see that Saul, when persecuting Christians, would Saul, when persecuting Christians, would Saul, when persecuting Christians, would drag off men and women. Now, it might be drag off men and women. Now, it might be drag off men and women. Now, it might be tempting to think that the women were tempting to think that the women were tempting to think that the women were only dragged off simply because their only dragged off simply because their only dragged off simply because their husbands were followers of Jesus or husbands were followers of Jesus or husbands were followers of Jesus or their husbands were leaders in the their husbands were leaders in the their husbands were leaders in the church, but that's not necessarily the church, but that's not necessarily the church, but that's not necessarily the case.

case. case. He was dragging women from their homes, He was dragging women from their homes, He was dragging women from their homes, which likely means that from the very which likely means that from the very which likely means that from the very beginning, women were counted among beginning, women were counted among beginning, women were counted among those willing, meaning they had a choice those willing, meaning they had a choice those willing, meaning they had a choice to deny Jesus or not. And women chose to to deny Jesus or not. And women chose to to deny Jesus or not. And women chose to suffer, to lose everything, even risk suffer, to lose everything, even risk suffer, to lose everything, even risk death death death for the name of Jesus. for the name of Jesus. for the name of Jesus. These women were recognized as full These women were recognized as full These women were recognized as full participants in the Christian movement. participants in the Christian movement. participants in the Christian movement. Important enough to be hunted, arrested, Important enough to be hunted, arrested, Important enough to be hunted, arrested, and imprisoned alongside men for their and imprisoned alongside men for their and imprisoned alongside men for their allegiance to Christ. allegiance to Christ. allegiance to Christ. Next, we see Tabitha or Dorcas, a female Next, we see Tabitha or Dorcas, a female Next, we see Tabitha or Dorcas, a female disciple known for good works. In Acts disciple known for good works. In Acts disciple known for good works. In Acts 9:39, we see widows gathered there 9:39, we see widows gathered there 9:39, we see widows gathered there mourning. In Acts 12:12, mourning. In Acts 12:12, mourning. In Acts 12:12, Mary, the mother of John Mark, hosts a Mary, the mother of John Mark, hosts a Mary, the mother of John Mark, hosts a prayer gathering in her home. And in prayer gathering in her home. And in prayer gathering in her home. And in Acts 12:13, Rhoda answers the door Acts 12:13, Rhoda answers the door Acts 12:13, Rhoda answers the door recognizing Peter's voice. recognizing Peter's voice. recognizing Peter's voice. In Acts 16, we meet Lydia. In Acts 16, we meet Lydia. In Acts 16, we meet Lydia. It's super significant that Luke It's super significant that Luke It's super significant that Luke mentioned Lydia by name because Roman mentioned Lydia by name because Roman mentioned Lydia by name because Roman women, well, women, well, women, well, they were normally called by their they were normally called by their they were normally called by their families' last name, not by a personal families' last name, not by a personal families' last name, not by a personal first name or a nickname. Now, you've first name or a nickname. Now, you've first name or a nickname. Now, you've probably heard that in biblical times, probably heard that in biblical times, probably heard that in biblical times, women weren't valued. And generally, women weren't valued. And generally, women weren't valued. And generally, that's true. It's certainly true in the that's true. It's certainly true in the that's true. It's certainly true in the Old Testament, and it was also true Old Testament, and it was also true Old Testament, and it was also true during Jesus's day. But at this point in during Jesus's day. But at this point in during Jesus's day. But at this point in time, in the book of Acts, time, in the book of Acts, time, in the book of Acts, women who were well-off women who were well-off women who were well-off socioeconomically or who were married to

