Women accompanying Jesus

 

Let’s look at some ways women in the Church served, over the next few weeks, we will examine some of these women that is listed in the Scriptures.

 

Women accompanying Jesus

 

Luke 8:1 After this, Jesus traveled about from one town and village to another, proclaiming the good news of the kingdom of God. The Twelve were with him,

 

For centuries, wealthy people have sponsored artists so they can focus on their masterpiece instead of trying to pay the bills.  We will see that Jesus and the disciples had patrons, and they were often wealthy women.

 

Do we really understand how much work it is to take care of 13 men plus and the women in the traveling party.  The food, cleaning, sleeping, clothing, hygiene are some of the basic things that need to be done, daily.  It takes money and hard work.

 

Women at the cross

 

Matthew 27:55 Many women were there, watching from a distance. They had followed Jesus from Galilee to care for his needs.

 

 

Matthew 27:56 Among them were Mary Magdalene, Mary the mother of James and Joseph {Joses}, and the mother of Zebedee's sons. 

 

{Salome, wife of Zebedee, sons, James and John} { was sister of Mary, mother of Jesus, aunt of Jesus.  Jesus was cousins to James and John.}

 

{Mary, mother of James, Joseph, wife of Clopas or Alphaeus}

 

John 19:25 Meanwhile, standing near Jesus' cross were his mother, his mother's sister, Mary the wife of Clopas, and Mary Magdalene.

 

Mary the wife of Clopas.

 

Mark 15:40-41 Now there were women watching from a distance. Among them were Mary Magdalene, Mary the mother of young James and Joseph, and Salome.  (41)  They used to accompany him and care for him while he was in Galilee. Many other women who had come up to Jerusalem with him were there, too.

 

Many other women: no record who they were

 

She was called Magdalene, was she was an inhabitant of Magdala, or was used to distinct from the other 6 Mary’s mention in the Scriptures.

 

She was from Galilee, Magdala is a fishing town on the western shore of the Sea of Galilee in Roman Judea.  She gave financial help and domestic service to Jesus and his disciples.

 

The first 3 gospels give little evidence of Mary’s character. 

 

We find she was healed by Jesus. First appeared to; drove out 7 demons.

 

Luke 8:2 and also some women who had been cured of evil spirits and diseases: Mary (called Magdalene) from whom seven demons had come out;

 

Think back how the demons reacted to a person body with demons that Jesus was going to drive out demons.  The Scriptures show a possessed person wailing, thrashing, and tearing his or her clothes in front of a crowd.  She must have suffered from severe emotional or psychological trauma.  I can understand her deep devotion to Jesus on account of the healing must have very strong.    

 

Mary Magdalene is mention by name 12 times in the Scriptures and was a witness to Jesus crucifixion, His resurrection and probably at His burial.  Remember, we covered her as she escape with Lazarus from the Jews Leadership on boat to France.

 

Because Mary is listed as one of the women who were supporting Jesus's ministry financially, she must have been relatively wealthy. 

 

The places where she and the other women are mentioned throughout the gospels strongly indicate that they were vital to Jesus's ministry.

 

The fact that Mary Magdalene always appears first except one time at the cross, whenever she is listed in the Gospels as a member of a group of women, indicates that she was seen as a leader out of all of them just as Peter among the Apostles.  

 

Jesus is Buried, the women probably saw Joseph, and his men, take him down from the cross, and they followed him, and observed where he buried Jesus

 

Mark 15:47  Mary Magdalene and Mary the mother of Joseph saw where he {Jesus} was laid.

 

Jesus Resurrection

 

Mark 16:1 When the Sabbath was over, Mary Magdalene, Mary the mother of James, and Salome bought spices to go and anoint Jesus.

 

Why say James and not Joseph?

 

Mark 16:2 Very early on the first day of the week, just after sunrise, they were on their way to the tomb

 

the women took the spices they had prepared and went to the tomb.

 

 

 

 

Luke 24:1-3 But at early dawn on the first day of the week, they went to the tomb, taking the spices they had prepared.  (2)  They found the stone rolled away from the tomb,  (3)  but when they went in, they didn't find the body of the Lord Jesus.

 

Who was the angel talking to.  Talking to the women

 

Mark 16:6 "Don't be alarmed," he {angel} said. "You are looking for Jesus the Nazarene, who was crucified. He has risen! He is not here. See the place where they laid him. 

 

Mark 16:7 But go, tell his disciples and Peter, 'He is going ahead of you into Galilee. There you will see him, just as he told you.'" 

 

Mark 16:8 Trembling and bewildered, the women went out and fled from the tomb. They said nothing to anyone, because they were afraid.

 

Luke 24:5 While the women remained terrified, bowing their faces to the ground, the men asked them, "Why are you looking among the dead for someone who is living?

 

Jesus Appears to Mary Magdalene

 

Mark 16:9 After Jesus had risen early on the first day of that week, he appeared first to Mary Magdalene, from whom he had driven out seven demons.

 

Notice, Jesus first appeared to a woman, not to a man.

 

Mark 16:10-11 She went and told those who had been with Jesus and who now were grieving and crying.  (11)  When they heard that he was alive and that he had been seen by her, they refused to believe Mary.

 

 

 

 

Mark 16:12-14 After this, Jesus appeared in a different form to two disciples as they were walking into the country.  (13)  They went back and told the others, who didn't believe them, either.  (14)  Finally he appeared to his eleven disciples while they were eating. He rebuked them for their unbelief and stubbornness, because they had not believed those who had seen him after he had risen.

 

They did not believe the women who told them.

 

Luke 24:8-9 Then they remembered his words.  (9)  When they came back from the tomb, they told all these things to the Eleven and to all the others.

 

Who were the other women

 

Luke 24:10 It was Mary Magdalene, Joanna, Mary the mother of James, and the others with them who told this to the apostles.

