Read: Acts 16:11-40
. . . and from there to Philippi, which is a leading city of the district of Macedonia and a Roman colony. (v. 12)
My mother used to say, “It takes all kinds.” She was referring to the fact that God has made all kinds of people with all kinds of personalities and gifts in this world, and somehow that makes the world a better place. The same thing is true for the church. It takes all kinds of people to get God’s work done. My experience has been that God always sees to it that there is a good mix of gifts among his people.
Paul saw this happening in his ministry too. While establishing churches throughout the Mediterranean world, he saw a variety of people come to Christ. In Philippi, the first church in Europe, the three converts who believed on the Lord Jesus Christ were from very different backgrounds. Lydia was a seller of purple, a very costly dye. As a successful merchant she represented the highest social bracket.
Paul also shared the gospel with a slave girl who was a fortune-teller. Of course, she had no social status as a slave. When she trusted Christ, her owners were not happy and incited a riot targeting Paul. That landed Paul and Silas in prison where they shared the gospel with the jailer, a representative of the solid middle class. He also came to faith in Christ.
What a wonderful gift diversity is to the church! —John Koedyker
As you pray, thank God that the gospel is for all people.
About the Author
Rev. John C. Koedyker is an ordained minister in the Reformed Church in America. He has served as a missionary to Japan as well as pastor of several churches in Iowa and Michigan. Until recently he served Muskegon Classis as its Stated Clerk for 18 years. He resides in Grand Haven, Michigan.
