Bible – The Bible Society of Lesotho

As we celebrate Women’s Month, it is an opportune time to reflect on the significant roles women have played throughout biblical history. The Bible is full of stories of women who exhibited immense faith, strength, wisdom, and leadership. These narratives not only highlight the contributions of women in biblical times but also inspire and empower women today to embrace their God-given potential.

Esther, the Queen who Saved a Nation
The story of Esther is a testament to bravery and divine providence. As a Jewish queen in Persia, she risked her life to save her people from destruction. Her famous declaration, “If I perish, I perish” (Esther 4:16), exemplifies her selfless courage and determination.

Deborah, the Prophetess and Judge
Deborah stands out as a remarkable leader in a male-dominated society. As a prophetess and judge, she led Israel to victory against the Canaanite oppression (Judges 4-5). Her wisdom and leadership were pivotal in the deliverance of her people.

Ruth, the Loyal Daughter-in-Law
Ruth’s story is one of loyalty, love, and redemption. Despite being a Moabite, her unwavering devotion to her mother-in-law Naomi and her faith in the God of Israel earned her a place in the lineage of King David and Jesus (Ruth 1-4). Her life exemplifies the virtues of kindness and fidelity.

Abigail, the Wise Counselor
Abigail’s quick thinking and wisdom prevented David from committing unnecessary bloodshed (1 Samuel 25). Her intervention not only saved her household but also demonstrated the power of wise counsel and peacemaking.

Priscilla, the Early Church Teacher
In the New Testament, Priscilla, along with her husband Aquila, played a crucial role in the early church. She is noted for her knowledge of the Scriptures and her ability to teach others, including the eloquent Apollos (Acts 18:24-26). Priscilla’s story underscores the importance of women in ministry and education.

Sarah, the Matriarch of Nations

Sarah, wife of Abraham, is celebrated for her unwavering faith. Despite her old age and initial doubt, she believed in God’s promise and became the mother of Isaac, through whom the nation of Israel was established. (Genesis 17:15-16)

Miriam, the Prophetess

Miriam, the sister of Moses and Aaron, played a crucial role during the Exodus. She led the women of Israel in song and dance after crossing the Red Sea, exemplifying leadership and the power of worship. (Exodus 15:20-21)

Conclusion

As we honor African Women’s Month, let us celebrate the incredible contributions of biblical women who have paved the way for future generations. Their stories are not just historical accounts but enduring lessons of faith, courage, wisdom, and leadership. By reflecting on their lives, we can find inspiration and empowerment to live out our own unique callings with confidence and grace. By drawing on these biblical examples, we can appreciate the profound impact women have had throughout history and continue to have today. Happy African Women’s Month!

Peter and John Are Brought in Front of the Council

1 The apostles were still talking to the people, when some priests, the captain of the temple guard, and some Sadducees arrived. 2 These men were angry because the apostles were teaching the people that the dead would be raised from death, just as Jesus had been raised from death. 3 It was already late in the afternoon, and they arrested Peter and John and put them in jail for the night. 4 But a lot of people who had heard the message believed it. So by now there were about 5,000 followers of the Lord.

5 The next morning the leaders, the elders, and the teachers of the Law of Moses met in Jerusalem. 6 The high priest Annas was there, as well as Caiaphas, John, Alexander, and other members of the high priest's family. 7 They brought in Peter and John and made them stand in the middle while they questioned them. They asked, “By what power and in whose name have you done this?”

8 Peter was filled with the Holy Spirit and told the nation's leaders and the elders:

9 You are questioning us today about a kind deed in which a man who could not walk was healed. 10 But there is something we must tell you and everyone else in Israel. This man is standing here completely well because of the power of Jesus Christ from Nazareth. You put Jesus to death on a cross, but God raised him to life. 11 He is the stone you builders thought was worthless, and now he is the most important stone of all. 12 Only Jesus has the power to save! His name is the only one in all the world that can save anyone.

13 The officials were amazed to see how brave Peter and John were, and they knew that these two apostles were only ordinary men and not well educated. The officials were certain these men had been with Jesus. 14 But they could not deny what had happened. The man who had been healed was standing there with the apostles.

15 The officials commanded them to leave the council room. Then the officials said to each other, 16 “What can we do with these men? Everyone in Jerusalem knows about this miracle, and we cannot say it didn't happen. 17 But to keep this thing from spreading, we will warn them never again to speak to anyone about the name of Jesus.” 18 So they called the two apostles back in and told them they must never, for any reason, teach anything about the name of Jesus.

19 Peter and John answered, “Do you think God wants us to obey you or to obey him? 20 We cannot keep quiet about what we have seen and heard.”

21-22 The officials could not find any reason to punish Peter and John. So they threatened them and let them go. The man who was healed by this miracle was more than 40 years old, and everyone was praising God for what had happened.

Peter and Others Pray for Courage

23 As soon as Peter and John had been set free, they went back and told the others everything the chief priests and the leaders had said to them. 24 When the rest of the Lord's followers heard this, they prayed together and said:

Master, you created heaven and earth, the sea, and everything in them. 25 And by the Holy Spirit you spoke to our ancestor David. He was your servant, and you told him to say:

“Why are all the Gentiles

so furious?

Why do people

make foolish plans?

26 The kings of earth

prepare for war,

and the rulers

join together

against the Lord

and his Messiah.”