 

Luke 24:11 But they did not believe the women, because their words seemed to them like nonsense.    {men still did not believe}

 

Notice, the men did not believe Mary that Jesus was alive

 

Notice, it was the same women at the tomb and at the cross.

 

One of the most profound examples is Mary Magdalene, whom Jesus chose to be the first to witness his resurrection. She was entrusted with bringing the good news to the disciples that morning when she saw and spoke to Jesus.

 

John 20:16 Jesus said to her, "Mary." She turned toward him and cried out in Aramaic, "Rabboni!" (which means "Teacher"). 

 

John 20:17 Jesus said, "Do not hold on to me, for I have not yet ascended to the Father. Go instead to my brothers and tell them, 'I am ascending to my Father and your Father, to my God and your God.'"

 

John 20:18 So Mary Magdalene went and announced to the disciples, "I have seen the Lord!" She also told them what he had told her.

 

Mary could speak other languages and was the first person to touch Jesus.

Notice Jesus affectionately rebuke her with words, do not hold unto me. 

 

This show Mary devotion to Jesus as any of the women in the anointing Jesus feet stories and drying His feet with her hair.  The Scriptures are not clear if it is the same woman, Mary .

 

A woman, not a man, told to tell the disciples.

 

John 19:25 Meanwhile, standing near Jesus' cross were his mother, his mother's sister, Mary the wife of Clopas, and Mary Magdalene.

 

Matthew 27:56 Among them were Mary Magdalene, Mary the mother of James and Joseph, and the mother of Zebedee's sons.

 

Mark 15:40 Now there were women watching from a distance. Among them were Mary Magdalene, Mary the mother of young James and Joseph, and Salome.

 

Mark 15:41 They used to accompany him and care for him while he was in Galilee. Many other women who had come up to Jerusalem with him were there, too.

 

Mary the mother of James the younger and of Joseph, wife of Cleopas

 

She was a constant companion of Mary Magdalene in Galilee and Jerusalem.  She also gave both financial assistance and domestic care.

She was a witness at the cross and at the tomb.

She was also preparing spices they brought to prepare Jesus body and anoint him. 

 

Mark 16:7 But go, tell his disciples and Peter, 'He is going ahead of you into Galilee. There you will see him, just as he told you.'"

 

This Mary when compared to the Gospels other individuals at the cross, this Mary was the wife of Cleopas, were the parents of James the younger {Apostle} and of Joseph

 

As a side:  He was a cousin, as they say, of the Savior. For Eusebius, Chapter XI records that

Clopas was a brother of Joseph, Mary’s husband

Interesting, the first male to see and talk with Jesus was the husband of this female, Mary, mother of James the younger and Joseph.  Cleopas.

 

Luke 24:18 One of them, named Cleopas, asked him, "Are you the only one visiting Jerusalem who does not know the things that have happened there in these days?"

 

Luke 24:19 He asked them, "What things?" They answered him, "The events involving Jesus of Nazareth, who was a prophet, mighty in what he said and did before God and all the people,

 

So who was Cleopas {Cleopas}, history was probably the brother to Joseph the carpenter and then brother brother-in-law to Mary, the mother of Jesus.

 

These verses are highlighting family relations between these women

 

This James is generally identified as James the Less, one of the 12 apostles, also called "James the son of Alphaeus"

 

(Matthew 10:3; Mark 3:18; Luke 6:15). "Clopas" and "Alphaeus" seem to be variations of the Aramaic name "Chalphai," which can be transliterated into Greek as "Clopas" and Latin as "Alphaeus."

"James the less", Alphaeus his father, is the same with Cleopas, or Cleophas, The Hebrew name, חלפי, which often occurs among the Jews (u), may be pronounced either Chlophi, or Alphi, or with the Greek termination Cleopas, or Alphaeus.

 

The 2nd-century historian Hegesippus states that Clopas was a brother of Joseph, Mary's husband and stepfather of Jesus. If true, then this apostle James was a cousin of Jesus.

Salome (mentioned by Mark), also called "the mother of Zebedee's sons" by Matthew and "His [Jesus'] mother's sister" by John. With Salome and Mary being sisters, their children—Jesus, son of Mary, and the disciples James and John, sons of Salome and Zebedee—were first cousins.

Luke 8:1-2 After this, Jesus traveled from one city and village to another, preaching and spreading the good news about God's kingdom. The Twelve were with him,  (2)  as well as some women who had been healed of evil spirits and illnesses: Mary, also called Magdalene, from whom seven demons had gone out;

 

Luke 8:3 Joanna the wife of Chuza, the manager of Herod's household; Susanna; and many others. These women were helping to support them out of their own means.

 

Susanna is only mention here, no other information, she supported Jesus and the group.

 

Joanna the wife of Chuza

 

Joanna is a woman mentioned in Luke 8:1-3 the gospels who was healed by Jesus and later supported him and his disciples in their travels, one of the women recorded in the Gospel of Luke as accompanying Jesus and the twelve and a witness to Jesus' resurrection.

 

She was the wife of Chuza, who managed the household of Herod Antipas, the ruler of Galilee as domestic administrator or steward at the court. Her name means "Yahweh has been gracious", a variation of the name "Anna" which means "grace" or "favor”

 

 

 

 

Luke 24:9-10 They returned from the tomb and reported all these things to the eleven disciples and all the others.  (10)  The women who told the apostles about it were Mary Magdalene, Joanna, Mary the mother of James, and some others.

 

Do you think the some others, could have been Peter’s wife.

 

1 Corinthians 9:5 We have the right to take a believing wife with us like the other apostles, the Lord's brothers, and Cephas, don't we?

 

Peter wife was with him until the very end, according to Eusebius, CHAPTER XXX of his book.

 

"They say, accordingly, that when the blessed Peter saw his own wife led out to die, he rejoiced because of her summons and her return home, and called to her very encouragingly and comfortingly, addressing her by name, and saying, 'Oh thou, remember the Lord.' Such was the

marriage of the blessed, and their perfect disposition toward those dearest to them."

