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96 of Extraordinary Women the Bible We are told in 2 Timothy 3:16–17 that “All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work.” There are several women mentioned briefly in the Bible and, as all Scripture is inspired by God, there is a reason for these women to be included in His Word. The women we will look at in this section all served selflessly, and they are models after which we can pattern our lives. As you study these women, ask God to open your heart and your eyes to see the qualities they displayed that were important enough to be recorded in God’s Word. 97 Lesson 7—Priscilla, Lydia, Dorcas, Phoebe Priscilla Read Acts 18:2, 18, 26; Romans 16:3 . 1. Priscilla is always mentioned with her husband, Aquila. They were a ministry team, and their ministry was a traveling one. What made them start an itinerant lifestyle? (Acts 18:2) a. Read the following verses and write the different cities in which they lived and ministered. • Acts 18:2 • Acts 18:1 • Acts 18:18–19 • Romans 1:7; 16:3–5 98 of Extraordinary Women the Bible 2. Read the following verses. Describe how Priscilla and her husband demonstrate hospitality. • Acts 18:2 • 1 Corinthians 16:19 3. Spending time with Paul gave Priscilla and Aquila opportunities to learn from Paul as he taught Jews and Greeks alike in their travels. Looking at Acts 18:24–26, how did they use that knowledge? 4. What do we learn in Romans 16:3–4 about Priscilla’s and Aquila’s devotion to ministry—to serving God and coming alongside Paul to aid him in ministry? 99 Lesson 7—Priscilla, Lydia, Dorcas, Phoebe a. What does the Bible reveal about Christians and suffering? • Philippians 1:29 • 2 Timothy 3:12 • 1 Peter 4:12–13 PERSONAL: Consider living a life like Priscilla did— moving from one place to another…sometimes putting her life at risk for the gospel. Would you be willing to do that if God called you to do so? Is your mindset more inclined to be “Thy will be done” or “My will be done”? 100 of Extraordinary Women the Bible Lydia Read Acts 16:9–15 . 5. Paul and Silas were led by the Holy Spirit to travel to Philippi in Macedonia. What did they do on their first Sabbath in Philippi? a. When Paul entered a town, the first thing he did was find the local synagogue. A syna- gogue was established in every town that had at least ten Jewish men. What can we deduce from the fact that Paul went some- where other than the synagogue on the Sabbath? 6. Who did they encounter at their destination? 7. How is Lydia described in verse 14? 101 Lesson 7—Priscilla, Lydia, Dorcas, Phoebe 8. What effect did Paul’s words have on Lydia and her family? 9. What personality trait do you see exhibited in Lydia as she begged Paul and Silas to stay at her house? PERSONAL: How can having the personality trait of hos- pitality be used in ministry? What are some practical ways you can actively demonstrate this gift in your life right now? 102 of Extraordinary Women the Bible Dorcas Read Acts 9:36–42 . 10. In verse 36, what is Dorcas’ testimony among those who knew her? In other words, how was Dorcas described? What was her reputation in the community? 11. What happened to Dorcas? 12. Who did the disciples send for? a. Why do you believe the two disciples from her church were sent to get Peter even though Dorcas was already dead, and why tell him to hurry? 103 Lesson 7—Priscilla, Lydia, Dorcas, Phoebe 13. What did Dorcas’ friends share with Peter about how she served the people? 14. Describe Peter’s actions and the results. 15. Romans 8:28 tells us that God works all things together for good to those who love Jesus. When Dorcas died, do you think her friends thought anything good could come from this tragic event? 16. What good did God bring out of these circumstances? 104 of Extraordinary Women the Bible Phoebe Read Romans 16:1–2 . 17. In verse 1, Paul refers to Phoebe as “our sister.” What can we determine from that term? 18. How did Paul describe Phoebe in these two verses? 19. What did Paul request regarding taking care of Phoebe? a. What reason did Paul give to encourage helping Phoebe? 105 Lesson 7—Priscilla, Lydia, Dorcas, Phoebe b. How does this bear out the principle found in Galatians 6:7? PERSONAL: If Paul were to commend you to the church and ask the church to help you, what reasons would he give to encourage the people to lend aid just as he did for Phoebe because she was a faithful servant and a helper of many, including himself? In other words, what are you sowing and what would you reap? CHALLENGE: Choose the one woman in this study with whom you most identify. What character trait of hers stood out, and why is it significant to you? How is God using, or how might He want to use, this gift or talent in your life? Choose one verse from those covered in this study and memorize it. 106 of Extraordinary Women the Bible 107 Lesson 7—Priscilla, Lydia, Dorcas, Phoebe 108 of Extraordinary Women the Bible 109 Lesson 7—Priscilla, Lydia, Dorcas, Phoebe.
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