Project Description

2014/11

A Word To Women

“Beloved, think it not strange concerning
the fiery trial which is to try you.”
(1 Peter 4:12)

Earlier this year, as part of our holiday, we visited the beautiful city of Rome. One of the highlights was seeing the impressive Colosseum, where many early Christians were martyred for their faith. I gazed in awe and wonder at its sheer size and the magnificent architecture that remains even today. I thought of the thousands who had suffered brutality and death at the hands of the Roman authorities, and I asked myself, “Would I be prepared to take my stand and sacrifice all like those early Christians? Would I so willingly lay down my life for His cause?” I’m not sure that I could answer with an emphatic “Yes”.  What courage and integrity those early believers showed, those “of whom the world was not worthy” (Hebrews 11:38)

As we strolled through the narrow streets of Rome, I wondered had Paul perhaps walked in those same streets? And so my thoughts were led to the book of Romans itself, to learn a little more about the real people mentioned there, the ordinary citizens who had walked those streets, and who, in many cases, had laid down their lives for their Lord and Saviour.

Romans 16 lists some who had a profound influence on the life of Paul. When he greeted the Christians in Rome, many ladies were included, ladies who are not well known to us, who appear but fleetingly on the pages of Scripture. And yet these ladies were important to the apostle; ladies like Mary (v6) “who bestowed much labour on us”, Tryphena and Tryphosa (v12) “who labour in the Lord and Persis (12) who “laboured much in the Lord’”.

These ladies all laboured with intensity and vigour for the cause of Christ. Yet they were largely unknown. We know their names but little else, but the apostle recognised their work. More importantly, the Lord knew their efforts. Perhaps you are feeling discouraged in your efforts for the Lord, your name is not known and you receive little recognition, but remember you are known to the Lord. Your name is written in the Lamb’s book of life (Revelation 21:27). Paul doesn’t mention great gifts, wealth or outgoing personalities. No, these were ordinary people but they worked hard, serving the Lord however they could.  Is this our testimony? Are we like those in Nehemiah’s day who “had a mind to work” (Nehemiah 4:6)?

Reading Rom 16, it is clear that women were involved in the missionary work of the early church. Priscilla opened her home to the church in Ephesus and later in Rome. She was a great encouragement to Apollos (Acts 18:26). Priscilla and Aquila had, at some point, intervened to save the Paul’s life, for he wrote, “greet Priscilla and Aquila……who have for my life laid down their own necks” (Romans 16:3-4).

The Bible teaches that God’s people are to expect a certain amount of suffering. If we are trying to live a godly life in this dark, evil world we can expect opposition and persecution. 2 Timothy 2:12 affirms that “all that will live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution”. Perhaps Christian, you are feeling the heat of persecution at this moment in your life. It may be within your own family or in your workplace, because you have taken a stand for the Lord. Well, remember 1 Peter 4:12-13, “Beloved, think it not strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened unto you: But rejoice, inasmuch as ye are partakers of Christ’s sufferings; that, when his glory shall be revealed, ye may be glad also with exceeding joy”. While physical persecution may not threaten our lives, we must pray often for the saints around the world who are in constant danger.

There is a reward for those who suffer for righteousness sake. Those who have suffered on earth will share in His glory in Heaven.  What a wonderful prospect lies before us! Let us then “press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God” (Philippians 3:14).

Alison Armstrong.