“SHEroes” - of Valor of the New Testament Worshipers
“SHEroes” of Valor of the New Testament Worshipers
“SHEroes” of Valor of the New Testament Worshipers
“SHEroes” of Valor of the New Testament Worshipers
SHEroe of Valor of the New Testament WORSHIPERS:
“Women of Worship”
Titus 2:3-4
“The older women likewise, that they be reverent in behavior, not slanderers, not given to much wine, teachers of good things-- that they admonish the young women to love their husbands, to love their children, to be discreet, chaste, homemakers, good, obedient
SHEroe of Valor of the New Testament WORSHIPERS:
“Women of Worship”
Titus 2:3-4
“The older women likewise, that they be reverent in behavior, not slanderers, not given to much wine, teachers of good things-- that they admonish the young women to love their husbands, to love their children, to be discreet, chaste, homemakers, good, obedient to their own husbands, that the Word of God may not be blasphemed.”
The New Testament Proverbs 31 Woman is a “Woman of Valor” and Worship. This woman goes about her tasks eagerly, willingly, and thoroughly.
She's industrious and responsible for her tasks. She sees the purpose behind it which in her case is taking care of her family, and doesn't let complaining or laziness win.
If she is not married, or if she doesn’t have children, her first priority should be to serving The LORD and doing what He desires for her to be and do.
A woman’s job as a wife and mother is to speak out on the things that make for solid doctrine. Older women should instruct the younger women to live a life of reverence so they end up as neither gossips nor drunks, but models of goodness.
By observing the older women, the younger women will know how to love their husbands and children; how to be virtuous and pure; how to keep a good house; which makes it easier to be good wives. We don’t want anyone looking down on God’s Message because of “our” behavior.
If you’ve gotten anything at all out of following Christ, if His love has made any difference in your life, if being in a community of Spirit-filled believers means anything to you, if you have a heart, if you care - then do yourself a favor: Agree with each other, love each other, hang around with friends who understand your devotion to Christ.
Don’t push your way to the front; don’t sweet-talk your way to the top. Put yourself aside, and help others get ahead. Don’t be obsessed with getting your own way, and of taking advantage of others. Forget yourselves long enough to lend a helping hand.
Jesus had equal status with God but didn’t think so much of Himself that He had to cling to the advantages of that status no matter what.
When the time came, He set aside the privileges of deity and took on the status of a slave, He became human!
Having become human was an incredibly humbling process. He didn’t claim special privileges. Instead, he lived a selfless, obedient life and then died a selfless, obedient death - and the worst kind of death at that - a crucifixion.
Because of that obedience, God lifted Him high and honored Him far beyond anyone or anything ever. So all created beings in heaven and on earth - even those long ago dead and buried - will bow in worship before His Son, Jesus Christ, and give due praise to He that is the Master of all, to the glorious honor of God the Father.
Study Questions:
• How can women take an active role in the Church as ‘SHEroes’ without being forceful and pushy?
• How were women viewed in New Testament times?
• How did Jesus treat women?
• What are the four narratives about the life, teachings, death and resurrection of Jesus called?
“Elizabeth” - Mother of John the Baptist
“SHEroes” of Valor of the New Testament Worshipers
“SHEroes” of Valor of the New Testament Worshipers
SHEroes of Valor of the New Testament WORSHIPERS:
“Elizabeth”
Luke 1:5-7
“There was in the days of Herod, the king of Judaea, a certain priest named Zacharias, of the course of Abia: and his wife was of the daughters of Aaron, and her name name was Elizabeth. And they were both righteous before God, walking in all the commandments and ordina
SHEroes of Valor of the New Testament WORSHIPERS:
“Elizabeth”
Luke 1:5-7
“There was in the days of Herod, the king of Judaea, a certain priest named Zacharias, of the course of Abia: and his wife was of the daughters of Aaron, and her name name was Elizabeth. And they were both righteous before God, walking in all the commandments and ordinaces of The LORD blameless. And they had no child, because Elizabeth was barren, and they were both well stricken in years.”
Elizabeth was a descendant of Aaron, and both she and Zacharias were considered righteous in the sight of God. They were older (the Bible says that Zacharias was old and Elizabeth was well advanced in years), and had never been able to have children, but God worked a miracle so they could conceive.
Examining the age of Elizabeth when she gave birth to John the Baptist offers us a brief look into the miraculous nature of this event and its profound effect within the Christian faith.