 

Peter wife, no name given, was with Peter when he travel. 

 

Something added about the women and men.

 

Eusebius wrote Chapter XII: He also relates that Vespasian after the conquest of Jerusalem gave orders that all that belonged to the lineage of David should be sought out, in order that none of the royal race might be left among the Jews; and in consequence of this a most terrible persecution again hung over the Jews.

 

This order included the women, my understanding.   Many of Jesus extended family were killed because of this.

 

We will cover more women next time.

Women as Prophetess and Teachers

 

Women as Prophetess and Teachers                         July 30, 2022 

First, however, let’s examine what a prophet is, biblically.  

Often when people think of prophets, they think of someone who can predict the future or see the future. While that is partially true, a biblical prophet is much more than just the ability to see the future 

While the priest represents the people before God and takes their petitions to Him, the prophet represents God to people. In the Old Testament a prophet would face the people and speak. Jesus was a prophet who spoke the Word of God to the people. A prophet speaks for God.  

While a prophet speaks to people on behalf of God, a priest speaks to God on behalf of people. 

Some women have the gift of teaching and being a prophetess as is Anna,

While serving the Lord by staying in the temple and worshiping. She would also teach the people, and “to speak of him to all who were waiting for the redemption of Jerusalem.” 

Luke 2:36 Now there was one, Anna, a prophetess, the daughter of Phanuel, of the tribe of Asher. She was of a great age, and had lived with a husband seven years from her virginity; 

John the Baptist was the last prophet of the OT.  Lord Jesus was a prophet.  No other person I can find was mention as a Prophet after Jesus, except for 5 women. 

This Anna, at the time of Christ's birth, and afterwards four daughters of Philip the Evangelist, who were virgins, were prophetess.   

Anna’s work as a prophetess in the temple court suggests that she addressed all who would listen to her,  

Daughter of Phanuel {means Face of God}. Evidently a man well known in that day. 

Luke 2:37 and this woman was a widow of about eighty-four years, who did not depart from the temple, but served God with fasting and prayers night and day. 

Departed not from the temple. Probably assigned, on account of her saintly character, a chamber in the temple. 

Her age will appear to be great, if it be observed, that she was seven years a married woman, and fourscore and four years a widow, which make ninety one; and if she was married at twelve years and a half, at which time the Jews (o) reckoned females marriageable, she must be an hundred and three years old; and perhaps her age might be eight or ten years more: 

Was found there at all stated hours of the day, and even during the night services of the temple watchmen 

1 Timothy 5:5 Now she who is really a widow, and left alone, trusts in God and continues in supplications and prayers night and day. 

The Pharisees had adopted the practice of ‘fasting twice in the week,’ on Monday and Thursday, when Moses is supposed to have ascended, and descended from, Sinai 

Luke 2:38 And coming in that instant she gave thanks to the Lord, and spoke of Him to all those who looked for redemption in Jerusalem.

 Spoke unto men to edified and to encourage, and to comfort. We find this holy widow proclaiming Jesus to all who looked for redemption in Jerusalem and declaring that Jesus was the promised child. 

At all events, it appears that this widow was one of the first publishers of the Gospel of Christ, and it is likely that she traveled with it from house to house through the city of Jerusalem, where she knew they dwelt who were expecting the salvation of God. 

The Father answer one of her prayers, were present, when Joseph and Mary brought the child Jesus to the Temple to sacrifice on his behalf, according to the custom for firstborn male children. Anna thanked God for having given her the opportunity of seeing Jesus and spoke of him to all the people who came to Jerusalem seeking redemption. 

Could this be why many people were looking for the Messiah to come.  Laying the groundwork Jesus to come, just like John the Baptist.   

Luke wrote about Peter Sermon 

Acts 2:17 "'In the last days, God says, I will pour out my Spirit on all people. Your sons and daughters will prophesy, your young men will see visions, your old men will dream dreams. 

This is what the church considers sermons, speaking under inspiration. 

Acts 2:18 In those days I will even pour out my Spirit on my servants, both men and women alike, and they will prophesy. 

The Holy Spirit being poured down upon both men and women alike, can-do inspired prophecy {telling others about our Lord Jesus or declaring the will of God} 

Acts 19:5-6 When they heard this, they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus.  (6)  And when Paul had laid hands on them, the Holy Spirit came upon them, and they spoke with tongues and prophesied. 

Philip’s daughters are another example of prophetesses in the NT. 

About  25 years later. The last account of Acts 8:40, shows him preaching in the cities of the seacoast.  In one of these we find Philip living.

 Using the understanding of a prophet is, essentially, a spokesman for God, as chosen by Him. They are tasked with speaking to the people on God’s behalf, by sharing a message or even teaching. 

Acts 21:8-9 On the next day we who were Paul's companions departed and came to Caesarea, and entered the house of Philip the evangelist, who was one of the seven {original deacons}, and stayed with him.  (9)  Now this man had four virgin daughters who prophesied. 

The prophetic spirit in either the Old or New Testament is not confined to a single sex. We mention Deborah, Miriam and Huldah are Old Testament examples, and in the New Testament, Elisabeth, Mary, Anna, and the daughters of Philip are instances 

What about other women in the New Testament 

Acts 18:2-3 There he {Paul} found a Jew named Aquila, a native of Pontus, who had recently come from Italy with his wife Priscilla because Claudius had ordered all the Jews to leave Rome. Paul went to visit them, (3) and because they had the same trade he stayed with them. They worked together because they were tentmakers by trade. 

Who were Priscilla and Aquila were a first century Christian married couple described in the New Testament.   They lived, worked, and traveled with the Apostle Paul, who described them as his "fellow workers in Christ Jesus". 

Priscilla and Aquila are described in the New Testament as providing a presence that strengthened the early Christian churches. Paul was generous in his recognition and acknowledgment of his indebtedness to them. Together, they are credited with instructing Apollos, a major evangelist of the first century, and "[explaining] to him the way of God more accurately". 