socioeconomically or who were married to socioeconomically or who were married to influential men took on much greater influential men took on much greater influential men took on much greater roles in society. They were more roles in society. They were more roles in society. They were more influential. So, things had slightly influential. So, things had slightly influential. So, things had slightly shifted, though not for all women. shifted, though not for all women. shifted, though not for all women. One commentator goes on to say, One commentator goes on to say, One commentator goes on to say, "It is no accident that women played "It is no accident that women played "It is no accident that women played important roles in early Christianity as important roles in early Christianity as important roles in early Christianity as well. He was just discussing these well. He was just discussing these well. He was just discussing these prominent women in Roman society. prominent women in Roman society. prominent women in Roman society. In this case, speaking of Lydia, In this case, speaking of Lydia, In this case, speaking of Lydia, providing a venue for the church to meet providing a venue for the church to meet providing a venue for the church to meet and be nurtured. and be nurtured. and be nurtured. So, as as this commentator was So, as as this commentator was So, as as this commentator was discussing Lydia, he points out that her discussing Lydia, he points out that her discussing Lydia, he points out that her first name either indicates that she was first name either indicates that she was first name either indicates that she was of special or elevated status. It may of special or elevated status. It may of special or elevated status. It may also indicate that though she was not also indicate that though she was not also indicate that though she was not necessarily of elevated status in necessarily of elevated status in necessarily of elevated status in secular society, she played a secular society, she played a secular society, she played a significant role in the church and Luke significant role in the church and Luke significant role in the church and Luke may have been taking a play out of Roman may have been taking a play out of Roman may have been taking a play out of Roman culture's playbook by mentioning her by culture's playbook by mentioning her by culture's playbook by mentioning her by her first name. But, her first name. But, her first name. But, all that we need to know about Lydia in all that we need to know about Lydia in all that we need to know about Lydia in this instance is that she played a key this instance is that she played a key this instance is that she played a key role in the early church. Regardless of role in the early church. Regardless of role in the early church. Regardless of why Luke called her Lydia, she provided why Luke called her Lydia, she provided why Luke called her Lydia, she provided a gathering space for the church.

a gathering space for the church. a gathering space for the church. Lydia is remarkable, not just because of Lydia is remarkable, not just because of Lydia is remarkable, not just because of her role in providing the church with a her role in providing the church with a her role in providing the church with a place to gather, but because she became place to gather, but because she became place to gather, but because she became or she was really the first recorded or she was really the first recorded or she was really the first recorded convert in Europe. And almost convert in Europe. And almost convert in Europe. And almost immediately, post-conversion, her home, immediately, post-conversion, her home, immediately, post-conversion, her home, it becomes a hub for gospel ministry. it becomes a hub for gospel ministry. it becomes a hub for gospel ministry. Showing that God not only saves women, Showing that God not only saves women, Showing that God not only saves women, but often uses their leadership, but often uses their leadership, but often uses their leadership, hospitality, and resources to establish hospitality, and resources to establish hospitality, and resources to establish and strengthen the church. and strengthen the church. and strengthen the church. As the book continues, we see in Acts 16 As the book continues, we see in Acts 16 As the book continues, we see in Acts 16 that Luke mentions an enslaved girl with that Luke mentions an enslaved girl with that Luke mentions an enslaved girl with a spirit of divination who follows Paul a spirit of divination who follows Paul a spirit of divination who follows Paul and Silas. In Acts 16:18, that same girl and Silas. In Acts 16:18, that same girl and Silas. In Acts 16:18, that same girl was delivered from the spirit. In Acts was delivered from the spirit. In Acts was delivered from the spirit. In Acts 16:40, Paul and Silas visited Lydia's 16:40, Paul and Silas visited Lydia's 16:40, Paul and Silas visited Lydia's home after being in prison. home after being in prison. home after being in prison. In Acts 17:4, we read that quite a few In Acts 17:4, we read that quite a few In Acts 17:4, we read that quite a few prominent women in Thessalonica prominent women in Thessalonica prominent women in Thessalonica believed. And in Acts 17:12, many believed. And in Acts 17:12, many believed. And in Acts 17:12, many prominent Greek women in Berea believed.

prominent Greek women in Berea believed. prominent Greek women in Berea believed. Then, in Acts 18, we meet Priscilla and Then, in Acts 18, we meet Priscilla and Then, in Acts 18, we meet Priscilla and Aquila. Aquila. Aquila. The woman in that pair was Priscilla, The woman in that pair was Priscilla, The woman in that pair was Priscilla, also called Prisca in some of Paul's also called Prisca in some of Paul's also called Prisca in some of Paul's letters. letters. letters. She and her husband Aquila were Jewish She and her husband Aquila were Jewish She and her husband Aquila were Jewish believers, tentmakers like Paul, and believers, tentmakers like Paul, and believers, tentmakers like Paul, and they became some of Paul's closest they became some of Paul's closest they became some of Paul's closest ministry partners. ministry partners. ministry partners. What's especially noteworthy though is What's especially noteworthy though is What's especially noteworthy though is how often Priscilla's name appears how often Priscilla's name appears how often Priscilla's name appears before Aquila. We see this in Acts before Aquila. We see this in Acts before Aquila. We see this in Acts 18:18, Acts 18:26, and even Romans 16:3. 18:18, Acts 18:26, and even Romans 16:3. 18:18, Acts 18:26, and even Romans 16:3. This was unusual This was unusual This was unusual and may suggest her prominence or unique and may suggest her prominence or unique and may suggest her prominence or unique gifting in ministry. gifting in ministry. gifting in ministry. Most famously, in Acts 18:26, Most famously, in Acts 18:26, Most famously, in Acts 18:26, Priscilla and Aquila took Apollos aside Priscilla and Aquila took Apollos aside Priscilla and Aquila took Apollos aside and explained the way of God even more and explained the way of God even more and explained the way of God even more accurately, Luke writes. accurately, Luke writes. accurately, Luke writes. That means Priscilla was directly That means Priscilla was directly That means Priscilla was directly involved in theological instruction and involved in theological instruction and involved in theological instruction and the discipleship of a man alongside her the discipleship of a man alongside her the discipleship of a man alongside her husband.

