Acts 11 - CEVUS06 & KBTP

And they went out of the prison, and entered into the house of Lydia and when they had seen the brethren, they comforted them, and departed.

When you think of a successful businesswoman, what comes to mind? Maybe someone who is independent, hardworking, and respected. Now, imagine someone like that but also deeply committed to God. That’s Lydia, a business-savvy, God-fearing woman who played a major role in the early church.

Lydia wasn’t a preacher or prophetess, yet her faith, generosity, and leadership helped spread the gospel. Her story shows that you don’t have to stand on a stage to make an impact, you can serve God right where you are. Let’s dive into seven powerful lessons from her life!

1. She Made Time for God, Even with a Busy Schedule

Acts 16:13 (KJV) – “And on the sabbath we went out of the city by a riverside, where prayer was wont to be made; and we sat down, and spake unto the women which resorted thither.”

Lydia was a businesswoman who sold purple cloth, a luxury product in her time. She had money, influence, and responsibilities, yet she still made time to seek God. When Paul arrived in Philippi, she was already at a prayer gathering with other women.

In today’s world, it’s easy to say, “I’m too busy for God.” School, work, and life keep us occupied. But Lydia shows us that no matter how full our schedules get, seeking God should always be a priority.

2. She Had an Open Heart for God’s Word

Acts 16:14 (KJV) – “And a certain woman named Lydia, a seller of purple, of the city of Thyatira, which worshipped God, heard us: whose heart the Lord opened, that she attended unto the things which were spoken of Paul.”

Lydia was already a worshipper of God, but when she heard Paul preaching about Jesus, she embraced the gospel fully. She didn’t just listen, she responded.

Many people hear about Jesus but never truly respond. Lydia didn’t just agree with what Paul said—she let God change her heart. Are we open to God speaking to us, or are we too distracted to listen?

3. She Took Immediate Action in Her Faith

Acts 16:15 (KJV) – “And when she was baptized, and her household, she besought us, saying, If ye have judged me to be faithful to the Lord, come into my house, and abide there. And she constrained us.”

Lydia didn’t hesitate. As soon as she understood the truth about Jesus, she took action, she got baptized, and she made sure her whole household did too.

Sometimes, we feel God calling us to take a step, maybe to get baptized, start reading the Bible more, or make a change in our lives. But we hesitate, waiting for the “perfect moment.” Lydia teaches us that when God moves in our hearts, we need to respond quickly.

4. She Used Her Resources for God’s Kingdom

Acts 16:40 (KJV) – “And they went out of the prison, and entered into the house of Lydia: and when they had seen the brethren, they comforted them, and departed.”

Lydia was wealthy, but she didn’t keep her blessings to herself. She opened her home as a meeting place for believers, making it a safe space for the early church to grow.

Many of us want God to bless us with success, but are we willing to use our blessings for Him? Lydia’s generosity helped spread the gospel. How can you use what you have, your time, money, talents, or even your home—to serve others?

5. She Had a Generous Spirit

Proverbs 11:25 (KJV) – “The liberal soul shall be made fat: and he that watereth shall be watered also himself.”

Lydia didn’t hesitate to give, whether it was her home, resources, or hospitality. Her generosity fueled the mission of the early church, proving that faith isn’t just about what we receive but also about what we give.

In a world that tells us to chase wealth for personal gain, Lydia shows that true prosperity comes from a generous heart. Success is great, but helping others along the way is even greater.

6. She Was a Leader in the Faith

Philippians 1:3-5 (KJV) – “I thank my God upon every remembrance of you, always in every prayer of mine for you all making request with joy, for your fellowship in the gospel from the first day until now.”

The church in Philippi, which Lydia helped start, became one of the strongest early Christian communities. Paul later wrote to them, thanking them for their faith and generosity.

Lydia’s faith didn’t just affect her, it built up an entire community of believers. She reminds us that our faith isn’t just for us; it’s meant to impact those around us.

7. She Shows That Faith and Success Can Go Together

Matthew 6:33 (KJV) – “But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.”

