2.28.21 Sunday School

Unit 3: The Call of Women

Lydia: Called to Serve | Bible Background • ACTS 16:11-15, 40; 1 CORINTHIANS 1:26-30 | Printed Text • ACTS 16:11-15, 40; 1 CORINTHIANS 1:26-30 | Devotional Reading • PSALM 33:1-12

AIM FOR CHANGE
By the end of this lesson, we will CONSIDER how Lydia used her gifts and her place in society to support Paul’s ministry, REPENT of the times we have looked down on others who have not had the same opportunities or advantages, and SERVE others joyfully through whatever means are at our disposal.
IN FOCUS

William lounged on the couch by the window in the Saturday afternoon sun. His wife Betty was off at her book club across town, and he had the house to himself. So quiet, he thought happily. But as he listened more to the ticking of the clock in the kitchen, he grew restless.

They had lived in this house for over thirty years, long enough to have three kids and see them off to homes of their own. William and Betty were certainly enjoying the time to themselves, but now their empty nest just didn’t feel right to him. He almost missed the little feet traipsing loudly upstairs or the chatting teens in the TV room. Dinners at the kitchen table were definitely less lively without the kids and their fiancés. It seemed to William like a waste of space. He wasn’t ready to move to a smaller apartment; he wanted the guest rooms. He wanted to be hospitable. Over dinner, William talked with Betty about the feeling.

“You’re right, dear,” Betty said. “Things are so different now without the kids. In fact, I was just thinking on my drive over there, how far away my book club is. It used to make sense when Billy’s baseball practice was out that way, but that was years ago.”

“I was thinking,” William said. “How about we tell the church office that we’re offering to host something here. Could be a new book club, maybe a small group …”
 
How can you show God’s love to others through hospitality?
 

Keep in Mind
“And when she was baptized, and her household, she besought us, saying, If ye have judged me to be faithful to the Lord, come into my house, and abide there. And she constrained us.
” (Acts 16:15, KJV)

KJV
Acts 16:11 Therefore loosing from Troas, we came with a straight course to Samothracia, and the next day to
Neapolis;
12 And from thence to Philippi, which is the chief city of that part of Macedonia, and a colony: and we were in
that city abiding certain days.
13 And on the sabbath we went out of the city by a river side, where prayer was wont to be made; and we sat
down, and spake unto the women which resorted thither.
14 And a certain woman named Lydia, a seller of purple, of the city of Thyatira, which worshipped God, heard
us: whose heart the Lord opened, that she attended unto the things which were spoken of Paul.
15 And when she was baptized, and her household, she besought us, saying, If ye have judged me to be faithful
to the Lord, come into my house, and abide there. And she constrained us.
40 And they went out of the prison, and entered into the house of Lydia: and when they had seen the brethren,
they comforted them, and departed.
1 Corinthians 1:26 For ye see your calling, brethren, how that not many wise men after the flesh, not many
mighty, not many noble, are called:
27 But God hath chosen the foolish things of the world to confound the wise; and God hath chosen the weak
things of the world to confound the things which are mighty;
28 And base things of the world, and things which are despised, hath God chosen, yea, and things which are
not, to bring to nought things that are:
29 That no flesh should glory in his presence.
30 But of him are ye in Christ Jesus, who of God is made unto us wisdom, and righteousness, and sanctification,
and redemption:

The People, Places, and Times

Purple Cloth. The ancient Mediterranean peoples used a dye from a certain kind of sea snail found in the
eastern Mediterranean Sea. This dye was very expensive because of its rarity and the labor intensity of
extracting it. Clothing made from this dye was equally expensive and reserved for notable members of society.
The color is now called Tyrean purple, after Tyre, the Phoenician city that perhaps discovered the dye.
Philippi. A predominantly Roman city at this time, Philippi was eight miles inland from Neapolis, which was a
seaport in northern Macedonia. The city is named for Alexander the Great’s father, Philip II of Macedon. The
city Philippi was located near two rivers and connected with coastal cities by several good roads; therefore,
trade was enjoyed and was financially lucrative. Philippi lay along the Egnatian Way, the major east-west
Roman road connecting lands in Greece and Turkey.

Background
After Paul and Barnabas’ successful journey planting many churches in Syria and surrounding provinces, a new
journey to plant churches was planned—this time throughout the Roman province of Asia. Paul and Silas set
out from Antioch and were joined by Timothy while visiting a previously established church in Lystra. Soon
after, the Holy Spirit deflected the group’s plans to go into Asia and guided the men instead of to Macedonia. At
this point, Luke (the writer of Acts) joined the team too, and they set sail from the eastern shore of the Aegean
Sea.

