The Christ Church Wednesday Bible Study Group is now studying the heroes of faith found in the Bible. In Hebrews 11, we find a remarkable chapter that introduces us to a cloud of witnesses, individuals who exemplified extraordinary faith. However our study will go beyond Hebrews 11 and include the lives of others that are examples of the blessings of having faith in God. We will also talk about other people that exhibited extraordinary faith, some of them are people we may know.
Throughout this Bible study, we will delve into the lives of these individuals, examining the specific trials they endured, the faith principles they embraced, and the lessons we can learn from their examples. Our goal is not merely to admire their accomplishments but to understand the underlying principles that fueled their faith and to apply those principles to our own lives.
Last week we started talking about 6 New Testament women that I call heroes of faith. We talked about three of them last week
Mary the Mother of Jesus
Mary Magdalene
Mary Lazarus sister
This week we are going to look the other three in my list
PriscillaTabitha (Dorcus)Phoebe
Whether you are a man or a woman, I pray these three women as well as the three that we met lasty week can inspire you to walk in a more faithful, patient, devoted, intelligent manner as you strive to put Jesus first in your life.
Hebrews 11:6 NIV And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him.
Last week we started talking about 6 New Testament women that I call heroes of faith. We talked about three of them last week
Mary the Mother of Jesus
Mary Magdalene
Mary Lazarus sister
Mary the mother of Jesus’ life is a model for Christians, showing what it means to follow God with complete devotion and surrender.
Mary’s example reminds us that faith is not just about believing in God, but also about trusting in him even when life is difficult and uncertain.
Mary Magdalene's story is a testament to the power of faith, the importance of loyalty, and the courage to share our experience with God. Mary Magdalene is a role model for believers, demonstrating the transformative power of encountering Jesus and the importance of sharing that experience with others.
Mary Lazuras sister's story isn't filled with dramatic pronouncements or leadership roles. Instead, her faith is expressed through quiet devotion, attentive listening, unwavering belief in Jesus's power, and acts of love. This makes her a relatable figure for many and a powerful example of how faith can be expressed in everyday life.
This week we are going to look the other three in my list
Priscilla
Tabitha (Dorcus)
Phoebe
Priscilla
Priscilla is a fascinating and important figure in the early Christian church, and she definitely deserves to be recognized as a hero of faith.
Acts 18:1-4 NIV [1] After this, Paul left Athens and went to Corinth. [2] There he met a Jew named Aquila, a native of Pontus, who had recently come from Italy with his wife Priscilla, because Claudius had ordered all Jews to leave Rome. Paul went to see them, [3] and because he was a tentmaker as they were, he stayed and worked with them. [4] Every Sabbath he reasoned in the synagogue, trying to persuade Jews and Greeks.
Priscilla is almost always mentioned alongside her husband, Aquila, indicating a strong partnership in their ministry. They were a team, working together to spread the Gospel and support the early church.
Priscilla and Aquila opened their home to Paul and others, demonstrating hospitality and using their home as a meeting place for the church in Ephesus.
1 Corinthians 16:19 NIV [19] The churches in the province of Asia send you greetings. Aquila and Priscilla greet you warmly in the Lord, and so does the church that meets at their house.
This was a crucial role in the early days of Christianity, when believers often met in homes.
Priscilla played a key role in the early church with she and her husband’s friendship with Paul but also in helping other early church leaders. For example she instructed Apollos, a gifted preacher, and helped him to understand the "way of God more accurately"
Acts 18:24-26 NIV [24] Meanwhile a Jew named Apollos, a native of Alexandria, came to Ephesus. He was a learned man, with a thorough knowledge of the Scriptures. [25] He had been instructed in the way of the Lord, and he spoke with great fervor and taught about Jesus accurately, though he knew only the baptism of John. [26] He began to speak boldly in the synagogue. When Priscilla and Aquila heard him, they invited him to their home and explained to him the way of God more adequately.
This demonstrates her knowledge of scripture and her ability to teach and mentor others, even those who were already leaders.
Apollos was a Jewish man from Alexandria who was a learned man and an eloquent speaker.
He was also a fervent believer in Jesus, but he had an incomplete understanding of the Christian faith.
Acts 18:27-28 NIV [27] When Apollos wanted to go to Achaia, the brothers and sisters encouraged him and wrote to the disciples there to welcome him. When he arrived, he was a great help to those who by grace had believed. [28] For he vigorously refuted his Jewish opponents in public debate, proving from the Scriptures that Jesus was the Messiah.
As a result, Apollos became a powerful preacher of the gospel. He traveled to Achaia, where he greatly helped those who had believed through grace. He powerfully refuted the Jews in public debate, proving from the Scriptures that Jesus was the Christ.
Priscilla and her husband also faced dangers and persecution for their faith and their friendship and support of Paul.
Romans 16:3-5 NIV [3] Greet Priscilla and Aquila, my co-workers in Christ Jesus. [4] They risked their lives for me. Not only I but all the churches of the Gentiles are grateful to them. [5] Greet also the church that meets at their house. Greet my dear friend Epenetus, who was the first convert to Christ in the province of Asia.