They are mentioned six times in four different books of the New Testament and are around the Apostle Paul.  

Acts 18:18 After staying there for quite a while longer, Paul said goodbye to the brothers and sailed for Syria, accompanied by Priscilla and Aquila. He had his hair cut in Cenchrea, since he was under a vow. 

Paul had his hair cut as part of a Nazirite vow he had made (Num. 6). Such a vow had to be fulfilled in Jerusalem, where the hair would be presented to God. Vows were made either in gratitude for God’s blessing (like Paul’s safekeeping in Corinth) or as part of a petition for future blessing. 

The vow involved abstinence from drinking wine and a commitment not to cut one’s hair for a period of time. At the end of this set period, the hair was cut and then burned along with other sacrifices as a symbol of offering oneself to God (Act_21:23-26). Paul redirected his entire travel schedule because he wanted to get to Jerusalem in time to make this vow. 

Acts 18:19 When they arrived in Ephesus, he left Priscilla and Aquila there. Then he went into the synagogue and had a discussion with the Jews. 

Acts 18:24 Meanwhile, a Jew named Apollos arrived in Ephesus. He was a native of Alexandria, an eloquent man, and well versed in the Scriptures. 

Acts 18:25 He had been instructed in the Lord's way, and with spiritual fervor he kept speaking and teaching accurately about Jesus, although he knew only about John's baptism.          {About repentance} 

Did not know about the Holy Spirit and laying on hands 

Acts 18:26 He began to speak boldly in the synagogue, but when Priscilla and Aquila heard him, they took him home and explained God's way to him more accurately. 

Notice, women were in the synagogue, with the men 

Acts 18:28 He successfully refuted the Jews in public and proved by the Scriptures that Jesus is the Messiah. 

Learn this from a female prophesy 

1 Corinthians 11:4-5 Every man who prays or prophesies with his head covered dishonors his head.  (5)  But every woman who prays or prophesies with her head uncovered dishonors her head; it is the same as having her head shaved.

 So Apostle Paul says there are woman who prophecy. 

1 Corinthians 14:3 But the one who prophesies speaks to people for their strengthening, encouraging and comfort. 

Shows women can prophesies and did not she instruct Apollos. 

Romans 16:3-4 Greet Priscilla and Aquila, my co-workers in Christ Jesus.  (4)  They risked their lives for me. Not only I but all the churches of the Gentiles are grateful to them. 

This was written in 56 or 57, stating that they risked their lives for Paul

Churches are grateful to them. 

1 Corinthians 16:19 The churches in the province of Asia send you greetings. Aquila and Priscilla greet you warmly in the Lord, and so does the church that meets at their house. 

This indicates the couple were in Paul’s company, remember Paul founded the church in Corinth.  Greetings implies that Priscilla and Aquila were also involved in the founding of that church 

2 Timothy 4:19 Greet Priscilla and Aquila and the household of Onesiphorus.

 They must have been some couple in the New Testament. 

·      They were tentmakers as was Paul

·      They were among the Jews expelled from Rome by the Roman Emperor Claudius in the year 49 {what, around 18 years after Jesus resurrection)

·      Paul lived with Priscilla and Aquila for approximately 18 months in Corinth

·      started out to accompany Paul when he proceeded to Syria, but stopped at Ephesus  

Tradition reports that Aquila and Priscilla were martyred together 

Timothy grew up with Lois and Eunice, they are only mention here and taught and instructed Timothy. 

2 Timothy 1:5  I am reminded of your sincere faith, which first lived in your grandmother Lois and in your mother Eunice and, I am persuaded, now lives in you also. 

What about Phoebe, a deaconess 

Romans 16:1-2 Now I commend to you our sister Phoebe, a deaconess in the church at Cenchrea.  (2)  Welcome her in the Lord as is appropriate for saints, and provide her with anything she may need from you, for she has assisted many people, including me. 

Of most of them we know nothing, save that he places women in the Paul writings to all remember forever.  Deacon, same word for men and women 

Romans 16:6 Greet Mary, who has worked very hard for you. 

Romans 16:7 Greet Andronicus and Junia, my fellow Jews who are in prison with me and are prominent among the apostles. They belonged to the Messiah before I did.    Husband and wife team 

Romans 16:12 Greet Tryphena and Tryphosa, those women who work hard in the Lord. Greet my dear friend Persis, another woman who has worked very hard in the Lord. 

Romans 16:13 Greet Rufus, chosen in the Lord, and his mother, who has been a mother to me, too. 

1 Corinthians 1:11 My brothers, some members of Chloe's family have made it clear to me that there are quarrels among you. 

Philippians 4:2-3 I urge Euodia and Syntyche to have the same attitude in the Lord.  (3)  Yes, I also ask you, my true partner, to help these women. They have worked hard with me to advance the gospel, along with Clement and the rest of my fellow workers, whose names are in the Book of Life.   {bore fruit through the faithfulness of these women} 

And finally 

Acts 16:13-15 On the Sabbath day we went out the city gate and walked along the river, where we thought there was a place of prayer. We sat down and began talking to the women who had gathered there.  (14)  A woman named Lydia, from the city of Thyatira, a dealer in purple goods, was listening to us. She was a worshiper of God, and the Lord opened her heart to listen carefully to what was being said by Paul.  (15)  When she and her family were baptized, she urged us, "If you are convinced that I am a believer in the Lord, come and stay at my home." And she continued to insist that we do so. 

Acts 16:40 Leaving the jail, Paul and Silas went to Lydia's house. They saw the brothers, encouraged them, and then left. 

How are we going to be remember - Tabitha April 30, 2022

 How are we going to be remember - Tabitha             April 30, 2022 

How are we going to be remember to others after our death in this life.  We know we are going to be changed when our Lord Jesus returns to the earth. 

Let’s stop for a minute, think about someone you really knew as a close friend and have died.  Waiting to see them in the future.  Remember how you were affected by them. 