After meeting Lydia, the team stays in Philippi preaching. They cast a demon out of a slave girl and her masters
provoked an uproar that ended with Paul and Silas in jail. When an earthquake opened the chains of every cell
in the prison and the jailer was about to kill himself, Paul and Silas led the man to Christ instead.
Paul and Silas benefited from the hospitality of wealthy converts, but Paul also knew that most Christians did
not have much worldly wealth or status to boast of. He wrote to the Corinthian church to show how God uses
that fact to His advantage so Christians should feel no shame in their lowly status.
Compare and contrast the conversion of Lydia and the jailer. Describe other biblical and present-day examples
of how God works.

At-A-Glance
1. The Ministry at Philippi (Acts 16:11-13)
2. The Conversion of Lydia (vv. 14-15, 40)
3. The Wisdom of the Cross (1 Corinthians 1:26-28)
4. The Benefits of the Cross (vv. 29-30)

In Depth
1. The Ministry at Philippi (Acts 16:11-13) It took two to five days for Paul and his team to travel from Troas
to Macedonia. The first colony they visited in Macedonia was Philippi. On the Sabbath, Paul and the others
traveling with him made their way through the city gate and to the water’s edge. They had discovered that there
was no synagogue in Philippi, indicating that there were not ten Jewish men in the community, as this is the
number of men required to hold a Sabbath service. Those who sought to worship God, then, were mostly
women and did so down by the riverside, where women often gathered to draw water, do laundry, and enjoy
female companionship.

Paul and his friends began to preach Christ to these women. Paul had learned that God did not show favoritism
and the women who had converted to Christ had become a major source for the spread of Christianity in other
places where he had preached.

Where have you seen women take the initiative to start a gathering when men could not or did not do so?

2. The Conversion of Lydia (vv. 14-15, 40) Lydia’s heart is already open to receive God’s Word, so when Paul
begins to speak, she listens and accepts the truth of the things he has to say. Lydia became the first convert in
Europe. Then after accepting Christ for herself and being baptized, she was blessed to see her entire household
baptized into the Christian community of believers. The joy she experienced in Christ must have been
tremendous, for after her conversion she invited Paul and his companions to stay in her home as her guests and
refused to let them say no. Paul and the other missionaries traveling with him stayed with Lydia until their
ministry in the city had concluded. Her home became the first church at Philippi. Paul later referred to the
Philippian church as his “joy and crown” (Philippians 4:1). Lydia became one of Paul’s financial supporters and
was a loyal helper in his ministry. Lydia even fearlessly opened her house to Paul and Silas after they were
released from prison. She did not let the fear of associating with people accused of rabble-rousing keep her from
supporting God’s workers.

What effort have you made to lead your family and close friends to Christ?

3. The Wisdom of the Cross (1 Corinthians 1:26-28) As we have seen in this past month of lessons, God does
not hesitate to call people to spread the Word even though society has overlooked them. Lydia was rich, but
most converts were poor or working class. Paul tells these converts that formal education, political power, and
economic status are not what put you ahead in the kingdom of God.

Instead, God specifically chooses those the world counts as low to show His glory. The Lord ordained twelve
social outcasts to be His disciples, to learn from Him, and be empowered with the Holy Spirit. They, in turn,
were responsible for sharing the message of the Cross worldwide. Perceived as a powerless baby born in a
manger, Jesus escaped the murderous rampage of a king. A despised Cross and physical death, instead of
ending Jesus’ existence, demonstrated His wisdom and power over sin and the grave itself.

How has God used the weaknesses in your life to show His glory?

4. The Benefits of the Cross (vv. 29-30) When we look back and remember how the Lord has brought us,
sheer necessity compels us to sing, “If it had not been for the Lord on my side, where would I be?” Those who
know we would be nothing without God have reason to rejoice and brag. True wisdom is knowing that our
rejoicing and bragging is in what God has done for us through Christ Jesus.

God chooses the lowly, and completed the entire work of salvation by Himself, so that no one has anything to
boast about to God (v. 29). The marvel is that God makes Jesus everything—and then includes us! He makes
Christ all the deep, lasting, spiritual things we could boast about: wisdom, righteousness, sanctification, and
redemption (v. 30). But he doesn’t keep them to Himself. He shares them with us. God specifically gives these
gifts to the lowly so that the world can see how far a person is lifted solely by the power of Christ.
How have you expressed your gratitude for all God has done for you?