The story of John the Baptist's birth is a captivating and significant aspect of biblical history. It is a tale of divine intervention, faith, and the fulfillment of prophecy.
At the heart of this narrative is Elizabeth. Her name in Hebrew is Elisheva, which means “God’s promise” or “God is my oath”.
Elizabeth, whose age at the time of her son's birth had sparked curiosity and contemplation for centuries, relished that she was the mother of the forerunner of the coming Messiah.
When the angel, Gabriel, told Elizabeth’s husband about the birth of their son, he was in disbelief and he questioned if what Gabriel was saying was true.
At Zacharias’ disbelief, he was struck mute until the baby was born. The angel told Zacharias to name the baby John. So, when Elizabeth discovered that she would become pregnant in her old age, her husband, who couldn’t talk, wrote his name on a tablet to show Elizabeth what God had planned.
Looking into the biblical account and historical context surrounding this remarkable occurrence provides a deeper understanding of the spiritual significance attributed to John's birth. The birth of John the Baptist is a profound and miraculous event that holds immense significance within Christian theology.
It was believed that Elizabeth was around 88 years old when she conceived John. John's birth was foretold by the angel Gabriel to his father, the priest Zacharias, who was serving in the temple. The angel's proclamation revealed that John would play a pivotal role in preparing the way for the Messiah.
When Elizabeth gave birth to John, she was visited by her much younger cousin, Mary, who just found out that she would give birth to The Messiah! When Mary told Elizabeth about her miracle (the miracle being that Mary was a virgin), the babe within Elizabeth leaped within her womb.
Study Questions:
• How did Elizabeth and Zacharias stay faithful to the LORD during the years of waiting for a child?
• How did Elizabeth react when she met Mary and learned that Mary was carrying the Messiah?
• What role did Elizabeth play in Jesus' narrative?
• Because Elizabeth was a descendant of Aaron, do you think that this played a part in her being chosen to be the mother of John the Baptist?
“Mary” - The Mother of Jesus
“SHEroes” of Valor of the New Testament Worshipers
“Anna” - Prophetess in Jerusalem
SHEroes of Valor of the New Testament WORSHIPERS:
”Mary” - Mother of Jesus
Matthew, Luke, and John, Luke 2:8-14
In Luke 1:42 = Elizabeth greets Mary with this Salutation: “Blessed art thou among women, and blessed is the fruit of your womb.”
Being visited by the angel Gabriel, and being told that she was chosen by God to bring His Son into
SHEroes of Valor of the New Testament WORSHIPERS:
”Mary” - Mother of Jesus
Matthew, Luke, and John, Luke 2:8-14
In Luke 1:42 = Elizabeth greets Mary with this Salutation: “Blessed art thou among women, and blessed is the fruit of your womb.”
Being visited by the angel Gabriel, and being told that she was chosen by God to bring His Son into this world, Mary conceived Jesus through the Holy Spirit. She was a virgin who found favor in the sight of God. Because God wanted an innocent woman to carry His innocent Son.
Not long after Gabriel’s visit to Mary telling her of what was to come, he then visited Joseph in a dream and told him to take Mary and go to Bethlehem (which in those days was called David’s city”) to be taxed, for Joseph was a descendant of King David. Mary was a distant cousin of Joseph; so, they were both descendants of King David.
King Herod wanted to kill all the male children. For he had feared that the prophesied child would grow up and take his place as king! So he sent a decree out that all Judea must be taxed.
Herod called certain Magi (Wise Men) and told them to seek and find this child so that he could come and worship Him. But God warned the wise men that Herod wanted to kill baby Jesus.
When the Wise Men had been warned of the impending danger to baby Jesus, they decided not to tell King Herod about the whereabouts of this Holy Child.
Mary's pregnancy caused a problem, especially in the society of that time, because she was unmarried. An angel told Joseph that Mary was pregnant by the Holy Ghost and she would give birth to God’s only begotten Son, Jesus.
So Joseph married her instead of shaming or leaving her. They left their home town of Nazareth to go into Bethlehem because of “rendering to Ceasar, that which is Ceasar’s”.
Therefore, Joseph and Mary traveled to Bethlehem to pay their taxes in their home town. They had traveled a long way and Mary was ready to have her baby. But, when they reached Bethlehem, it was very crowded and they could find no room at the inn, because in those days, people paid their taxes! 🤣(lol)
Being weary from travel and needing to give birth to her baby, Mary wanted to rest, but they could not find a place anywhere. So, Joseph asked the innkeeper if they could use the barn to get some much needed rest.