Let’s look at the life of one woman from the Scriptures, a disciple of our Lord Jesus and what she did.  Dorcas restored to life.  Remember, in our discussion some do not believe women are considered disciples and doing what is good. 

Acts 9:36 In Joppa there was a disciple named Tabitha, which in Greek is Dorcas. She was known for her good actions and acts of charity that she was always doing. 

Tabitha lived in Joppa, {today know as Jaffa} a seaport town in Palestine, 35 miles northwest of Jerusalem, a Mediterranean coastal city. Dorcas in the Greek (meaning "gazelle"), a saintly Christian noted for her good works and acts of love for the poor and deeds of love 

Solomon used this port to receive timber that was used for the building of the Temple. Joppa is where Jonah ran to catch a boat for Tarshish.  Joppa is situated in a fertile plain now celebrated for its fine oranges, 

Some things to observe about Dorcas, shows Christian character 

Dorcas had three names: She’s known as Tabitha, AKA Dorcas & Gazelle. Tabitha is her Aramaic (Syrian) name and Dorcas is her Grecian name. Both of these names mean gazelle or any small antelope of Africa and Asia, a creature with stunning eyes and swift feet and graceful movements. 

Dorcas is called a disciple in vs 36, that it may be seen that under the gospel there is no distinction between male and female 

Dorcas is the only woman called a disciple in the Scriptures. A disciple was a learner, a follower and one who was determined to be like his or her teacher.  She was committed follower of Jesus. 

Disciple: 3102; mathetria {math-ay-tree-ah} means a female pupil, a disciple. Used only here with Apostle Paul, 1 time 

Acts 9:10 In Damascus there was a disciple named Ananias. The Lord called to him in a vision, "Ananias!" "Yes, Lord," he answered. 

Disciple: 3101; mathetes {a learner, that is, a pupil – disciple} 268 times 

Lets look at this verse and tell me what do you think, are men and women disciples. 

Acts 9:2 and asked him for letters to the synagogues in Damascus, so that if he found any there who belonged to the Way, whether men or women, he might take them as prisoners to Jerusalem. 

Galatians 3:28 Because all of you are one in the Messiah Jesus, a person is no longer a Jew or a Greek, a slave or a free person, a male or a female. 

Philippians 4:3 Yes, and I ask you, my true companion, help these women since they have contended at my side in the cause of the gospel, along with Clement and the rest of my co-workers, whose names are in the book of life. 

Acts 9:37 About that time she became sick and died, and her body was washed and placed in an upstairs room. 

Dorcas was single or a widow: Most commentators think she was a widow or single because there is no mention of any man in her life. We know we do not need a man or woman to complete us, because we can serve God as a single person. 

Dorcas had fallen ill and died. She was prepared for burial and placed in the upper chamber, usually used as a guest chamber 

Apparently having heard of the healing of Aeneas by Peter, some disciples from Joppa sent to Lydda to fetch Peter, hoping that he could come and perform an even greater miracle on the behalf of their beloved Tabitha 

Acts 9:33-34 There he found a man named Aeneas, who was paralyzed and had been bedridden for eight years.  (34)  "Aeneas," Peter said to him, "Jesus Christ heals you. Get up and roll up your mat." Immediately Aeneas got up. 

Acts 9:38 Lydda was near Joppa; so when the disciples heard that Peter was in Lydda, they sent two men to him and urged him, "Please come at once!" 

There is no evidence that they expected that Peter would raise her up to life or from what I can tell, no Apostle had restored any as of yet, from dead to life. 

Acts 9:39 Peter went with them, and when he arrived he was taken upstairs to the room. All the widows stood around him, crying and showing him the robes and other clothing that Dorcas had made while she was still with them. 

I believe the widows wanted comfort by the Apostle Peter with his present there.  Notice, all the widows stood around him. 

·      Dorcas did her deeds in secret:

·      Tabitha did not do anything heroic like Deborah or risky like Rahab.

·      She simply served her Savior by ministering to the people.

·      The needs of people moved her to action. She was not lazy.

·      She knitted those clothes for people. 

The Bible says that she was “full of good works.” Wouldn’t you agree that there are more people filled with words than there are people filled with works?  

These widows were the women who, with the dead Dorcas, had been busy in the good works to which they were all devoted to the people. 

What happened next is proof that our Lord Jesus is full of glorious, unrestrained power.  Following Jesus example. 

Acts 9:40 Peter sent them all out of the room; then he got down on his knees and prayed. Turning toward the dead woman, he said, "Tabitha, get up." She opened her eyes, and seeing Peter she sat up. 

Peter just followed Lord Jesus example 

Matthew 9:25 After the crowd had been put outside, he went in and took the girl by the hand, and she got up. 

Acts 9:41 He took her by the hand and helped her to her feet. Then he called for the believers, especially the widows, and presented her to them alive. 

Peter gave her his hand, and lifted her up as his Lord Jesus had done to his own mother-in-law 

Mark 1:31 So he went to her, took her hand and helped her up. The fever left her and she began to wait on them. 

The Bible says that she was “full of good works.” Wouldn’t you agree that there are more people filled with words than there are people filled with works?  

Acts 9:42 This became known all over Joppa, and many people believed in the Lord. 

The resurrection of Dorcas was also a major reason so many people in Joppa believed.  This miracle performed in the name of Lord Jesus led many to faith in Lord Jesus. 

Galatians 6:10 Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially to those who belong to the family of believers. 

Titus 3:8 This is a trustworthy saying. And I want you to stress these things, so that those who have trusted in God may be careful to devote themselves to doing what is good. These things are excellent and profitable for everyone. 

Summary: It is true that deeds of believers follow them even after death. Thus when death occurs, let us be just this blunt about it, some believers leave a vacuum that just cannot be easily filled. After we become Christians, our deeds do matter here & beyond.  Count toward our rewards. 

Sometimes bad things do happen to Believers.  When what we see as bad things happen to believers, as with Tabitha, some in the faith begin to conclude and wonder why that happen to a believer.  