husband. husband. She's one of the clearest examples in She's one of the clearest examples in She's one of the clearest examples in the New Testament of a woman using her the New Testament of a woman using her the New Testament of a woman using her biblical knowledge, hospitality, and biblical knowledge, hospitality, and biblical knowledge, hospitality, and partnership in ministry to strengthen partnership in ministry to strengthen partnership in ministry to strengthen the church. Not an apostle, not an the church. Not an apostle, not an the church. Not an apostle, not an elder, but absolutely vital to the elder, but absolutely vital to the elder, but absolutely vital to the mission. mission. mission. This doesn't mean that all women are This doesn't mean that all women are This doesn't mean that all women are expected to be gifted in teaching or expected to be gifted in teaching or expected to be gifted in teaching or expected to teach, but it's worth noting expected to teach, but it's worth noting expected to teach, but it's worth noting Priscilla's integral role in gifting. Priscilla's integral role in gifting. Priscilla's integral role in gifting. Another thing that's worth mentioning is Another thing that's worth mentioning is Another thing that's worth mentioning is the number of times in the book of Acts the number of times in the book of Acts the number of times in the book of Acts that women are recorded praying. We of that women are recorded praying. We of that women are recorded praying. We of course saw this in Acts 1, but we also course saw this in Acts 1, but we also course saw this in Acts 1, but we also see it in Acts 12:12 when Mary, the see it in Acts 12:12 when Mary, the see it in Acts 12:12 when Mary, the mother of John Mark, hosts a prayer mother of John Mark, hosts a prayer mother of John Mark, hosts a prayer gathering in her home. gathering in her home. gathering in her home. In Acts 12:13, when Rhoda answered the In Acts 12:13, when Rhoda answered the In Acts 12:13, when Rhoda answered the door and recognized Peter's voice as the door and recognized Peter's voice as the door and recognized Peter's voice as the disciples had been praying. In Acts disciples had been praying. In Acts disciples had been praying. In Acts 16:13, women gathered by the river at 16:13, women gathered by the river at 16:13, women gathered by the river at for in Philippi. And in Acts 21:5, wives for in Philippi. And in Acts 21:5, wives for in Philippi. And in Acts 21:5, wives and children accompanied other believers and children accompanied other believers and children accompanied other believers to pray with Paul on the beach.

to pray with Paul on the beach. to pray with Paul on the beach. In Acts 21 specifically, as Paul left In Acts 21 specifically, as Paul left In Acts 21 specifically, as Paul left for Jerusalem, for Jerusalem, for Jerusalem, knowing he'd likely be imprisoned or knowing he'd likely be imprisoned or knowing he'd likely be imprisoned or killed, killed, killed, the disciples in Tyre, including their the disciples in Tyre, including their the disciples in Tyre, including their wives and children, prayed and sent him wives and children, prayed and sent him wives and children, prayed and sent him off. off. off. They knelt down and prayed for Paul's They knelt down and prayed for Paul's They knelt down and prayed for Paul's journey back to Jerusalem. journey back to Jerusalem. journey back to Jerusalem. Women were invested in what God was Women were invested in what God was Women were invested in what God was doing through Paul's missionary doing through Paul's missionary doing through Paul's missionary journeys, praying for him as he was sent journeys, praying for him as he was sent journeys, praying for him as he was sent out. out. out. Throughout the book of Acts, women are Throughout the book of Acts, women are Throughout the book of Acts, women are shown as essential and active shown as essential and active shown as essential and active participants in the prayer life of the participants in the prayer life of the participants in the prayer life of the early church. early church. early church. Philip the evangelist's four daughters Philip the evangelist's four daughters Philip the evangelist's four daughters in Acts 21:9 are significant because in Acts 21:9 are significant because in Acts 21:9 are significant because Luke tells us they prophesied, a direct Luke tells us they prophesied, a direct Luke tells us they prophesied, a direct fulfillment of Acts 2 and Joel's promise fulfillment of Acts 2 and Joel's promise fulfillment of Acts 2 and Joel's promise that the Spirit would be poured out on that the Spirit would be poured out on that the Spirit would be poured out on sons and daughters. sons and daughters. sons and daughters. Their brief mention reminds us that Their brief mention reminds us that Their brief mention reminds us that women in the early church, they weren't women in the early church, they weren't women in the early church, they weren't passive observers. passive observers. passive observers. They weren't at home out of the way or They weren't at home out of the way or They weren't at home out of the way or set aside. They were spirit-empowered set aside. They were spirit-empowered set aside. They were spirit-empowered participants, teammates with the men, participants, teammates with the men, participants, teammates with the men, gifted by God to strengthen and build up gifted by God to strengthen and build up gifted by God to strengthen and build up the body.