That night in a nearby field, Shepherds were tending their sheep when an angel appeared to them and said to them, ”Fear not; for behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. For unto you is born this day in the City of David a Saviour, which is Christ The LORD. This shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger.”
And suddenly there was a Heavenly host that appeared and sang praises to God singing, “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.“
The shepherds left immediately to look for the promised Messiah! They found them in a stable, where baby Jesus laid in an animal’s feeding trough, a manger. The King of Glory came to be born of a SHEroe named Mary!
Wherefore, the Saviour of the world was born in a musty, dirty, cold barn among animals that, besides the Shepherds, were the only witnesses to His birth.
After giving birth to Jesus in Bethlehem, they had to flee from that place, so they went back to where they had come from and raised Jesus in the city of Nazareth in Galilee.
Study Questions:
• Why do you think God chose Mary to be the mother of His Holy Son?
• What is the relationship between Elizabeth and Mary?
• Why did Joseph and Mary have to travel to Bethlehem?
• Who was there at the birth of Jesus?
“Anna” - Prophetess in Jerusalem
“Mary of Bethany” - Sister of Martha and Lazarus!
“Anna” - Prophetess in Jerusalem
SHEroes of Valor of the New Testament WORSHIPERS:
“Anna the Prophetess”
Luke 2:36-38
Anna is a woman in the Bible who appears in the Gospel of Luke. She is described as a prophetess, a member of the Tribe of Asher, and an elderly widow who lived in the Temple of Jerusalem:
She had every reason to feel hopeless and useless. Yet, Anna believed
SHEroes of Valor of the New Testament WORSHIPERS:
“Anna the Prophetess”
Luke 2:36-38
Anna is a woman in the Bible who appears in the Gospel of Luke. She is described as a prophetess, a member of the Tribe of Asher, and an elderly widow who lived in the Temple of Jerusalem:
She had every reason to feel hopeless and useless. Yet, Anna believed God’s promise that she was valuable to Him. She knew her worth as a “SHEro” - a “Woman of Worship.”
She dedicated her whole life to immersing herself in the Word of God and in His presence and sharing His Word with other women who came to the temple.
This prophetess worshiped day and night through prayer and fasting, and was present when Mary and Joseph brought Jesus to the Temple at 40 “days” old, and she watched Simeon bless Jesus.
She approached Mary and Joseph to give her Blessing over the promised Messiah. Anna, in her story, invites us to do the same sort of expectation with which she lived her life.
She models what healthy Christian discipleship can look like: some type of fasting, continual prayer, and sharing the good news with others. Her story helps us imagine what it could look like for us to rely solely on our Maker.
Anna's life was disappointing in some ways, because she had lost her husband at a young age and she had no children. Yet, she was not only a prophetess, but a caring woman of God.
Study Questions:
• How did Anna tell others about Jesus?
• What did Anna do in the temple?
• Based on what Anna did, what should you do in response to your situation or problem?
• How do you know you are valuable to God?
“Mary of Bethany” - Sister of Martha and Lazarus!
“Mary of Bethany” - Sister of Martha and Lazarus!
“Mary of Bethany” - Sister of Martha and Lazarus!
SHEroes of Valor of the New Testament WORSHIPERS:
”Mary of Bethany”
Luke 10:38-42; John 11:1-12:8; John 12:3
Mary is a biblical figure mentioned by name in the Gospel of John. Together with her siblings Lazarus and Martha, she was living in Bethany, a small village in Judaea to the south of the Mount of Olives near Jerusalem. Many call her
SHEroes of Valor of the New Testament WORSHIPERS:
”Mary of Bethany”
Luke 10:38-42; John 11:1-12:8; John 12:3
Mary is a biblical figure mentioned by name in the Gospel of John. Together with her siblings Lazarus and Martha, she was living in Bethany, a small village in Judaea to the south of the Mount of Olives near Jerusalem. Many call her ”St. Mary of Bethany”.
When Lazarus was sick, Mary and Martha sent for Jesus, telling Him that “the one He loved was sick”. Many believe that Jesus was a long-time family friend. And that is why when Lazarus had died, the Bible says that Jesus wept! (John 11:35)
In the Gospel of John, Mary of Bethany was at the tomb where Jesus raised her brother, Lazarus, from the dead. Later when entering into the village, Jesus went to visit His friends in their home.