Be careful what you wish upon others. The Bible says “the same measure you measure shall be measured unto you.” 

Matthew 7:2 For in the same way you judge others, you will be judged, and with the measure you use, it will be measured to you. 

We cannot help everyone, but we can help someone.  One person at a time.  Our time, financial limits cannot help many, but someone through a group to help.  Family, household of the Faith and then others. 

Tabitha was always doing good and helping the poor, but not interfering in their lives, example gossiping about those she help.  She cared for her family and the believers in the church. 

She is an example from Proverbs 31.  Tabitha was a seamstress

Proverbs 31:13 She seeks out wool and flax, working with eager hands. 

Proverbs 31:19-20 In her hand she holds the distaff and grasps the spindle with her fingers.  (20)  She opens her arms to the poor and extends her hands to the needy. 

Tabitha learn from the Apostle Peter that small things done with great love will change the world.  

1 Peter 4:10 Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God's grace in its various forms. 

As we serve other believers, the Body of Christ, the church is strengthened. 

Peter came at once when asked by the Church.  The widows stood around Peter and showing him the robes and other clothing that Tabitha made everything they were wearing.  Total services to others in the Church. 

After we become Christians, our deeds do matter here & beyond. 

Interesting question, why did God allow Tabitha to be raised and not Stephen, who was killed and died as public martyred. 

Was she a huge financial contributor? Was she a miracle worker?

She was raised because God does not want compassion to die in the church!  

James 1:27 Religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this: to look after orphans and widows in their distress and to keep oneself from being polluted by the world. 

What did she do after being resurrected.  The Scriptures does not say.

Because of her character, she probably went right back to her quiet service to others. 

This miracle glorified our Lord Jesus and the Father, they believed 

Acts 9:42 This became known all over Joppa, and many people believed in the Lord. 

I sure Tabitha was told by Peter what Jesus said about love. 

John 13:34-35 "A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another.  (35)  By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another." 

We are to show our love to other believers as Tabitha has done.

 1 Peter 1:22-23 Now that you have purified yourselves by obeying the truth so that you have sincere love for each other, love one another deeply, from the heart.  (23)  For you have been born again, not of perishable seed, but of imperishable, through the living and enduring word of God. 

How did Tabitha encourage each other in the church. 

Hebrews 10:24-25 And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, (25) not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day approaching. 

Hebrews 3:12-13 See to it, brothers and sisters, that none of you has a sinful, unbelieving heart that turns away from the living God.  (13)  But encourage one another daily, as long as it is called "Today," so that none of you may be hardened by sin's deceitfulness. 

Dorcas is a fine example of how we are to meet the needs of those around us. Christians are to  

Galatians 2:10 All they asked was that we should continue to remember the poor, the very thing I had been eager to do all along. 

James 1:27 Religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this: to look after orphans and widows in their distress and to keep oneself from being polluted by the world.

This was the type of religion Tabitha practiced. 

We also see in the story of Tabitha how the Body of Christ functions as a whole. We are united in Jesus, and the believers in Joppa mourned the loss of Dorcas as a close family member. 

1 Corinthians 12:26-27 If one part suffers, every part suffers with it; if one part is honored, every part rejoices with it.  (27)  Now you are the body of Christ, and each one of you is a part of it. 

Tabitha was one of their own, and her absence left a huge void in their lives. 

She was an Inspirational Woman to the Body of Christ, choosing to use her talents to serve others. 

What are some other women examples in the New Testament:

We will look at it in the next few weeks. 

7th Day - Feast of Unleavened Bread, 2022; April 22, 2022

 7th Day - Feast of Unleavened Bread, 2022                            April 22, 2022 

We are here today to celebrate this last, Feast Day, the seventh day of unleavened bread and is one of the annual Holy High Days. What do we do now, as we go forwards after this feast.  What does the Scriptures revealed about this day: 

How did it go this last week?  Did we make the effort to eat Unleavened Bread every day?  Are we already tired of the Unleavened Bread?  Are we ready for some real bread, like a juicy hamburger with bread, and leaven bread or hot rolls?  What did you miss most. 

What are we going to do now as we move past the Days of Unleavened Bread heading towards Pentecost, 50 Days away.  

Remember, we already covered leaven which represents sin on the First High Day and we are to put sin out of our lives or out of the Temple we are. 

Exodus 13:6-8 You are to eat unleavened bread for seven days, and on the seventh day there is to be a festival to the LORD.  (7)  Unleavened bread is to be eaten for seven days, and nothing leavened is to be seen among you, nor is leaven to be seen among you throughout your territory.  (8)  And you are to tell your child on that day, 'This is because of what the LORD did for me when I came out of Egypt.' 

What does the Scriptures really say about this day: 

Exodus 13:9-10 This observance will be for you like a sign on your hand and a reminder on your forehead {Why} that this law of the LORD is to be on your lips. For the LORD brought you out of Egypt with his mighty hand.  (10)  You must keep this ordinance at the appointed time year after year. 

We are to come out of sin with high hand, realizing our sins have been forgiven. 

The seven Days of Unleavened Bread to picture that after our sins have been forgiven through the sacrifice of Jesus  

1 Corinthians 5:7 Get rid of the old yeast, so that you may be a new unleavened batch; as you really are. For Christ, our Passover lamb, has been sacrificed. 

We are to no longer to continue in the old ways but to walk in the true ways of the Bible. 

1 Corinthians 5:8 Therefore let us keep the Festival, not with the old bread leavened with malice and wickedness, but with the unleavened bread of sincerity and truth. 

The Days of Unleavened Bread helps us to understand that sin is to put out of our lives and reminds us about this, sin: 

1 Peter 5:8-9 Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour.  (9)  Resist him, standing firm in the faith, because you know that the family of believers throughout the world is undergoing the same kind of sufferings.   {we seem to read vs 8, but not vs 9}

We know, the Bible explains how Israel came to a place they could not escape, God saved then and took them out of sin {Egypt is a type if sin}. 