27 Here in Jerusalem, Herod and Pontius Pilate got together with the Gentiles and the people of Israel. Then they turned against your holy Servant Jesus, your chosen Messiah. 28 They did what you in your power and wisdom had already decided would happen.

29 Lord, listen to their threats! We are your servants. So make us brave enough to speak your message. 30 Show your mighty power, as we heal people and work miracles and wonders in the name of your holy Servant Jesus.

31 After they had prayed, the meeting place shook. They were all filled with the Holy Spirit and bravely spoke God's message.

Sharing Possessions

32 The group of followers all felt the same way about everything. None of them claimed that their possessions were their own, and they shared everything they had with each other. 33 In a powerful way the apostles told everyone that the Lord Jesus was now alive. God greatly blessed his followers, 34 and no one went in need of anything. Everyone who owned land or houses would sell them and bring the money 35 to the apostles. Then they would give the money to anyone in need.

36-37 Joseph was one of the followers who had sold a piece of property and brought the money to the apostles. He was a Levite from Cyprus, and the apostles called him Barnabas, which means “one who encourages others.”

1 And as they spake vnto the people, the Priestes and the Captaine of the Temple, and the Sadduces came vpon them, 2 Taking it grieuously that they taught the people, and preached in Iesus Name the resurrection from the dead. 3 And they layde handes on them, and put them in holde, vntill the next day: for it was now euentide. 4 Howbeit, many of them which heard the word, beleeued, and the number of the men was about fiue thousand. 5 And it came to passe on the morow, that their rulers, and Elders, and Scribes, were gathered together at Hierusalem, 6 And Annas the chiefe Priest, and Caiaphas, and Iohn, and Alexander, and as many as were of the kindred of the hie Priestes. 7 And whe they had set them before them, they asked, By what power, or in what Name haue ye done this? 8 Then Peter ful of the holy Ghost, said vnto them, Ye rulers of the people, and Elders of Israel, 9 For as much as we this day are examined of the good deede done to the impotent man, to wit, by what meanes he is made whole, 10 Be it knowen vnto you all, and to all the people of Israel, that by the Name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom ye haue crucified, whome God raised againe from the dead, euen by him doth this man stand here before you, whole. 11 This is the stone cast aside of you builders which is become the head of the corner. 12 Neither is there saluation in any other: for among men there is giuen none other Name vnder heauen, whereby we must be saued. 13 Now when they sawe the boldnes of Peter and Iohn, and vnderstoode that they were vnlearned men and without knowledge, they marueiled, and knew them, that they had bin with Iesus: 14 And beholding also the man which was healed standing with them, they had nothing to say against it. 15 Then they commanded them to goe aside out of the Council, and conferred among themselues, 16 Saying, What shall we doe to these men? for surely a manifest signe is done by them, and it is openly knowen to all them that dwell in Hierusalem: and we cannot denie it. 17 But that it be noysed no farther among the people, let vs threaten and charge them, that they speake hencefoorth to no man in this Name. 18 So they called them, and commanded them, that in no wise they should speake or teach in the Name of Iesus. 19 But Peter and Iohn answered vnto them, and said, Whether it be right in the sight of God, to obey you rather then God, iudge ye. 20 For we cannot but speake the things which we haue seene and heard. 21 So they threatened them, and let them goe, and found nothing how to punish them, because of the people: for all men praised God for that which was done. 22 For the man was aboue fourtie yeeres olde, on whome this miracle of healing was shewed. 23 Then assoone as they were let goe, they came to their fellowes, and shewed all that the hie Priestes and Elders had said vnto them. 24 And when they heard it, they lift vp their voyces to God with one accord, and said, O Lord, thou art the God which hast made the heaue, and the earth, the sea, and all things that are in them, 25 Which by the mouth of thy seruant Dauid hast saide, Why did the Gentiles rage, and the people imagine vaine things? 26 The Kings of the earth assembled, and the rulers came together against the Lord, and against his Christ. 27 For doutlesse, against thine holy Sonne Iesus, whome thou haddest anoynted, both Herod and Pontius Pilate, with the Gentiles and the people of Israel gathered themselues together, 28 To doe whatsoeuer thine hand, and thy counsell had determined before to be done. 29 And nowe, O Lord, beholde their threatnings, and graunt vnto thy seruants with all boldnesse to speake thy word, 30 So that thou stretch forth thine hand, that healing, and signes, and wonders may be done by the Name of thine holy Sonne Iesus. 31 And when as they had prayed, the place was shaken where they were assembled together, and they were all filled with the holy Ghost, and they spake the word of God boldely. 32 And the multitude of them that beleeued, were of one heart, and of one soule: neither any of them said, that any thing of that which he possessed, was his owne, but they had all thinges common. 33 And with great power gaue the Apostles witnes of the resurrection of the Lord Iesus: and great grace was vpon them all. 34 Neither was there any among them, that lacked: for as many as were possessours of landes or houses, solde them, and brought the price of the things that were solde, 35 And layde it downe at the Apostles feete, and it was distributed vnto euery man, according as he had neede. 36 Also Ioses which was called of the Apostles, Barnabas (that is by interpretation the sonne of consolation) being a Leuite, and of the countrey of Cyprus, 37 Where as he had land, solde it, and brought the money, and laid it downe at the Apostles feete.

Acts 4