Martha ran to meet Jesus, while Mary stayed back and waited for Jesus to come to her. When He enters, she falls at his feet, pouring the alabaster jar of myrrh perfume on His feet, and drying His feet with her hair.
The alabaster box of perfume was worth 300 denarii, which is equivalent to what today would be worth around a year’s salary, approximately $30,000 to $50,000.
Both sisters lamented that He did not arrive in time to prevent their brother's death: Martha said, "LORD, if you had been here, my brother would not have died." Mary and Martha both were grieving.
Mary sat down at His feet, pouring the alabaster jar of myrrh perfume on His feet, and wiping His feet with her hair. She sat at Jesus’ feet and heard His Word. But Martha was distracted with much serving, and she approached Him and said, “LORD, do You not care that my sister has left me to serve alone? Therefore tell her to help me.”
And Jesus answered and said to her, “Martha, Martha, you are worried and troubled about many things. But one thing is needed, and “Mary has chosen that good part, which will not be taken away from her.”
Study Questions:
• What can we learn from Mary of Bethany?
• How is the anointing of Jesus, symbolic of what He would go through?
• Why do you think Mary did not go with her sister, Martha, to meet Jesus when He arrived to their village home?
• Why do you think Mary used such a costly gift to wash the feet of Jesus?
“Mary Magdalene” - Disciple of Jesus
“Mary of Bethany” - Sister of Martha and Lazarus!
“Mary of Bethany” - Sister of Martha and Lazarus!
SHEroes of Valor of the New Testament WORSHIPERS:
“Mary Magdalene”
The Gospels of Matthew, Mark, Luke and John.
Luke 8:2
“And certain women, which had been healed of evil spirits and infirmities, Mary called Magdalene, out of whom went seven devils,”
Jesus had met a woman, possessed of evil spirits who was thrashing around, being tormented
SHEroes of Valor of the New Testament WORSHIPERS:
“Mary Magdalene”
The Gospels of Matthew, Mark, Luke and John.
Luke 8:2
“And certain women, which had been healed of evil spirits and infirmities, Mary called Magdalene, out of whom went seven devils,”
Jesus had met a woman, possessed of evil spirits who was thrashing around, being tormented by the devil, whom Jesus spoke peace into her life by casting out the evil spirits from her.
That woman was Mary Magdalene, who became a faithful Disciple and follower of Jesus. The name Magdalene likely indicates that she came from Magdala, a city on the southwest coast of the Sea of Galilee.
After Jesus cast the demons out of her, she became a loyal disciple of His. She became a prominent figure in the life and ministry of Jesus.
She is mentioned several times in the Gospels as a devoted follower who was present at His crucifixion, burial and resurrection.
Mary was one of the women who went to the tomb of Jesus to attend to His dead body, where she witnessed the resurrection of Jesus from the dead. Along with Mary, the mother of Jesus and other Mary’s that were there.
At the tomb, where some women were about to prepare the dead body of Jesus, Mary Magdalene seen Him and would have run to hug Jesus, but He told her not to touch Him, for He had not yet ascended to His Father.
Her story serves as an example of faith and dedication, and how a person can change from the wickedness of a tormented past to being delivered and living a life of peace.
It is believed that she was a part of the upper room experience. She remains an important figure in Christianity today.
Study Questions:
- Why did Mary Magdalene follow Jesus?
- Could Mary Magdalene be considered an apostle?
- Does her being a disciple show us that God doesn’t look upon gender, but looks upon our hearts?
- In John 19:25, where does it say that Mary Magdalene was when Jesus was on the Cross?
“Mary” - Wife of Cloepas
“Priscilla” - a Disciple of Christ and good friend of Paul, the Apostle
“Lydia” - Seller of Purple
SHEroes of Valor of the New Testament WORSHIPERS:
“Mary” - Wife of Cloepas
John 19:25
“Now there stood by the cross of Jesus His mother, and His mother's sister, Mary the wife of Clopas, and Mary Magdalene.“
Mary is named as one of the women present at the crucifixion, and at the tomb, where they went to minister to the body of Jesus: The pas
SHEroes of Valor of the New Testament WORSHIPERS:
“Mary” - Wife of Cloepas
John 19:25
“Now there stood by the cross of Jesus His mother, and His mother's sister, Mary the wife of Clopas, and Mary Magdalene.“
Mary is named as one of the women present at the crucifixion, and at the tomb, where they went to minister to the body of Jesus: The passage of Matthew 27:56 reads: "Among which was Mary Magdalene, and Mary the mother of James and Joses, and the mother of Zebedee's children."
