March - Women's History Month Biblical Leaders in the New Testament

There are many biblical references to who we should be as women. Proverbs 31 describes the characteristics of a true businesswoman or spiritual entrepreneur to conduct herself in all her worldly affairs, God intended for us to learn from those scriptures and to be women of biblical character. Even businesses with significant market shares have to step up their game to continue dominating the market. The constant technological change is impacting the business world positively and negatively. As women of God, we know that God wants us to run successful businesses so that we can help others and bring glory to him. You must be engaged in regular prayer while reflecting on the goodness, grace, and mercy of the Lord over all your business affairs. Daily you must invite the Lord to guide and lead your heart over all your decisions and actions. By intertwining faith with business practices, you create a unique path to success that is rooted in divine wisdom. God has gifted some people with the ability to create wealth so that they can effectively and successfully help build His Kingdom. “You cannot obey the Great Commission until you obey the Great Command according to Matthew 22:34-40” ~Al McKay.

Just like the virtuous woman, Lydia in the Jewish circles, was a woman, who would have played only a peripheral role, but in the new Christian community, she played a prominent role as, Witherington points out, the mother or benefactress of the church in her home, providing not only hospitality but a center for Christian growth and gospel dissemination. They were both women who embody the qualities that every believing woman should strive for in her personal life and appearance, in her family life, and her daily duties. While there are countless Biblical stories about giving, money, and wealth, these two women challenged other women to reflect on their role of being prepared for the moment, seeking something bigger than themselves, and being willing to invite others to experience what they have experienced. Lydia was a woman who exhibited confidence, faith, and hope while putting trust in the hands of the Lord. “She seeks wool and flax, And willingly works with her hands. She is like the merchant ships, She brings her food from afar. She also rises while it is yet night, And provides food for her household, And a portion for her maidservants. She considers a field and buys it; From her profits she plants a vineyard. She girds herself with strength, And strengthens her arms. She perceives that her merchandise is good, And her lamp does not go out by night. She stretches out her hands to the distaff, And her hand holds the spindle. She extends her hand to the poor, Yes, she reaches out her hands to the needy. She is not afraid of snow for her household, For all her household is clothed with scarlet. She makes tapestry for herself; Her clothing is fine linen and purple. Her husband is known in the gates, When he sits among the elders of the land.She makes linen garments and sells them, And supplies sashes for the merchants.Strength and honor are her clothing; She shall rejoice in time to come. She opens her mouth with wisdom, And on her tongue is the law of kindness.She watches over the ways of her household, And does not eat the bread of idleness. Her children rise up and call her blessed; Her husband also, and he praises her: “Many daughters have done well, But you excel them all” Proverbs 31:13-29 (NKJV). 

In a male-dominated Roman empire, Lydia had a successful business selling purple cloth. Purple fabric was associated with affluence, royalty, and authority. Lydia must have been well-connected for her to be successful in this trade. She is the first documented convert to Christianity in Europe. Lydia was a successful businesswoman whom Paul and his missionary team met while in Philippi. After Paul preaches to her, she comes to faith in Jesus and immediately becomes a supporter and friend to Paul. She and her whole household were baptized, and a group of believers began meeting in her home as a house church. Characteristics of Lydia include being a businesswoman who sold purple goods, devout, hospitable, serving, caring, believing, and Christian. The history of the location is that it was a great area to dye garments. So there she was, selling her products, worshipping God, and also opening her home to other women and the disciples. She was a Jewish woman who had her eyes and heart opened by God after hearing Paul preach. She was baptized as well as her loved ones. She had a house large enough to accommodate guests and was willing to take Paul and Silas in after they had been in jail. In addition, her house also seemed to serve as the center for Christian work in the area. Her hospitality undoubtedly carried some risk with it, and a willingness to take on risk is an entrepreneurial characteristic. “Now a certain woman named Lydia heard us. She was a seller of purple from the city of Thyatira, who worshiped God. The Lord opened her heart to heed the things spoken by Paul. And when she and her household were baptized, she begged us, saying, “If you have judged me to be faithful to the Lord, come to my house and stay.” So she persuaded us. So they went out of the prison and entered the house of Lydia; and when they had seen the brethren, they encouraged them and departed” Acts 16:14-15, 40 (NKJV).

The Bible records that Lydia led her entire household to Christianity. She hosted Paul and his company in her home which made it easy for them to spread the gospel. As a powerful woman in history, her significance in the modern-day situation cannot be ignored. She is undoubtedly an example of a successful female entrepreneur. Lydia’s leadership qualities became apparent when she became the leader and host of the first Philippi church. She was very brave: she hosted Paul and his company after they had been persecuted and imprisoned in Philippi. Foreign men like them were not good to be seen with, and she put her own life at risk by welcoming them. When someone hosted a church in their home, they often became the leading administrator, as well as a shepherd to the group. Already having been an effective leader and entrepreneur in the past, it is likely that Lydia took to these roles easily. The church in Philippi became incredibly generous financial supporters in the mission of Jesus, and Lydia likely also played a key role in that. No matter if we sell products, stay-at-home moms, volunteer within our local community or church, or care for the sick and shut-in, however, all that is purposeful. God has given us gifts unique to each of us and our lives. He’s called us to things, big and small. Having a heart for God can change how we do business and how we serve others with our lives and businesses. In Revelation 2:18, Paul writes of an angel of the church in Thyatira. There’s the belief that this is him referring to Lydia. He says her latter works exceed her first works. So we can learn that even though her works as a businesswoman are noticed and valued, her works as a Christian are exceedingly more important. “And to the angel of the church in Thyatira write, ‘These things says the Son of God, who has eyes like a flame of fire, and His feet like fine brass: “I know your works, love, service, faith, and your patience; and as for your works, the last are more than the first” Revelation 2:18-19 (NKJV).