On the Sabbath, we went a little way outside the city to a riverbank, where we thought people would be meeting for prayer, and we sat down to speak with some women who had gathered there. One of them was Lydia from Thyatira, a merchant of expensive purple cloth, who worshiped God. As she listened to us, the Lord opened her heart, and she accepted what Paul was saying. Acts 16:13-14
When Beth Moore was a young adult, she attended a Bible study where the teacher had an insatiable love for God and His word. When she saw that man's love for God and the Bible, she decided that she wanted that same love. She asked God for this love for His word. She started reading her Bible and studying more, and God's love consumed her. It still does. When Beth Moore came into his class, that Bible study teacher had no idea what his impact would have on her and the impact she would have in the lives of others for decades and decades, but that is often how God works. Now she teaches thousands of people about the truth found in God's word. God does not need a huge amount of people to impact others. God can use one single person to make a lasting impact.
We learn in Acts 16 about the origins of the church that Paul started in Philippi, and the story is remarkable. It started with a conversation between Paul, his missionary companions, and a few women (verse 13). During this conversation, Paul taught the group of women about Jesus and shared his faith with them. One woman in that group, Lydia, accepted Paul's message and believed what he was saying (verse 14). Ultimately, Lydia's entire household came to believe in Christ as well. This brief conversation was the beginning of the church in Philippi. Lydia learned from Paul, and she and her family believed (verse 15). It did not stop there, however. We learn further on in Acts 16 that Lydia and her family invited other believers into their home, becoming the first church in Philippi. This is how the church in Philippi grew: one person came to faith, her family believed, and their faith spread throughout Philippi. Eventually, Lydia's home became the first house church in Philippi.
It does not take many people to have a massive impact. Just like God used one woman and her family to become the first church in Philippi, God wants to use you to further His kingdom. You may feel ill-equipped or like an unlikely person to be used by God, but I assure you; He will use you. You never know the impact your life could have for the kingdom of God.
Who in your own life has had a positive, lasting impact on you? In what ways have they impacted you? How can you follow their example? Who has God placed in your life whom you can have a similar impact on? Make plans this week to take steps toward having a positive impact for Christ on the people around you.
Paul’s Second Missionary Journey
Paul went first to Derbe and then to Lystra, where there was a young disciple named Timothy. His mother was a Jewish believer, but his father was a Greek. Timothy was well thought of by the believers in Lystra and Iconium, so Paul wanted him to join them on their journey. In deference to the Jews of the area, he arranged for Timothy to be circumcised before they left, for everyone knew that his father was a Greek. Then they went from town to town, instructing the believers to follow the decisions made by the apostles and elders in Jerusalem. So the churches were strengthened in their faith and grew larger every day.
A Call from Macedonia
Next Paul and Silas traveled through the area of Phrygia and Galatia, because the Holy Spirit had prevented them from preaching the word in the province of Asia at that time. Then coming to the borders of Mysia, they headed north for the province of Bithynia, but again the Spirit of Jesus did not allow them to go there. So instead, they went on through Mysia to the seaport of Troas.
That night Paul had a vision: A man from Macedonia in northern Greece was standing there, pleading with him, “Come over to Macedonia and help us!” So we decided to leave for Macedonia at once, having concluded that God was calling us to preach the Good News there.
Lydia of Philippi Believes in Jesus
We boarded a boat at Troas and sailed straight across to the island of Samothrace, and the next day we landed at Neapolis. From there we reached Philippi, a major city of that district of Macedonia and a Roman colony. And we stayed there several days.
On the Sabbath we went a little way outside the city to a riverbank, where we thought people would be meeting for prayer, and we sat down to speak with some women who had gathered there. One of them was Lydia from Thyatira, a merchant of expensive purple cloth, who worshiped God. As she listened to us, the Lord opened her heart, and she accepted what Paul was saying. She and her household were baptized, and she asked us to be her guests. “If you agree that I am a true believer in the Lord,” she said, “come and stay at my home.” And she urged us until we agreed.