The third Mary at the cross is the most obscure. She is only mentioned once in the Gospel of John and only as the wife of Cleopas. Much of what we know comes from church tradition or historical accounts.
Mary is the wife of Cloepas. She and her husband were the two disciples on the road to Emmaus when they met Jesus and invited Him into their home where they ministered to His physical needs, while He ministered to their spiritual needs.
Mary was known as the Patroness of caretakers due to the way she tended to the needs of Jesus so devoutly.
The first readers of the Gospels would have known immediately who this Mary was and why John identified her with her husband. Since there were three Marys at the cross, John needed to name the third Mary by her husband’s name, Cleopas. Sorta like, “No, not Jesus’ mother, or Mary Magdalene, but the other Mary — you know, Cleopas’ wife.”
Cleopas, also spelled Cleophas, was a figure of early Christianity, one of the two disciples who encountered Jesus during the Road to Emmaus, and invited Jesus to come to their house where they ministered to Jesus physically and Jesus ministered to them spiritually.
Study Questions:
• What road was Cloepas and his wife Mary, traveling on when Jesus appeared to them?
• What role did Cloepas and Mary play in relationship to Jesus?
• What is Mary the Patroness saint of?
• Was this Mary at the crucifixion and resurrection of Jesus?
“Lydia” - Seller of Purple
“Priscilla” - a Disciple of Christ and good friend of Paul, the Apostle
“Lydia” - Seller of Purple
SHEroes of Valor of the New Testament WORSHIPERS:
“Lydia” - Seller of purple
Acts 16:13-15 and Acts 16:22-15; 40:
”Lydia heard us. She was a seller of purple from the city of Thyatira, who worshiped God.The LORD opened her heart to heed the things spoken by Paul. And when she and her household were baptized, she begged us, saying, ”If you h
SHEroes of Valor of the New Testament WORSHIPERS:
“Lydia” - Seller of purple
Acts 16:13-15 and Acts 16:22-15; 40:
”Lydia heard us. She was a seller of purple from the city of Thyatira, who worshiped God.The LORD opened her heart to heed the things spoken by Paul. And when she and her household were baptized, she begged us, saying, ”If you have judged me to be faithful to The LORD, come to my house and stay.” So she persuaded us.”
Lydia is a woman in the Bible who is described as a God-fearing businesswoman who sold purple cloth and became the first convert to Christianity in Philippi: where Paul met her on the Sabbath after arriving in the city.
Paul and his companions went to a place of prayer by the river, where they spoke to a group of women. The LORD opened Lydia’s heart to Paul’s message, and she became a believer.
Purple dye was very expensive in ancient time, often associated with royalty, so because Lydia dealt in luxury goods, it tells us that she was a relatively wealthy woman.
Lydia's name appears in Scripture only twice. She was seemingly the first Gentile convert in Europe and the first believer to open her home as a worship center for European Christians.
Her name was taken from her place of origin, Thyatira in the province of Lydia (now Turkey) rather than denoting her birth name. Thyatira was a city well-known for its production of purple dye, making Lydia's trade in purple cloth a logical connection to her hometown.
This benefited not only Paul and the early church but also the lives of future generations of believers. Lydia of Thyatira is a woman introduced in the New Testament who is considered the first recorded convert to Christianity in Europe. Several Christian denominations have sanctioned her as a saint.
She is regularly known as “St. Lydia” or simply “The Woman of Purple.” Because of her luxury cloths, she is identified as a dealer of purple. Which is the probable basis why she is described as the “patroness of dyers.”
Study Questions:
• What was significant about the "purple cloth" Lydia sold?
• Where did Paul meet Lydia?
• What is the importance of Lydia's conversion to Christianity?
• What does Lydia's story tell us about women's roles in the early church?