Let’s us realize this occurs at the end of the week of Unleavened Bread on the Last High Day, not at the beginning. 

God had to deliver the Israelites from Egypt {a type of sin} by a miracle. 

Numbers 33:3 They departed from Rameses on the first month, the fifteenth day of the first month. The day after the Passover, the Israelis came out confidently, and all the Egyptians watched them leave, 

This is how Israel celebrate the first day of Unleavened Bread.

They were FREE! They had just been redeemed.

They came out of sin as we came out of sin, Passover. 

Exodus 12:31 During the night Pharaoh summoned Moses and Aaron and said, "Up! Leave my people, you and the Israelites! Go, worship the LORD as you have requested.  (32)  Take your flocks and herds, as you have said, and go. And also bless me."    {3 days – Exodus 3:18, 8:27} 

Exodus 12:34-35 So the people took their dough before it was leavened, with their kneading bowls wrapped up in their cloaks on their shoulders.  (35)  Meanwhile, the Israelis had done as Moses said; they had asked the Egyptians for objects of silver and objects of gold, and for clothes.  

Exodus 12:36 The LORD had given the people favor in the eyes of the Egyptians, so that they gave them what they requested; and so they plundered the Egyptians.  {past payment for services as a slave} 

Exodus 12:37 The Israelites journeyed from Rameses to Sukkoth. There were about six hundred thousand men on foot, besides women and children.  (38)  Many other people went up with them, and also large droves of livestock, both flocks and herds.   

Exodus 12:39 With the dough the Israelites had brought from Egypt, they baked loaves of unleavened bread. The dough was without yeast because they had been driven out of Egypt and did not have time to prepare food for themselves. 

They wanted to get out, as quickly as possible. 

Exodus 12:41-42 And it came to pass at the end of the four hundred and thirty years; on that very same day; it came to pass that all the armies of the LORD went out from the land of Egypt. (42) It is a night of solemn observance {night of the LORD to be observed to the LORD} for bringing them out of the land of Egypt. This is that night of the LORD, a solemn observance for all the children of Israel throughout their generations. 

They were thrilled to leave 

We can walk out of Satan's world which is often easier for us than it is staying out, because of the trials that comes on us later. 

Exodus 13:15 When Pharaoh stubbornly refused to let us go, the LORD killed the firstborn of both people and animals in Egypt. This is why I sacrifice to the LORD {animal} the first male offspring of every womb and redeem {payment} each of my firstborn sons.' 

Pillars of Cloud and Fire 

Exodus 13:17-18 When Pharaoh let the people go, God did not lead them on the road through the Philistine country, though that was shorter. For God said, "If they face war, they might change their minds and return to Egypt."  (18)  So God led the people around by the desert road toward the Red Sea. The Israelites went up out of Egypt ready for battle {orderly ranks out of the land of Egypt}..

It is always the right way when God is leading them and us personally. 

Exodus 13:20-22 After leaving Sukkoth they camped at Etham on the edge of the desert.  (21)  By day the LORD went ahead of them in a pillar of cloud to guide them on their way and by night in a pillar of fire to give them light, so that they could travel by day or night.  (22)  Neither the pillar of cloud by day nor the pillar of fire by night left its place in front of the people. 

·      We are told to walk by faith and not by sight, but God had quite a bit of mercy on Israel.

·      They had a visual aid that was there all the time, by day and by night, a cloud or a pillar of fire.

·      All they had to do was look up, and their faith could be encourage. 

·       Cloud for shade for during hot daylight time, fire for light and warm in the cold night 

We also have a visual aid, the Holy Scriptures to instruct us and the Holy Spirit to lead us.  Jesus gives us a promise. 

Romans 8:14 For all who are led by God's Spirit are God's children.

Exodus 14:1-2  Then the LORD said to Moses,  (2)  "Tell the Israelites to turn back and encamp near Pi Hahiroth, between Migdol and the sea. They are to encamp by the sea, directly opposite Baal Zephon. 

They have been going eastward, but God told them to go south and camp by the sea. 

Verse 3 gives the reason why: 

Exodus 14:3 Pharaoh will think, 'The Israelites are wandering around the land in confusion, hemmed in by the desert.' 

·      Let’s look at the map, notice a ridgeline goes down the western edge of the Red Sea and cliffs become close to the water’s edge. 

·      The cliffs blocks them in front as they were traveling north,

·      To their east was the Red Sea. They were closed in on three sides

·      The Sea on the right, and the cliffs before them and to the left.

·      And guess who was coming from the south (behind them). 

Exodus 14:8-9  The LORD hardened the heart of Pharaoh king of Egypt, so that he pursued the Israelites, who were marching out boldly.  (9)  The Egyptians—all Pharaoh's horses and chariots, horsemen and troops—pursued the Israelites and overtook them as they camped by the sea near Pi Hahiroth, opposite Baal Zephon. 

We find that Israel is a type for us, and had to be baptized in the Red Sea as we are to be baptize.  Warning from the Apostle Paul. 

1 Corinthians 10:1-4 For I do not want you to be ignorant of the fact, brothers and sisters, that our ancestors were all under the cloud and that they all passed through the sea.  (2)  They were all baptized into Moses in the cloud and in the sea.  (3)  They all ate the same spiritual food  (4)  and drank the same spiritual drink; for they drank from the spiritual rock that accompanied them, and that rock was Christ. 

1 Corinthians 10:11-12 These things happened to them as examples and were written down as warnings for us, on whom the culmination of the ages has come.  (12)  So, if you think you are standing firm, be careful that you don't fall!   

Terrified is a typical human reaction when you have 100,000 men (and their horses and chariots) coming down on you, wanting your blood. 

Standstill, and see the salvation of the LORD, 

Exodus 14:10 As Pharaoh approached, the Israelites looked up, and there were the Egyptians, marching after them. They were terrified and cried out to the LORD. 