Lydia was a successful businesswoman, but she put God first. She didn’t see faith and success as two separate things—she used her success to glorify God.

Many people think they have to choose between faith and success, but Lydia proves you can have both. When you put God first, everything else will fall into place.

Conclusion

Lydia was a real-life boss lady who put God first and made a lasting impact. She proves that you don’t need a pulpit to be a leader in God’s kingdom, you just need a heart that’s willing to serve.

So, how can you be like Lydia this month?

Give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over, will be poured into your lap. For with the measure you use, it will be measured to you.

Giving is a powerful act that reflects the heart of God and His desire for us to live generously. Throughout the Bible, we find numerous teachings that emphasize the importance and impact of giving. Whether it’s through offering our time, resources, or love, the act of giving not only blesses others but also enriches our own lives. Here are seven Bible verses that highlight the power of giving and encourage us to embrace a life of generosity.

1. Acts 20:35 “In everything I did, I showed you that by this kind of hard work we must help the weak, remembering the words the Lord Jesus himself said: ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.’”

When we give to others, especially those in need, we are not only helping them but also experiencing the joy and fulfillment that comes from generosity. It reminds us that true happiness is found in selflessness.

2. 2 Corinthians 9:6-7 “Remember this: Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously. Each of you should give what you have decided in your heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.”

The emphasis on giving cheerfully reminds us that our attitude matters. God values a heart that gives freely and joyfully, knowing that our contributions can lead to abundant blessings.

3. Proverbs 11:25 “A generous person will prosper; whoever refreshes others will be refreshed.”

Generosity is not just about meeting the needs of others; it also brings personal renewal and prosperity. When we give, we often receive in return, not necessarily in material wealth, but in spiritual and emotional well-being. The act of giving refreshes both the giver and the recipient.

4. Luke 6:38 “Give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over, will be poured into your lap. For with the measure you use, it will be measured to you.”

Jesus emphasizes the abundance that comes from giving. The imagery of a generous measure being returned to us illustrates that our giving will not go unnoticed or unrewarded. When we give with an open heart, we can expect God’s blessings to overflow in our lives.

5. Matthew 6:3-4 “But when you give to the needy, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing, so that your giving may be in secret. Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you.”

We should give quietly and humbly, without seeking recognition or praise. The focus is on the sincerity and purity of our giving. God sees our acts of kindness, even when they are done in secret, and He will reward us accordingly. It reminds us that true giving is done for the benefit of others, not for personal glory.

6. Hebrews 13:16 “And do not forget to do good and to share with others, for with such sacrifices God is pleased.”

Sharing what we have with others is a sacrifice that pleases God. This verse highlights the importance of being mindful of others’ needs and taking action to meet them. It serves as a reminder that our acts of generosity are not just good deeds; they are expressions of our faith and love for God.

7. James 1:17 “Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows.”

All we have comes from God. Recognizing that every gift we receive is from Him encourages us to be generous in sharing those gifts with others. When we give, we are participating in God’s work, distributing His blessings to those around us.

Conclusion

The Bible teaches that giving is a powerful way to express our faith, love, and gratitude. These verses reveal that generosity not only impacts those we help but also enriches our own lives, bringing us closer to God and His purposes. Whether through our resources, time, or compassion, giving allows us to reflect God’s love in a tangible way, creating a ripple effect of blessings that extend far beyond what we can see. By embracing a spirit of generosity, we open ourselves up to experience the fullness of life that God desires for us.

Peter Reports to the Church in Jerusalem

1 The apostles and the followers in Judea heard that Gentiles had accepted God's message. 2 So when Peter came to Jerusalem, some of the Jewish followers started arguing with him. They wanted Gentile followers to be circumcised, and 3 they said, “You stayed in the homes of Gentiles, and you even ate with them!”

4 Then Peter told them exactly what had happened:

5 I was in the town of Joppa and was praying when I fell sound asleep and had a vision. I saw heaven open, and something like a huge sheet held by its four corners came down to me. 6 When I looked in it, I saw animals, wild beasts, reptiles, and birds. 7 I heard a voice saying to me, “Peter, get up! Kill these and eat them.”