“Priscilla” - a Disciple of Christ and good friend of Paul, the Apostle
“Priscilla” - a Disciple of Christ and good friend of Paul, the Apostle
“Priscilla” - a Disciple of Christ and good friend of Paul, the Apostle
SHEroes of Valor of the New Testament WORSHIPERS:
“Priscilla”
Acts 18:2-3; 18-20; 24-26; Rom. 16:3-5; 1 Cor. 16:19; 2 Tim. 4:19
Priscilla and her husband Aquila hosted Paul in their home in Corinth and later moved to Ephesus and Rome, where they continued to host house churches. Paul refers to Priscilla as a "co-worker in Christ Jesus". He
SHEroes of Valor of the New Testament WORSHIPERS:
“Priscilla”
Acts 18:2-3; 18-20; 24-26; Rom. 16:3-5; 1 Cor. 16:19; 2 Tim. 4:19
Priscilla and her husband Aquila hosted Paul in their home in Corinth and later moved to Ephesus and Rome, where they continued to host house churches. Paul refers to Priscilla as a "co-worker in Christ Jesus". He also says that Priscilla and Aquila "risked their necks for my life". In their professional life, they were tentmakers, as Paul was.
Christians at the time of Emperor Claudius, were forced to flee Rome in 49–50 when the imperial city's Jews were expelled (Acts 18:2). Priscilla was a missionary, teacher, and leader who worked with her husband and the Apostle Paul to spread Christianity. In history, she was from Rome, so historians believe that she was a Roman who converted to Christianity.
When they hosted a church in their home in Corinth, they became good friends with Apostle Paul. Being such good friends with him, he refers to Priscilla by an affectionate name of "Prisca" in 2 Timothy 4:19.
Of the SHEroes of the New Testament Worshipers, she was a gifted teacher. In fact, she mentored Apollos, another notable early church teacher. She is considered the first female preacher or teacher in the early church.
Priscilla was a woman who was confident in her spiritual knowledge.
Paul refers to her as a “helper in Jesus Christ” who had put her own life on the line for what she knew.
STUDY QUESTIONS:
• What occupation, besides preachers was Priscilla and her husband in?
• What did Paul affectionately call her as a Sister in Christ?
• As a convert to Christianity, what did she become to the Church?
• Would you consider her to be one of the “SHEroes” of the New Testament Worshipers?
• Why or why not?
“Phoebe” - Women of Worship of the New Testament
“Lois and Eunice” - Grandmother and Mother of Timothy
“Priscilla” - a Disciple of Christ and good friend of Paul, the Apostle
SHEroes of Valor of the New Testament WORSHIPERS:
“Phoebe”
Romans 16:1–2 (NKJV)
"I commend to you Phoebe our sister, who is a servant of the church in Cenchrea. That you may receive her in the LORD in a manner worthy of the saints, and assist her in whatever business she has need of you; for indeed she has been a helper of many and of myself
SHEroes of Valor of the New Testament WORSHIPERS:
“Phoebe”
Romans 16:1–2 (NKJV)
"I commend to you Phoebe our sister, who is a servant of the church in Cenchrea. That you may receive her in the LORD in a manner worthy of the saints, and assist her in whatever business she has need of you; for indeed she has been a helper of many and of myself also”.
Phoebe was a first-century Christian woman mentioned by the Apostle Paul in his Epistle to the Romans. A notable woman in the church of Cenchreae, she was trusted by Paul to deliver his letter to the Romans. Paul refers to her both as a "servant" and "deacon” (deaconess) and as a helper or patron to many.
In Romans 16:1, Paul identifies Phoebe not only as “our sister,” indicating that she is part of the broader Christian community, but also as a deaconess. Phoebe was a deaconess and a prominent member of the church. She was a woman of means and probably a widow from the upper class. Her name means "moon" and may have been a reference to the Greek goddess Artemis.
This is the only place in the New Testament where a woman is specifically referred to with these three distinctions; sister, servant, succorer (Rom. 16:1-2). Phoebe was a humble servant who cared for the sick, orphans, and travelers in her home. She taught the Scriptures to the congregation, protected the church from false teachings, and helped resolve disputes between Jewish and Gentile communities.
Paul introduces Phoebe as his emissary to the church in Rome, and because they are not acquainted with her, Paul provides them with her credentials. Paul’s introduction of her defines her character, encourages a warm reception from Roman believers, and publicly honours her service, status, influence, generosity, and leadership. It conveys the 'remarkable stature this woman had among the early Christians'.
Study Questions:
* What was Phoebe's role in the church?
* How can we use our gifts and talents to serve the church and the LORD?
* What does her name, Phoebe mean?
* How does God view women who are preachers/teachers?
