ESOCS Devotional 16 September
TEXT: Romans 16:1-17 KJV
MEMORY VERSE: “That ye receive her in the Lord, as becometh saints, and that ye assist her in whatsoever business she hath need of you: for she hath been a succourer of many, and of myself also” Romans 16:2 KJV
Many pillars of the early church were faithful women who ministered and gave strong leadership. They made many efforts for the revival and growth of faith in the church in so many ways.
In our text, Apostle Paul started by commending Phebe (Rom. 16:1, and continued in verse 2, our memory verse). Phebe was known as a servant (which in Greek means” deaconess”) and a helper. She apparently was wealthy and supported Paul’s ministry. She was highly regarded in the church. Paul also greeted Priscilla (and her husband Aquila). They invited him to live with them in their new home in Corinth where they met him. They lived in Rome but were expelled with all other Jews by the emperor (Acts 18:2, 3).They were missionaries; they helped believers in Ephesus (Acts 18:18-28).They ministered effectively behind the scenes. This provides evidence that women played important roles in the early church.
The tools these faithful women used to support the church were their resources, hospitality, friendship, providing their houses for meetings and church services, person-to-person teaching, etc. Priscilla and Aquila for instance, were not public speakers but private evangelists.
We have several significant women in the Bible who supported the work, and people of God in one way or the other: Esther (Esth. 4:16; 9:13, 14); Deborah (Judges 4:5); Anna (Luke 2: 36-38); Dorcas (Acts 9: 36-41); Lydia (Acts 16:14, 15), and a host of others. Finally, Apostle Paul appreciated these women of faith and virtue by sending his personal greetings to many of them in Rome. This shows the warm, relational approach he practiced. So, our male Church Leaders and members should practice the same.
Read yesterday’s ESOCS Devotional here
The lessons to learn from the above are: (i) The church’s base is broad – it cuts across gender, status, (as well as cultural, social, and economic lines). (ii) Women (single or married) are very strong pillars in the growth and development of the church. (iii) Women’s support can be in various ways based on the church’s needs and as inspired by God. (iv) Married women should carry their husbands along in whatever support they may want to give the church. (v) It is important to appreciate women who support the church (and indeed, every other person). They feel recognized, which motivates them to do more.
CHALLENGES
- Some women rather than supporting, cause confusion in the church. Do you have such women? Are you one of such women?
PRAYER POINT:
- Ask God to raise women of faith and virtue in the church who will give support at all times.
FURTHER READING: Judges 4; Matthew 20:20-22; Luke 8:3; 10:38-42; 2 Timothy 1:15
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ESOCS Devotional 16 September
