Dear Beloved Brothers and Sisters in Christ,
We write to you with hearts full of love and encouragement, hoping to share our stories and insights from our journey with Jesus and the early church. Though our paths were different, our commitment to the Lord and His work has unified us in purpose and spirit.
My name is Tabitha, also known as Dorcas. I lived in Joppa, and my story takes place between Saul’s conversion and the conversion of Cornelius, around 40 AD. I dedicated my life to serving the poor and needy in my town, making garments and providing for those who had little. Acts 9:36-43 tells my story. When I suddenly passed away, the people I served were devastated. They sent for Peter, and by God’s grace, he brought me back to life. This miracle was a testament to God’s power and love. It showed that our acts of service, no matter how small, are significant in His kingdom. My life was a witness to the importance of serving others and living out our faith through tangible actions.
I am Lydia, a businesswoman from Philippi in Macedonia. My encounter with Paul during his Second Missionary Journey around 49-50 AD changed my life forever. As recounted in Acts 16:11-15, 40, I was already a worshiper of God, but when Paul shared the Gospel with me, my heart was opened completely. I was baptized along with my household, and I joyfully offered my home as a meeting place for believers. My conversion demonstrates the transformative power of the Gospel and the importance of hospitality and generosity in our Christian walk. I encourage you to open your hearts and homes to others, creating spaces where faith can flourish and grow.
I am Priscilla, wife of Aquila. Our journey began in Corinth where we met Paul, and our story can be found in Acts 18:1-4, 18, 24-26. Together, my husband and I worked as tentmakers alongside Paul and became deeply involved in the ministry. We later moved to Ephesus, where we encountered Apollos, a fervent but less informed preacher. We took him aside and explained the way of God more accurately. This act of mentorship highlighted the importance of teaching and guiding others in their faith. Paul trusted us to lead and nurture the churches, demonstrating that both men and women have vital roles in spreading the Gospel and supporting the church.
As we reflect on our experiences, we see common threads that weave through our stories—service, hospitality, mentorship, and faithfulness. Each of us was called to different tasks, yet all were essential in building the early church. We faced challenges, but our love for Jesus and commitment to His mission carried us through.
We encourage you, dear brothers and sisters, to find your place in God’s work. Whether through acts of service like Tabitha, opening your home like Lydia, or teaching and mentoring like Priscilla, your contributions are invaluable. The church is a body with many parts, each with unique gifts and purposes. "Now you are the body of Christ, and each one of you is a part of it" (1 Corinthians 12:27).
Remember, your labor in the Lord is not in vain (1 Corinthians 15:58). Every act of kindness, every moment of hospitality, every word of encouragement makes a difference. We urge you to remain steadfast in your faith, to support one another, and to continue spreading the love of Christ to all you encounter.
May the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all. Let us continue to build His church together, united in purpose and love, shining His light in the world.
With all our love and blessings,
Tabitha, Lydia, and Priscilla
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