the body. the body. Lastly, Lastly, Lastly, we see women mentioned in Acts 24:24. we see women mentioned in Acts 24:24. we see women mentioned in Acts 24:24. Drusilla, the wife of Felix, listened to Drusilla, the wife of Felix, listened to Drusilla, the wife of Felix, listened to Paul. In Acts 25:13, Bernice arrives Paul. In Acts 25:13, Bernice arrives Paul. In Acts 25:13, Bernice arrives with Agrippa. And in Acts 26:30, Bernice with Agrippa. And in Acts 26:30, Bernice with Agrippa. And in Acts 26:30, Bernice was present at Paul's hearing. was present at Paul's hearing. was present at Paul's hearing. These final mentions are subtle, but These final mentions are subtle, but These final mentions are subtle, but important because they show the gospel important because they show the gospel important because they show the gospel reaching all the way to the highest reaching all the way to the highest reaching all the way to the highest levels of political and royal power. levels of political and royal power. levels of political and royal power. In Acts 24:24, In Acts 24:24, In Acts 24:24, Drusilla sits beside Antonius Felix as Drusilla sits beside Antonius Felix as Drusilla sits beside Antonius Felix as Paul reasoned about righteousness and Paul reasoned about righteousness and Paul reasoned about righteousness and self-control and the coming day of self-control and the coming day of self-control and the coming day of judgment. judgment. judgment. It's striking because Drusilla's own It's striking because Drusilla's own It's striking because Drusilla's own life was marked by scandal and life was marked by scandal and life was marked by scandal and compromise, pretty much the opposite of compromise, pretty much the opposite of compromise, pretty much the opposite of righteousness and self-control. Yet, God righteousness and self-control. Yet, God righteousness and self-control. Yet, God brought the gospel message right to her brought the gospel message right to her brought the gospel message right to her seat of power. seat of power. seat of power. In Acts 25:13 and 26:30, Bernice appears In Acts 25:13 and 26:30, Bernice appears In Acts 25:13 and 26:30, Bernice appears with Herod Agrippa II, another royal with Herod Agrippa II, another royal with Herod Agrippa II, another royal figure with a complicated and and figure with a complicated and and figure with a complicated and and honestly morally questionable honestly morally questionable honestly morally questionable reputation. And again, reputation. And again, reputation. And again, she was present to hear Paul's testimony she was present to hear Paul's testimony she was present to hear Paul's testimony about Jesus.