Priscilla's story shows us that women played vital roles in the early church, not just in supporting roles but as teachers, leaders, and even those who risked their lives for the cause of Christ.
It's interesting to note that in the Bible, Priscilla's name is sometimes mentioned before Aquila's, which was unusual for that time period and suggests her importance and leadership within their partnership.
Acts 18:18 NIV [18] Paul stayed on in Corinth for some time. Then he left the brothers and sisters and sailed for Syria, accompanied by Priscilla and Aquila. Before he sailed, he had his hair cut off at Cenchreae because of a vow he had taken.
Romans 16:3 NIV [3] Greet Priscilla and Aquila, my co-workers in Christ Jesus.
2 Timothy 4:19 NIV [19] Greet Priscilla and Aquila and the household of Onesiphorus.
It's worth noting that in the other three instances where they are mentioned together, Aquila's name comes first:
Acts 18:2: "There he became acquainted with a Jew named Aquila, born in Pontus, who had recently arrived from Italy with his wife, Priscilla. They had left Italy when Claudius Caesar deported all Jews from Rome. Paul lived and worked with them, for they were tentmakers just as he was."
Acts 18:26: "When Priscilla and Aquila heard him preaching boldly in the synagogue, they took him aside and explained the way of God even more accurately."
1 Corinthians 16:19: "The churches here in the province of Asia send greetings in the Lord, as do Aquila and Priscilla and all the others who gather in their home for church meetings."
While the order of their names varies, the fact that Priscilla's name is placed first in several instances is unusual for the time and suggests that she held a position of prominence and respect within the early Christian community.
2. Phoebe
There is another woman by the name of Phoebe who was also a significant figure in the early Christian church and a wonderful example of faith and service.
Romans 16:1-2 NIV [1] I commend to you our sister Phoebe, a deacon of the church in Cenchreae. [2] I ask you to receive her in the Lord in a way worthy of his people and to give her any help she may need from you, for she has been the benefactor of many people, including me.
Paul refers to Phoebe as a "deacon" which clearly indicates that she held a position of responsibility and service within the early Christian community. It suggests leadership and dedication to the needs of the church.
It's possible that Phoebe carried Paul's letter to the Romans. This would have been a significant responsibility, requiring trust, intelligence, and likely the ability to explain and interpret the letter's contents to the church in Rome. This highlights her importance and the trust Paul placed in her.
This letter was of great importance. The Roman church was in the heart of the greatest city in the world at that time, and this letter would go on to have influence with hugely influential people. Paul’s trust in Phoebe is a sign of great respect.
While the Bible doesn't explicitly label her a "hero," her actions and the implications of her role in Romans 16 strongly suggest she exemplified the qualities of faith, courage, service, and dedication that we associate with biblical heroes. She's a powerful example of how women contributed to the early church and how faith can be expressed through practical service and commitment.
3. Tabitha (Dorcas)
Tabitha or Dorcas is a wonderful example of faith in action. Her story, though brief, is powerful and inspiring. Here's why I think she should considered a hero of faith:
Acts 9:36-39 NIV [36] In Joppa there was a disciple named Tabitha (in Greek her name is Dorcas); she was always doing good and helping the poor. [37] About that time she became sick and died, and her body was washed and placed in an upstairs room. [38] Lydda was near Joppa; so when the disciples heard that Peter was in Lydda, they sent two men to him and urged him, “Please come at once!” [39] Peter went with them, and when he arrived he was taken upstairs to the room. All the widows stood around him, crying and showing him the robes and other clothing that Dorcas had made while she was still with them.
She was known for making clothes for widows and other needy people in her community. This demonstrates a faith that wasn't just words, but was expressed through tangible acts of love and service.
Tabitha's story includes a miracle. Peter, upon hearing of her death and the good she had done, prayed and she was raised back to life. This miracle not only highlights the power of God but also emphasizes the value of Tabitha's life and her service to others.
Acts 9:40-43 NIV [40] Peter sent them all out of the room; then he got down on his knees and prayed. Turning toward the dead woman, he said, “Tabitha, get up.” She opened her eyes, and seeing Peter she sat up. [41] He took her by the hand and helped her to her feet. Then he called for the believers, especially the widows, and presented her to them alive. [42] This became known all over Joppa, and many people believed in the Lord. [43] Peter stayed in Joppa for some time with a tanner named Simon.
Tabitha's story is a powerful example of faith, charity, and the miraculous power of God. She is remembered for her good works and her unwavering devotion to Jesus Christ. Tabitha's story reminds us that faith is not just about believing, but about living out our beliefs through acts of love, compassion, and service. She's a powerful example of how one person can make a real difference in their community by showing the love of God through practical help and kindness.
Whether you are a man or a woman, I pray these three women as well as the three that we met lasty week can inspire you to walk in a more faithful, patient, devoted, intelligent manner as you strive to put Jesus first in your life.
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