Search the Scriptures
1. Who was baptized along with Lydia (Acts 16:15)?
2. What aspects of the world does God confound, shame, and bring to nothing? (1 Corinthians 1:27)

Discuss the Meaning
1. Why did God lead Paul to Macedonia to the women at the river, but forbid him to go to other places?
2. Why is it significant that Lydia already worshiped God?
3. Christians are not saved because we are wise, strong, or wealthy. In fact, Scripture reminds us of how little
merit we have on our own. However, Scripture also reminds us of our unity with Christ, who is everything
glorious. In light of these two opposite self-images, how should Christians understand themselves and present
themselves to the world?

Liberating Lesson
Missionaries who travel to Africa report that the nature of hospitality is such that within the community
whenever anyone needs food or shelter, the members of the church rise up and take them into their own homes
until they can correct whatever problem might have caused their circumstance. Such hospitality is not
uncommon across the world. What do you think would happen in America if Christians practiced that type of
hospitality?

Application for Activation
Through Lydia’s successful trade of purple, God equipped her to perform the task of hospitality. When Paul’s
team came, Lydia faithfully jumped at the chance to make use of the skills and means that God had given her.
Take time this week to examine how God has equipped you and presented you with the opportunity to make use
of your gifts. Find a way to take that opportunity this week and just like Lydia, don’t take no for an answer!

Follow the Spirit
What God wants me to do:
______________________________________
______________________________________
______________________________________
______________________________________

Remember Your Thoughts
Special insights I have learned:
______________________________________
______________________________________
______________________________________
______________________________________
 

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2.21.21 Sunday School

Unit 3: The Call of Women

Priscilla: Called to Minister | Bible Background • ACTS 18:1-26; ROMANS 16:3-4; 1 CORINTHIANS 16:19 | 2 TIMOTHY 4:19 | Printed Text • ACTS 18:1-3, 18-21, 24-26; ROMANS 16:3-4 | Devotional Reading • COLOSSIANS 4:7-15

AIM FOR CHANGE
By the end of this lesson, we will RESEARCH the life and ministry of Priscilla and her husband Aquila, APPRECIATE the ministry of those who explain the Way of God with accuracy, and SEEK opportunities to use our gifts or abilities to further the Gospel.

IN FOCUS

Gloria and Raoul had come to the United States five years ago as refugees from the Democratic Republic of Congo. They had to leave their home because regional infighting was making it dangerous for them. The U.S. would provide a safe place where they could start a family. Even though Gloria and Raoul only knew a few people who had immigrated, they trusted that God would provide for them as they journeyed to this new land. The couple was grateful to be welcomed into a local church. The church included them in their ministries, and Gloria and Raoul offering their skills at the church’s after-school program. Raoul had actually taught algebra before they fled, and Gloria loved looking after little ones.

One day, a new face showed up in the congregation. He was an immigrant from Costa Rica named Julio. Even though he spoke only a little English, he loved the Lord and loved to share that love on the field. He told stories about his time coaching fútbol back in his hometown. Gloria insisted Julio come to their house for lunch, and they recruited him to join them at the after-school program, teaching soccer. Julio quickly became invaluable to the ministry. Many students were excited to learn new soccer tricks, but they also learned about Jesus’ love for them.
 
What skills do you have that can be used to directly further the Gospel? How can you use your skills in ways that help others share the Gospel too?
 
KEEP IN MIND
“Greet Priscilla and Aquila my helpers in Christ Jesus:  Who have for my life laid down their own necks: unto whom not only I give thanks, but also all the churches of the Gentiles” (Romans 16:3-4, KJV).
 
