Nougat 8

There was a bit of background to Lydia’s experience with Paul that we missed. That’s what constitutes Today’s Holy Nougat

‭Acts 16:13 NIV‬

[13] On the Sabbath we went outside the city gate to the river, where we expected to find a place of prayer. We sat down and began to speak to the women who had gathered there.

Women … had Gathered There

Siblings, did you see that? Lydia wasn’t by the river accidentally, God had placed her there. She was with the women. Now I’m not saying that there wasn’t a men’s group, but the data suggests that ‘women’s fellowships’ have been around at least from the days of the early church. Ain’t that something!

Before you claim I’m jumping to conclusions, rememberwhat verse 14 revealed to us. Not only was Lydia amongst the women, she was ‘a worshiper of God’. It’s true, those other women might have been idolaters, but Paul and his team went to the standard place for prayer. So, it is possible that this was the ‘Women’s Snail Dye Cooperative’, and Lydia, as a noble woman, was a member.

The fact of their receptiveness, however, suggests that the women might have gathered for prayer by the river. We may also assume that these were Jewish women. Paul and his team were not daunted by the women, they seemed to embrace the opportunity, wasting no time to break the Good News of salvation to them. It’s worth pondering though, for it does suggest that these women were capable of making their own decisions, or was Paul hoping that they would convert their spouses?

My dear siblings in Christ, this is a reminder to us to celebrate the gift of each person. For s/he whom we might think is inconsequential, may be the person with the clout needed to transform a situation in Christ.

And if you’ve been constantly overlooked, remember that Lydia and the women had been meeting by the river without the men, until Paul came. Your day in Christ may be at hand.

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May all we seek be found in Christ