1 Peter 4:10 As each one has received a Gift, minister it to one another, as good stewards of the manifold Grace of God.

 

The Holy Spirit directed Paul and his team to Macedonia and they settled in Philippi which was the chief city. Macedonia is in northern Greece which is the southern part of Europe. Paul’s trip there took the Gospel into Europe for the first time. This is how Western civilization heard the Truth of the Message of the Cross of Christ!

 

There were very few Jews in Philippi (if any) so there was no synagogue for them to preach in. However, there was a small group of women who loved God. These women met together down by the river to pray so Paul and his team went there on the Sabbath Day to meet with them.

 

It was there that they met a wealthy businesswoman named Lydia. This woman heard the Gospel Message for the first time and her heart was open to receive it. Now a certain woman named 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. (Acts 16:14)

 

Apparently, Paul and his team, which consisted of Silas, Luke, and Timothy, met with this group of women several times and shared the Gospel with them. Lydia received the Message and shared it with those in her household who also became believers. The Word does not tell us who the members of her household were, but given her financial status, she probably had servants as well as associates. There is no mention of her having a family but the Bible does say that her whole household (men and women) believed and were baptized. And when she and her household were baptized, (Acts 16:15)

 

Lydia had a big house and she felt compelled to offer her home to Paul and his team. It took some persuading on her part, but they did take her up on her offer and Lydia’s house became the first Church in Europe! 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. (Acts 16:15)

 

Lydia had no idea how her hospitality would impact the Kingdom of God. She did what the Lord prompted her to do and her obedience afforded her the honor of being mentioned in the Holy Word of God! She offered her home out of her love for the Lord Jesus Christ and her generosity opened all of Europe to the Gospel.

 

God used Lydia in a mighty way to build His Kingdom. We aren’t told of Lydia having any Spiritual Gifts but we do know that she had the gift of hospitality and God used it in a great way. Whatever Gift you have been given, use it for the benefit of the Kingdom of God because this is the reason you were given it, to begin with. As each one has received a Gift, minister it to one another, as good stewards of the manifold Grace of God. (1 Peter 4:10)

 

 

Good stewardship will……..….turn the tide……….in your life!

 

Thank you, Lord, for the gift of hospitality.         Doreen

 

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