Just learned a few things that are tweaking my brain a bit. Let me set the stage:
(Acts 13:1-3) In the church at Antioch there were prophets and teachers: Barnabas, Simeon called Niger, Lucius of Cyrene, Manaen (who had been brought up with Herod the tetrarch) and Saul. While they were worshiping the Lord and fasting, the Holy Spirit said, "Set apart for me Barnabas and Saul for the work to which I have called them." So after they had fasted and prayed, they placed their hands on them and sent them off. (NIV)
After visiting and preaching a few places, the two missionaries came to Pisidian Antioch and entered the synagogue, sat down, and were invited to speak. Paul (Saul) summarized over 450 years of history up to his present time and challenged the listeners with this statement:
(Acts 13:39-41)"Therefore, my brothers, I want you to know that through Jesus the
forgiveness of sins is proclaimed to you. Through him everyone who
believes is justified from everything you could not be justified from by
the law of Moses. Take care that what the prophets have said does not
happen to you: "'Look, you scoffers, wonder and perish, for I am going
to do something in your days that you would never believe, even if
someone told you.'"
The two were invited to come back again the next sabbath and speak. And here is what happened:
(Acts 13:44-45) On the next Sabbath almost the whole city gathered to hear the word of the Lord. When the Jews saw the crowds, they were filled with jealousy and talked abusively against what Paul was saying. (NIV)
Paul and Barnabas answered them boldly and this was the result:
(Acts 13:49-50) The word of the Lord spread through the whole region. But the Jews incited the God-fearing women of high standing and the leading men of the city. They stirred up persecution against Paul and Barnabas, and expelled them from their region. (NIV)
The thing that really stood out to me is the amazing influence women have. Read these verses again:
(Acts 13:49-50) The word of the Lord spread through the whole region.
But the Jews incited the God-fearing women of high standing and the
leading men of the city. They stirred up persecution against Paul and
Barnabas, and expelled them from their region. (NIV)
Who were incited? Who were the go-to people when the jealous Jews wanted to get something done? The God-fearing women of high standing and the leading men, you say? So, that tells me a lot about the kind of influence we women have. I mean, this society that we are talking about is not modern day USA. It is not a society that revered the opinion of women from what I understand. But these women were able to stir up enough persecution to have Paul and Barnabas expelled. They had influence in their families and used it to make something happen. Wow. We as women have influence, whether we know it or not. The question to ask is, "Where I am using this gift of influence?"