about Jesus. about Jesus. Together, Together, Together, these two women remind us that the these two women remind us that the these two women remind us that the gospel doesn't just move through gospel doesn't just move through gospel doesn't just move through prayer gatherings and house churches, it prayer gatherings and house churches, it prayer gatherings and house churches, it also confronts the powerful. Here, in also confronts the powerful. Here, in also confronts the powerful. Here, in these instances, we see a faithful man, these instances, we see a faithful man, these instances, we see a faithful man, Paul, Paul, Paul, sharing the gospel with two promiscuous sharing the gospel with two promiscuous sharing the gospel with two promiscuous and honestly seemingly unlikely women. and honestly seemingly unlikely women. and honestly seemingly unlikely women. But from widows to wealthy merchants, But from widows to wealthy merchants, But from widows to wealthy merchants, from slave girls to queens, Luke keeps from slave girls to queens, Luke keeps from slave girls to queens, Luke keeps showing us that there is no social showing us that there is no social showing us that there is no social class, no level of influence, and no class, no level of influence, and no class, no level of influence, and no kind of person beyond the reach of God. kind of person beyond the reach of God. kind of person beyond the reach of God. When you step back When you step back When you step back and you look at the book of Acts, it and you look at the book of Acts, it and you look at the book of Acts, it becomes hard to miss. becomes hard to miss. becomes hard to miss. Luke intentionally shows us that women Luke intentionally shows us that women Luke intentionally shows us that women were there the entire time. were there the entire time. were there the entire time. At Pentecost, At Pentecost, At Pentecost, in persecution, in persecution, in persecution, in prayer meetings, house churches, in prayer meetings, house churches, in prayer meetings, house churches, discipleship conversations, in prophecy, discipleship conversations, in prophecy, discipleship conversations, in prophecy, in positions of influence, in suffering, in positions of influence, in suffering, in positions of influence, in suffering, in hospitality, and in the halls of in hospitality, and in the halls of in hospitality, and in the halls of political power. And that's worth paying political power. And that's worth paying political power. And that's worth paying attention to.

attention to. attention to. Not because Acts is trying to make a Not because Acts is trying to make a Not because Acts is trying to make a statement about women, for women, statement about women, for women, statement about women, for women, but because the book of Acts is making a but because the book of Acts is making a but because the book of Acts is making a statement about the kingdom of God for statement about the kingdom of God for statement about the kingdom of God for all of us. all of us. all of us. The spirit of God fills all kinds of The spirit of God fills all kinds of The spirit of God fills all kinds of people and uses all kinds of people. people and uses all kinds of people. people and uses all kinds of people. For my male friends listening, For my male friends listening, For my male friends listening, this should shape the way you honor, this should shape the way you honor, this should shape the way you honor, value, and partner with your sisters in value, and partner with your sisters in value, and partner with your sisters in Christ. Christ. Christ. If God has gifted women and woven them If God has gifted women and woven them If God has gifted women and woven them in to advance the gospel from the very in to advance the gospel from the very in to advance the gospel from the very beginning of the church, beginning of the church, beginning of the church, then we should never minimize what God then we should never minimize what God then we should never minimize what God clearly values. clearly values. clearly values. And for my female friends listening, And for my female friends listening, And for my female friends listening, especially if you've ever felt especially if you've ever felt especially if you've ever felt overlooked, underutilized, overlooked, underutilized, overlooked, underutilized, or wounded by the church, or wounded by the church, or wounded by the church, hear this clearly. hear this clearly. hear this clearly. There is a place for you in the mission There is a place for you in the mission There is a place for you in the mission of God. of God. of God. Your gifts matter. Your faithfulness Your gifts matter. Your faithfulness Your gifts matter. Your faithfulness matters. Your obedience matters. matters. Your obedience matters. matters. Your obedience matters. God hasn't counted you out. He's got a God hasn't counted you out. He's got a God hasn't counted you out. He's got a role for you to play.

role for you to play. role for you to play. The point of Acts isn't that only the The point of Acts isn't that only the The point of Acts isn't that only the apostles change the world. apostles change the world. apostles change the world. It's that ordinary, spirit-filled It's that ordinary, spirit-filled It's that ordinary, spirit-filled people people people make a gospel impact as they are filled make a gospel impact as they are filled make a gospel impact as they are filled by the spirit and walk in obedience to by the spirit and walk in obedience to by the spirit and walk in obedience to Jesus. People like Jason, like Lydia, Jesus. People like Jason, like Lydia, Jesus. People like Jason, like Lydia, people like Priscilla and Aquila, like people like Priscilla and Aquila, like people like Priscilla and Aquila, like Philip's daughters, the leading women of Philip's daughters, the leading women of Philip's daughters, the leading women of Thessalonica and Berea, Thessalonica and Berea, Thessalonica and Berea, Peter, Peter, Peter, and people like you and people like you and people like you can be used by God to make a gospel can be used by God to make a gospel can be used by God to make a gospel impact. impact. impact. So, the question isn't whether or not So, the question isn't whether or not So, the question isn't whether or not God can use us today or use you, God can use us today or use you, God can use us today or use you, listener. listener. listener. The question is, The question is, The question is, will you offer him your yes? will you offer him your yes? will you offer him your yes? That's all we've got time for today, That's all we've got time for today, That's all we've got time for today, but as always, I'm so glad we're all on but as always, I'm so glad we're all on but as always, I'm so glad we're all on this journey abiding in Jesus together.