8 But I said, “Lord, I can't do that! I've never taken a bite of anything that is unclean and not fit to eat.”

9 The voice from heaven spoke to me again, “When God says that something can be used for food, don't say it isn't fit to eat.” 10 This happened three times before it was all taken back into heaven.

Peter: Defending that church is for everyone

God’s love is for all people, regardless of background, and we are called to embrace diversity within the body of Christ. Peter came from a culture where other people were ritually unclean and he couldn’t even eat with them. Thanks to his faith in God, he understood that all Christians, regardless of background or nationality are his brothers and sisters in Christ.

11 Suddenly three men from Caesarea stood in front of the house where I was staying. 12

The Holy Spirit told me to go with them and not to worry. Then six of the Lord's followers went with me to the home of a man 13 who told us that an angel had appeared to him. The angel had ordered him to send to Joppa for someone named Simon Peter. 14 Then Peter would tell him how he and everyone in his house could be saved.

15 After I started speaking, the Holy Spirit was given to them, just as the Spirit had been given to us at the beginning. 16 I remembered that the Lord had said, “John baptized with water, but you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit.” 17 God gave those Gentiles the same gift that he gave us when we put our faith in the Lord Jesus Christ. So how could I have gone against God?

18 When they heard Peter say this, they stopped arguing and started praising God. They said, “God has now let Gentiles turn to him, and he has given life to them!”

The Church in Antioch

19 Some of the Lord's followers had been scattered because of the terrible trouble that started when Stephen was killed. They went as far as Phoenicia, Cyprus, and Antioch, but they told the message only to the Jews.

20 Some of the followers from Cyprus and Cyrene went to Antioch and started telling Gentiles the good news about the Lord Jesus. 21 The Lord's power was with them, and many people turned to the Lord and put their faith in him. 22 News of what was happening reached the church in Jerusalem. Then they sent Barnabas to Antioch.

23 When Barnabas got there and saw how God had blessed them with undeserved grace, he was very glad. So he begged them to remain faithful to the Lord with all their hearts. 24 Barnabas was a good man of great faith, and he was filled with the Holy Spirit. Many more people turned to the Lord.

25 Barnabas went to Tarsus to look for Saul. 26 He found Saul and brought him to Antioch, where they met with the church for a whole year and taught many of its people. There in Antioch the Lord's followers were first called Christians.

27 During this time some prophets from Jerusalem came to Antioch. 28 One of them was Agabus. Then with the help of the Spirit, he told that there would be a terrible famine everywhere in the world. And it happened when Claudius was Emperor. 29 The followers in Antioch decided to send whatever help they could to the followers in Judea. 30 So they appointed Barnabas and Saul to take their gifts to the church leaders in Jerusalem.

Mbiko ya Pita ku Gubungano liku Jerusalema

1 Batumwa ba Jesu ne zwikamu mu Judiya bakahwa kuti Bezwitjaba na ibobo bakaamutjila dama le Ndzimu. 2 Ndizo Pita wakati etathila ku Jerusalema ibabo bakabe beda buthumbi bakan'gongobola 3 beti, “Ini wangina mu ng'umba dze bathu basakathumbigwa ukaja nabo?” 4 Pita katangisa kutjenesa tjimwe ne tjimwe ku bali nge buzhalo sekwa kwakashingikala eti:

5 “Ndakabe ndili mu nzi we Jopa nditembezela, abona mbono. Ndakabona tjimwe tjinonga jila gulu gulu tjidelusiwa kudwa kudzimu nge midzibo yatjo minna, ngono tjikazha pasi pandakabe ndilipo. 6 Ndakalinga mukati nge njele, abona phuka ne zwibandana ne zwibumbiwa zwinosoba na pasi ne nyuni dzinowuluka. 7 Ipapo ahwa hwi lindidwa liti, ‘Milika Pita, bhaya uje!’ 8 Koga ashandula nditi, ‘She nge malebeswa andingaje! Akuna tjimwe tjina shambgwa kene tjakatemapala tjakatongo ngina mu nlomo wangu!’ 9 Koga hwi likalebeleka kakale gwe bubili lidwa kudzimu liti ‘Ndzimu tjawakatjenapadza usitjidane uti ate tjili tjibuyanana.’ 10 Ikoku kwakashingikala katatu, ngono kose kukadwa kukwebegwa kudzimu kakale. 11 Ipapo balume batatu bakabe batumwa kundili bedwa ku Sizariya bakaswika pa ng'umba yatakabe tili muili. 12 Meya ikandibudza kuti ndisitje kuyenda nabo. Zwikamu izwezwi zwitathatu na izo zwikayenda nami, ngono tikangina mu ng'umba ye nlume iwoyo. 13 Ngono katibudza sekwa akabona ntumwa we kudzimu ali mile mu ng'umba iye, ngono eti, ‘Tumila nthu ku Jopa kuna Simoni unodang'wa kuyi Pita. 14 Unowomuzhisila matama anowoti iwe ne nzi uwo mukatjidziwa.’ 15 Ati nditangisa kulebeleka Meya yakayengemala ikadelukila mubali sekwa yakadelukila mutili mu kutangisa. 16 Ipapo ndakaalakana She tjabakaleba beti, ‘Johani wakadubika nge vula koga imwi mowodubikiwa nge Meya yakayengemala.’ 17 Ndizo ha kuli kuti Ndzimu wakabapa tjipo itjo zwatjo tjawakatipa iswi takagalamoyo muna She Jesu Kirisiti, ndakabe ndili ani imi kukumbula kunyanyayidza Ndzimu kene?”

18 Bakati behwa ikoku bakanyalala. Bakakudza Ndzimu beti, “Bezwitjaba naibobo Ndzimu wabapa kushandukila kuuli kubapa butjilo.”

Gubungano ku Antiyoki

19 Koga ibabo bakabe bapaladziwa nge kudziyidziwa kwakakula pakukikithidziwa kwa Sitifani bakayenda kunoti ku Fenikiya ne Sipuro ne Antiyoki besumikila dama ku Bajuta boga. 20 Koga bamwe babo, balume banodwa ku Sipuro ne Sirene bakayenda ku Antiyoki bakatangisa kusumikilabo ku Bagiriki ngekwa She Jesu. 21 Luboko gwa She gwakabe gunabo, ngono bathu banjinji kwazo bakagalamoyo bakashandukila kuna She.

22 Thawu ngekwa ikoko dzikaswika mu zebe dze gubungano liku Jerusalema ngono bakatuma Bhanabhasi ku Antiyoki. 23 Wakati eswika ebona ngoni dze Ndzimu kashatha kabakulumbidza bose kudwilila begalamoyo muna She nge mazwimisilo asingazunguzike. 24 Wakabe ali nlume wakalulwama ali zhele Meya yakayengemala nenge kugalamoyo, ngono bathu banjinji bakapaphidzika muna She.

25 Ipapo Bhanabhasi kayenda ku Taso kunoshaka Saulo, 26 ngono kati an'wana kazha naye ku Antiyoki. Ndizo gole lose Bhanabhasi na Saulo bakabe beshangana ne gubungano, ngono bakadiya bathu banjinji. Bagalimoyo bakatangisa kudang'wa Bakirisiti ku Antiyoki.

27 Mu tjibaka itjetjo balebesambeli bamwe bakadwa ku Jerusalema beyenda ku Antiyoki. 28 Mmwe wabo unodang'wa kuyi Agabho, kamilika, ngono nge Meya kaleba kuti bhamba gulu lowozhala mu shango yose. Oku kwakashingikala nge tjibaka tje bushe gwa Kilaudiyo. 29 Badiyiwa bakazwimisila kuti mmwe ne mmwe wabo unowotumilila tjaangatubula kubhatsha zwikamu zwakabe zwigala mu Judiya. 30 Oku bakakuthama, ngono bakabhatisa Bhanabhasi na Saulo zwipo zwabo zwinoyenda ku bakulu be gubungano.