Scripture Reading: Acts 18:2-3, 16:14-15, 40

In the Old Testament, we see examples of women at work in multiple spheres: Eve worked as a parent; Deborah’s work was both legal and military; Huldah was a teacher and a political adviser; and the woman in Song of Solomon tended to a vineyard. Throughout the New Testament, we again see women working in different spheres. They are benefactors supporting Jesus’ ministry, evangelists, prophets, church leaders, and mothers. In addition–particularly in the book of Acts and Paul’s letters–the New Testament gives us positive examples of women working outside of church and home.

For example, Paul works as a tentmaker with Priscilla and her husband, who are also tentmakers (“leatherworkers” in some Bible translations). In the book of Acts, we also meet Lydia who lived in Philippi. We learn in Acts 16 that she was a “seller of purple,” a businesswoman with high-end merchandise. Scholars suggest that Lydia likely employed others to do the dyeing and selling; she was the CEO of her enterprise. Upon her conversion, everyone in her household was baptized, demonstrating her influence. She also owned a large enough home to take in guests and to host the newly planted church. Throughout the Bible, we see women like Lydia whose success is not limited by gender.

In this study we’ve seen that God created women with work in mind. God helps women at work when times get tough, like he did for Eve. God often puts women in leadership positions where their important work has a direct impact on whole nations. This was true for Deborah, who defended the nation of Israel in battle, and Huldah, who contributed to a national revival. And if that weren’t enough to convince us that God values women and their work, the love poetry enshrined in Song of Solomon reminds us that working women are not only useful in God’s eyes, but truly beautiful.

Prayer: God, thank you for creating me, and thank you for my work today. Please use my work to further your kingdom here on earth. Amen.

Further Exploration: We hope this plan encouraged you. You can find more plans from the Theology of Work Project at www.theologyofwork.org/devotions

Author: Theology of Work Project

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Unless otherwise noted, the Scripture quotations contained herein are from the New Revised Standard Version Bible, Copyright © 1989, Division of Christian Education of the National Council of the Churches of Christ in the U.S.A., and are used by permission. All rights reserved.