Women of Courage- Lydia

Women of Courage- Lydia 

We began by reading Acts 16:1-40.  Shera supplied us all with maps and images of the journeys and areas where they met. We looked at the journeys of Paul and the cities they visited. Shera explained the history behind these areas and the roads they would have used in the area.  She shared images of the river that runs on the west side of Philippi and the Greek and Roman ruins in the area.   God’s sovereignty is over all the area, the politics, and the people of the areas.  We have hopes that men will stand strong in the words of the Lord.  The whole land mass of Asia Minor is now Turkey.  Greece is the other side of the peninsula – Europe.  It is the political structure and God’s direction that has spread God’s word putting us into where God has led us today.  Paul exercising his political rights while following the Lord in his walk.  

Lydia was from Asia Minor, a seller of purple goods, head of her household and desirous of following the Lord.  She was meeting with the local Jewish women in prayer at the river.  They met on the Sabbath. 

Paul was followed by this girl with the spirit of divination, annoyed by the spiritual wickedness that once again tried to influence those around them.  Paul gets fed up and asks the spirits to come out of her.  We do not know if she was saved through this . 


We then began a discussion of salvation and our part in spreading God's gospel and our obedience.

It was suggested that we read the book of Philippians for the next time we meet and read some of the cross references too.