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Ash

Woman Of Samaria

Lydia

Priscilla

Phoebe

What are your reflections about these women? 

Paul wanted to make sure that the church is assisting her with "whatever business she needs," (Romans 16:2). Many scholars believe that Phoebe delivered Paul's letter to the Romans. Phoebe was instrumental in spreading the gospel and encouraging believers with spiritual instruction.

Paul warns the church to stay away from people "who cause divisions and offenses, contrary to the doctrine which you learned, and avoid them, "(Romans 16:17). Paul wanted to make sure the church understood what was good and what not to do.

God can use anyone to minister the gospel. To minister the gospel, you have to love people and create healthy relationships. Paul is able to name everyone he knows and has worked with in Rome. He was able to name something specific about each person.  Paul reminds us that we are many members working for the body of Christ. It was very important to greet and show love to our brothers and sisters in Christ.

Have you ever attended a church and felt the love of other brothers and sisters in Christ?

Have you ever greeted other Christians with a Holy kiss?

Focus Scriptures:

Romans 16:1-20

Have you ever read about Phoebe? Share your thoughts here

Aquila and Priscilla "took Apollos aside and explained to him the way of God more accurately," (Acts 18:26). I like the fact that they pulled him to the side because Apollos was speaking very boldly. This reminds us of the vision the Lord spoke to Paul stating that the Lord has many in this city. When Aquila and Priscilla heard Apollos, they knew they had to intercede. Even though they knew the Word, as a believer of Christ we understand that it is all about God's will. Aquila and Priscilla knew how important it was for Apollos to preach the right message. This serves as our reminder that even in trying times and adversity, the Lord will always have His many people there for intercession to fulfill His purpose.

Have you ever been gently corrected by someone?

Have you ever had to teach or explain to someone the right way concerning Jesus?

We learn that this couple was from Italy but they were forced to leave Rome under the emperor Claudius. Aquila and Priscilla were tentmakers and Paul was able to stay with them during his time in Corinth (Acts 18:3).

Paul was going to the synagogues every Sabbath, and tried to persuade the Jews and Greeks that the Christ was Jesus. Corinth was a very influential city. In Acts 18:9, the Lord says to Paul in a vision, "Do not be afraid, but go on speaking and do not be silent, for I am with you, and no one will attack you to harm you, for I have many in this city who are my people."

The Lord knew what Paul was up against and the Lord encourages Paul in this verse. This one verse is so powerful because God commands us to do not be afraid. This reminds us that God is always in control and we should never fear the unknown but know that God is ever-present.

Has God ever commanded you to not be afraid?

Would you consider yourself one of God's people?

Focus Scriptures:

Acts 18:1-28

Have you ever read about Priscilla? Share your thoughts here!

The magistrates and judges started accusing Paul and Silas of disturbing the city. They were eventually beaten and prisoned.

In Verse 25-35, while Paul and Silas are in prison, there was a great earthquake right in the middle of their praise and worship with other prisoners. The prison was shaken so hard that all of the prisoners were set free and the doors were opened. When the jailer witnessed this, he immediately contemplated suicide because he thought the prisoners had escaped. All of this happened because of one vision. We read that the jailer is converted to Christianity by witnessing the power of God and even invites Paul and Silas to stay with him(Acts 16:14). Although Paul could have questioned the vision from God, he acted immediately and obediently. Through the beatings and being falsely accused, we witness Paul and Silas praying and singing hymns to God in a very dark hour.

After the magistrates apologizes to Paul and Silas for the way they treated them and asked them to leave the city, Paul and Silas visited Lydia (Verse 40). This is very important because Paul wanted them to stay encouraged in the Lord.  

Have you ever praised God while you were in a dark place?

Have you ever thought your hope of gain was gone but God showed you otherwise?

Has God ever opened your heart to receive a message?

What adjectives would a person use to describe you?