Expansion
Day 513, Tuesday, Jan. 6
Acts 17:1-15
These stops at Thessalonica and Berea seem to be typical of Paul’s strategy in this phase of his ministry. He goes to a town and preaches in the synagogue, drawing his earliest converts from among those who who are already worshiping God. “Some of the Jews were persuaded and joined Paul and Silas, as did a large number of God-fearing Greeks and quite a few prominent women.”
In Berea, too, the text particularly lists “prominent Greek women” along with Jews and Greek men.
It doesn’t explain why prominent women seemed more responsive to the message than others. It could simply be that women who were prominent through wealth or business were more mobile in the society and more able to explore new teachings and beliefs. Also, Greek women of the day would have likely been more active outside their homes than most Jewish women.
In any case, the Gospels and the rest of the New Testament frequently highlight the presence of women among the early followers.

Rev. Mark Fleming

Tuesday meditation

Psalms 56:1-13
Be merciful to me, my God, for my enemies are in hot pursuit; all day long they press their attack. My adversaries pursue me all day long; in their pride many are attacking me.
When I am afraid, I put my trust in you. In God, whose word I praise—in God I trust and am not afraid. What can mere mortals do to me?
All day long they twist my words; all their schemes are for my ruin. They conspire, they lurk, they watch my steps, hoping to take my life. Because of their wickedness do not let them escape; in your anger, God, bring the nations down.
Record my misery; list my tears on your scroll—are they not in your record? Then my enemies will turn back when I call for help. By this I will know that God is for me.
In God, whose word I praise, in the Lord, whose word I praise—in God I trust and am not afraid. What can man do to me?
I am under vows to you, my God; I will present my thank offerings to you. For you have delivered me from death and my feet from stumbling, that I may walk before God in the light of life.

Prayer focus
In God I trust and am not afraid.