Exodus 14:13-14 And Moses said to the people, "Do not be afraid. Stand still, and see the salvation of the LORD, which He will accomplish for you today. For the Egyptians whom you see today, you shall see again no more forever.  (14)  The LORD will fight for you, and you shall hold your peace." 

·      The crossing of the Red Sea was on the last day of Unleavened Bread.

·      This crossing of the Red Sea signified that Israel was, at long last, finally free from Egyptian domination. Freedom was then a reality.

·      For us, Jesus free us of sin and other trials that threaten to hold us back.

·      We need to trust in the Lord Jesus and He is standing on the far bank, with the Holy Spirit showing us the way. 

What was God's reaction to Israel:  Moses was given a directive to trust in God. 

Exodus 14:15-16 Then the LORD said to Moses, "Why are you crying out to me? Tell the Israelites to move on.  (16)  Raise your staff and stretch out your hand over the sea to divide the water so that the Israelites can go through the sea on dry ground.  

Standing still is never a solution, making it through a trial, always give our thanks to our Father and Lord Jesus. 

Exodus 14:17-18 (17) I will harden the hearts of the Egyptians so that they will go in after them. And I will gain glory through Pharaoh and all his army, through his chariots and his horsemen.  (18)  The Egyptians will know that I am the LORD when I gain glory through Pharaoh, his chariots and his horsemen." 

God said to move on or forward. 

Exodus 14:19-20 Then the angel of God, who had been traveling in front of Israel's army, withdrew and went behind them. The pillar of cloud also moved from in front and stood behind them, (20)  coming between the armies of Egypt and Israel. Throughout the night the cloud brought darkness to the one side and light to the other side; so neither went near the other all night long. 

The cloud’s movement did two things here 

·      It stopped the Egyptian army from attacking, giving God and Israel time to act: God to open the sea, and Israel to cross it.

·      The second thing that it did, was that it blocked the Israelites from returning to Egypt. They could not surrender. They were forced to move forward.

·      Are we not forced to move forward in this Way of Life and not turn back. 

2 Peter 2:20-22 If they have escaped the corruption of the world by knowing our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ and are again entangled in it and are overcome, they are worse off at the end than they were at the beginning.  (21)  It would have been better for them not to have known the way of righteousness, than to have known it and then to turn their backs on the sacred command that was passed on to them.  (22)  Of them the proverbs are true: "A dog returns to its vomit," and, "A sow that is washed returns to her wallowing in the mud."

Exodus 14:21-23 Then Moses stretched out his hand over the sea, and all that night the LORD drove the sea back with a strong east wind and turned it into dry land. The waters were divided,  (22)  and the Israelites went through the sea on dry ground, with a wall of water on their right and on their left.  (23)  The Egyptians pursued them, and all Pharaoh's horses and chariots and horsemen followed them into the sea.   

Exodus 14:24-25 During the last watch of the night the LORD looked down from the pillar of fire and cloud at the Egyptian army and threw it into confusion.  (25)  He jammed the wheels of their chariots so that they had difficulty driving. And the Egyptians said, "Let's get away from the Israelites! The LORD is fighting for them against Egypt." 

A remarkable miracle has occurred.  

Exodus 14:26-27 Then the LORD said to Moses, "Stretch out your hand over the sea so that the waters may flow back over the Egyptians and their chariots and horsemen."  (27)  Moses stretched out his hand over the sea, and at daybreak the sea went back to its place. The Egyptians were fleeing toward it, and the LORD swept them into the sea. 

The Egyptians seems as if they got confused, fleeing the wrong direction. 

Exodus 14:28-29 The water flowed back and covered the chariots and horsemen—the entire army of Pharaoh that had followed the Israelites into the sea. Not one of them survived.  (29)  But the Israelites went through the sea on dry ground, with a wall of water on their right and on their left.   

Exodus 14:30-31 (30)  That day the LORD saved Israel from the hands of the Egyptians, and Israel saw the Egyptians lying dead on the shore.  (31)  And when the Israelites saw the mighty hand of the LORD displayed against the Egyptians, the people feared the LORD and put their trust in him and in Moses his servant. 

They were caught in a box canyon and God delivered then a way out.

If we get caught in a box canyon or trials in our lives, God promise that He will deliver us from trials in our lives. 

The Song of Moses 

Exodus 15:2 "The LORD is my strength and my defense; he has become my salvation. He is my God, and I will praise him, my father's God, and I will exalt him. 

·      Always remember, trust in God, for He is the source of freedom. 

·      Trust in ourselves, for only we have the power to move ourselves forward with the Holy Spirit directing our way. 

·      Never stop moving forward.

·      Seek freedom from sin and pursue freedom because it is precious.  Remember, this as we eat Unleavened Bread this feast. 

Israel passed through Red Sea and was baptized into Moses on the seventh day of the Feast of Unleavened Bread described as “the salvation of the LORD”. 

1 Corinthians 10:1-2 For I do not want you to be ignorant of the fact, brothers and sisters, that our ancestors were all under the cloud and that they all passed through the sea.  (2)  They were all baptized into Moses in the cloud and in the sea.  

1 Corinthians 10:3-4 They all ate the same spiritual food  (4)  and drank the same spiritual drink; for they drank from the spiritual rock that accompanied them, and that rock was Christ. 

God will always provide a way for us to escape. 

1 Corinthians 10:13 No temptation has overtaken you except what is common to mankind. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can endure it.ays of Unleavened Bread.  We are to go on in this Way of Life, following Jesus, our Lord and Creator. 

We are to study His words to grow in grace and knowledge and to learn the Way of Life that Jesus instructed us to learn.  

Ecclesiastes 12:13 Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter: Fear God and keep His commandments, For this is man's all. 

Finally, we are commanded to: 

Mark 16:15 Then he told them, "As you go into all the world, proclaim the gospel to everyone. 

Just not by our words, but by our actions.  Let’s our light shine to the world and we go forward to the next feast day and High Day, Day of Pentecost.