FOCAL VERSES
Acts 18:1 After these things Paul departed from Athens, and came to Corinth;
2 And found a certain Jew named Aquila, born in Pontus, lately come from Italy, with his wife Priscilla;
(because that Claudius had commanded all Jews to depart from Rome:) and came unto them.
3 And because he was of the same craft, he abode with them, and wrought: for by their occupation they were
tentmakers.
Acts 18:18 And Paul after this tarried there yet a good while, and then took his leave of the brethren, and sailed
thence into Syria, and with him Priscilla and Aquila; having shorn his head in Cenchrea: for he had a vow.
19 And he came to Ephesus, and left them there: but he himself entered into the synagogue, and reasoned with
the Jews.
20 When they desired him to tarry longer time with them, he consented not;
21 But bade them farewell, saying, I must by all means keep this feast that cometh in Jerusalem: but I will
return again unto you, if God will. And he sailed from Ephesus.
24 And a certain Jew named Apollos, born at Alexandria, an eloquent man, and mighty in the scriptures, came
to Ephesus.
25 This man was instructed in the way of the Lord; and being fervent in the spirit, he spake and taught diligently
the things of the Lord, knowing only the baptism of John.
26 And he began to speak boldly in the synagogue: whom when Aquila and Priscilla had heard, they took him
unto them, and expounded unto him the way of God more perfectly.
Romans 16:3 Greet Priscilla and Aquila my helpers in Christ Jesus:
4 Who have for my life laid down their own necks: unto whom not only I give thanks, but also all the churches
of the Gentiles.
 
THE PEOPLE, PLACES, AND TIMES
Ephesus. A principal Roman city of Asia, Ephesus was both a strategic commercial city and a major religious
center. The city was famous for its magnificent temple of Diana, one of the seven wonders of the ancient world.
The practice of magic and a large part of the local economy were intertwined with this temple. Paul remained in
Ephesus for three years on his third missionary journey. The Word spread throughout that region. Paul’s
ministry hurt the sale of magical items and images, leading to an actual riot. After this, Paul left and went to
Macedonia and returned only for a brief visit with the elders, several miles outside the city. Paul wrote a letter
to the Ephesian church while imprisoned in Rome.

Apollos. An Alexandrian Jew who came to Ephesus in AD 52 (Acts 18:24). He had an accurate understanding
of the story of Jesus and a profound understanding of the Old Testament. He was eloquent, articulate, and
enthusiastic as he preached the truth as he knew it (Acts 18:24-25). However, he lacked knowledge about the
outpouring of the Holy Spirit and baptism. Priscilla and Aquila patiently instructed Apollos, filling in the gaps
in his knowledge (Acts 18:26). As a result, Apollos went on to become a powerful proclaimer and defender of
the Christian faith (Acts 18:27-28).

Do you make yourself open to receiving correction as Apollos did?

BACKGROUND
Luke, the Gospel writer and author of the Acts of the Apostles, portrays the husband and wife team of Aquila
and Priscilla as an ideal model of Christianity. They are friendly, hospitable, and generous. Aquila was a
tentmaker who traveled extensively throughout the New Testament world with his wife Priscilla (see Acts 18:2-
28; 1 Corinthians 16:19). Some scholars suggest that Priscilla inherited wealth and held tremendous influence in
her community. They count this as one possible reason she is often mentioned before her husband in Scripture.
The Bible does not say how Paul met this couple, but it is clear that the apostle formed a friendship with Aquila
and Priscilla. Through their influence and friendship, Paul was able to continue his missionary journey while
leaving a faithful ministry team in Ephesus to preach the Gospel on his—and Jesus’—behalf.
How has a friendship with another Christian family or friend helped your faith journey?

AT-A-GLANCE
1. Paul Meets Priscilla and Aquila (Acts 18:1-3)
2. Expanding the Ministry to Ephesus (vv. 18-21)
3. Apollos Meets Priscilla and Aquila (vv. 24-26)
4. Paul Salutes Priscilla and Aquila (Romans 16:3-4)