“Tabitha” - also known as Dorcas
“Lois and Eunice” - Grandmother and Mother of Timothy
“Lois and Eunice” - Grandmother and Mother of Timothy
SHEroes of Valor of the New Testament WORSHIPERS:
“Tabitha/Dorcas”
Acts 9:36-43
Tabitha is a woman who lived in Joppa, a port city that is now part of Tel Aviv. She was also known as Dorcas, who is described in Acts as a Disciple of Christ. According to the Bible, she was a believer who was "full of good works and acts of charity". She was k
SHEroes of Valor of the New Testament WORSHIPERS:
“Tabitha/Dorcas”
Acts 9:36-43
Tabitha is a woman who lived in Joppa, a port city that is now part of Tel Aviv. She was also known as Dorcas, who is described in Acts as a Disciple of Christ. According to the Bible, she was a believer who was "full of good works and acts of charity". She was known for sewing clothes for the poor and serving the widows in her community.
Tabitha used her home as a community center for believers and widows, and may have presided over a house church. Her heart was geared towards helping others in need, and a huge help for those in the ministry for Christ. Her example. inspires women to serve others using their talents.
Tabitha's story is meant to be an example of the high value of women in the church and a reminder to live for and serve Christ in the kingdom of God. Her reputation was great. Many were grateful for her service. Her selflessness was remarkable.
She went by Tabitha, but the name Dorcas was a common name of the time both among Jews and Greeks. She was living in a port city, where many inhabitants and visitors would primarily communicate in Greek.
There was a time when Tabitha became sick and died. When she did, the widows that were there, washed her body and laid her in an upper room. The Apostle Peter was near to the town when this happened, so disciples sent messengers to ask him to come and pray for Tabitha. When Peter arrived, he found the widows weeping uncontrollably, so he sent them away.
In the case of Tabitha, her death was reckoned as premature and unacceptable by her community of believers. She left behind shoes too big to be filled. That's why they sent for Peter. When he cleared the room, he knelt down and prayed, “Tabitha arise!” She immediately opened her eyes and Peter took her hand and raised her up.
Her death and resurrection spread quickly throughout Joppa and many people believed in the LORD. God's power and love was demonstrated in the new life that she experienced.
STUDY QUESTIONS:
* Why did the disciples in that city send for Peter? (They served the same God)
* What was Tabitha's role in the church in Joppa?
* Why do you think Peter told everyone to leave the room?
* Where did she live? What city?
“Lois and Eunice” - Grandmother and Mother of Timothy
“Lois and Eunice” - Grandmother and Mother of Timothy
“Lois and Eunice” - Grandmother and Mother of Timothy
SHEroes of Valor of the New Testament WORSHIPERS:
“Lois and Eunice”
2 Timothy 1:5; (3:14-17)
“I am reminded of your sincere faith, which first lived in your grandmother Lois and in your mother Eunice and, I am persuaded, now lives in you also.”
Proverbs 22:6
"Train up a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not depart from
SHEroes of Valor of the New Testament WORSHIPERS:
“Lois and Eunice”
2 Timothy 1:5; (3:14-17)
“I am reminded of your sincere faith, which first lived in your grandmother Lois and in your mother Eunice and, I am persuaded, now lives in you also.”
Proverbs 22:6
"Train up a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not depart from it".
There is only one mention of Lois and Eunice in the Bible. They were the grandmother and the mother of Paul’s young protégé Timothy. In Paul’s second letter to Timothy, he mentions the faithfulness of these women in raising Timothy with such a devout and fervent faith.
According to extrabiblical tradition, Lois was born into the Jewish faith, and later accepted Christianity along with her daughter Eunice. You could tell that Lois had great faith when she named her daughter, “Eunice” meaning “good victory.” Teaching her daughter to have faith in God.
In the above verse, the apostle Paul is writing to his student Timothy, acknowledging that these faith-filled women in his life had instilled great faith in Timothy.
What a heritage that these SHEroes of Valor gave to Timothy!
Paul reminds him that he should fan into flame the gift of God that was given to him by these SHEroes, who were his grandmother and mother. We should do likewise!
Raising children is a privilege! Actively teaching them the difference between right and wrong and to recognize morality, can produce them to become filled with richness that will be beneficial to them in life.
But more important than telling them is to BE the example for them to pattern their lives after!
Study Questions:
• Proverbs tells us that when we train up our children in the ways of the LORD; this will happen. What?
• Who was the grandmother; who the mother?
• What did Paul mean when he called Timothy his son?
• Lois named her daughter “Eunice”, which means what?