IN DEPTH
1. Paul Meets Priscilla and Aquila (Acts 18:1-3) After Athens, Paul’s next stop is Corinth, approximately fifty
miles to the west. While there, Paul meets a Jewish-Christian couple named Priscilla and Aquila. Even though
Aquila was born among the large Jewish population of Pontus, he and his wife had most recently lived in Italy.
When Emperor Claudius commanded all Jews to be expelled from Rome, however, the couple left and
eventually arrived in Corinth. The Scriptures affirm that Aquila, Priscilla, and Paul were all tentmakers, so the
three of them worked at their tentmaking trade, and Paul engaged in ministry on the Sabbath, preaching to both
Jews and Gentiles in the synagogue.
Most would agree that Paul was a great apostle and evangelist, but dedicated friends helped Paul achieve many
of his accomplishments. Christian friends, like Priscilla and Aquila, are vitally important to ministry and
evangelism. God’s church is not made of brick and mortar; it is made of people who are codependent on one
another and Christ.
2. Expanding the Ministry to Ephesus (vv. 18-21) Paul and his companions minister for a year and a half
among the Corinthians before the stirring of the Holy Spirit prompts them to travel to Syria to further the
ministry. Paul leaves accompanied by Priscilla and Aquila and sailed back across the Aegean Sea.
The ship upon which the trio has traveling stops in Ephesus for a short time and Paul takes advantage of the
stopover to teach in the local Jewish synagogue. His preaching stirs interest among the Jewish inhabitants of
Ephesus, who entreat Paul to stay with them longer. However, Paul desires to return to Jerusalem in time for
one of the Jewish festivals and is unable to stay. He promises, however, to return if God will permit it. He also
leaves Priscilla and Aquila in Ephesus to carry on what he has begun. Priscilla and Aquila remain in Ephesus
for several years and permit their home to be used as the meeting place for the Christian church they help to
plant.
3. Apollos Meets Priscilla and Aquila (vv. 24-26) Sometime later, Apollos, a Jew who was born in
Alexandria, comes to Ephesus. Apollos was excited about the Word of God and the Lord Jesus Christ and
described as “an eloquent man, and mighty in the Scriptures” (v. 24).
Apollos possesses great biblical skills, having the ability to teach the Word diligently, even though he only
knows about the baptism of John. However, Apollos’ ministry catches the attention of Priscilla and Aquila.
They are impressed with his teaching and his boldness as he speaks in the synagogue, but they realize that
Apollos lacks a fuller understanding of Jesus.
Priscilla and Aquila become his mentors in the things of the Spirit. We all need spiritual mentors who can help
us expound the Word of God in a more complete way. We should not be afraid to ask others who may be more
spiritually mature to help us get a better understanding of the Scriptures.

4. Paul Salutes Priscilla and Aquila (Romans 16:3-4) At the close of his letter to the Romans, the Apostle Paul
greets 26 people by name. At the top of this list is the ministry team, Priscilla and Aquila. He refers to the
couple as “my helpers in Christ Jesus.” The word “helper” means “fellow worker” and looks back to their love
and aid when Paul arrived in Corinth. The apostle says that the couple “laid down their own necks,” or risked
their lives on his behalf. Scripture does not record the incident when this took place, but at some point the
couple was willing to sacrifice their own lives for the Gospel. Paul affirms his gratitude for this couple’s work,
adding that “also all the churches of the Gentiles” thank them. This shows that Paul considers Priscilla and
Aquila’s work so influential that every church started by non-Jews owes gratitude to them.
 
SEARCH THE SCRIPTURES
1. Why had Priscilla and Aquila left their home in Rome and relocated to Corinth? (Acts 18:2)
2. What activity helped cement the partnership between Paul and the couple? (v. 3)
3. What phrase did Paul use to describe the couple’s ministry with him? (Romans 16:3)
 
DISCUSS THE MEANING
1. Many people believe that working with one’s spouse professionally or in ministry can cause problems in the
home because work problems or ministry disagreements follow the couple home and cause friction. Do you
believe this? If so, why? If not, why not?
2. What are some of the reasons people do not mentor younger people? How should these issues be resolved?
 
LIBERATING LESSON
Christian homes and solid Christian marriages remain two of the best tools for spreading the Gospel. Husband and-wife teams can be tremendous blessings for the body of Christ. The faithfulness of people like Priscilla and
Aquila makes ministry a joy for others. The effectiveness of their ministry says a lot about their personal
relationship with each other and with God. Their hospitality became the doorway of salvation for many.
This is why the enemy fights so hard against marriage. More than half the marriages in the United States end in
divorce. List some of the positive features and negative hindrances that can affect husband-and-wife
businesses/partnerships (and marriages). Report on your list next week.
 
APPLICATION FOR ACTIVATION
In today’s lesson, Priscilla and Aquila took young Apollos under their wing and mentored him in the Gospel.
Examine your life to see who you are influencing in the body of Christ. If you can’t think of anyone, ask God to
help you make a specific contribution to someone’s life this week. Perhaps making a phone call or writing a
letter to lift someone’s spirit is a good place to start. Before the class is over today, commit to find someone this
week.
 
FOLLOW THE SPIRIT
What God wants me to do:
______________________________________
______________________________________
______________________________________
______________________________________

REMEMBER YOUR THOUGHTS
Special insights I have learned:
______________________________________
______________________________________
______________________________________
______________________________________
 

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