Women of the Bible: Nympha- A Woman Who Opened Her Home to God’s People

 

Nympha: A Woman Who Opened Her Home

“Give my greetings to the brothers and sisters at Laodicea, and to Nympha and the church in her house.” — Colossians 4:15 (KJV)

In a time when the early church was scattered and often met in secret, one woman’s home became a sanctuary. Her name appears only once in Scripture—brief, almost hidden—yet her legacy resounds with quiet power. Her name was Nympha, and she opened her doors to a movement that would change the world.

A Brief Mention, A Bold Legacy:

Paul’s letter to the Colossians includes a warm greeting to “Nympha and the church in her house.” In that simple sentence, we catch a glimpse of a woman whose home was not just a place of comfort—but a place of worship, community, and spiritual resilience.

In the first-century Greco-Roman world, Christians often faced persecution, isolation, and social rejection. Public places of worship did not exist for believers at that time. Instead, homes became havens. It took courage to host believers, to be associated with the name of Christ so openly, and to risk your reputation—or even your life—for the gospel.

Nympha’s name is etched into the eternal story of God’s people not for grand speeches or dramatic miracles, but for hospitality. Her simple “yes” to God created a sacred space for others to gather, pray, and grow in their faith.

Hospitality as Ministry:

For many women today, the idea of ministry may seem out of reach—especially if it’s equated with preaching, leading a church, or serving on a stage. But Nympha’s example reminds us that ministry often begins right at home.

Her ministry was not loud. It was not showy. It was practical. She swept floors, baked bread, moved chairs, and likely welcomed believers with a warm smile and a place to sit. Her gift was her hospitality—and in the early church, that was a lifeline.

Opening her home meant opening her heart—to people, to problems, to vulnerability, and to the unknown. It meant trusting that God would take the ordinary space she lived in and fill it with His extraordinary presence.

A Quiet Faith that Spoke Loudly:

The church that met in Nympha’s home was located in Laodicea, a prosperous city known for its wealth, trade, and lukewarm faith (as referenced later in Revelation 3:14–22, KJV). To be a Christian in Laodicea was not easy. Wealth and comfort competed with commitment and conviction.

And yet, in the midst of a city drifting into spiritual complacency, Nympha stood firm. She didn’t simply attend church—she hosted it. Her commitment wasn’t just about personal faith; it was about communal impact.

We don’t know if Nympha was married or widowed, wealthy or modest, young or old. But we know this: she was faithful. And in God’s economy, faithfulness never goes unnoticed.

What Can We Learn from Nympha?

• You don’t need a platform to be powerful.

One verse. One line. One life. Nympha reminds us that you don’t need fame or recognition to make a kingdom impact. You just need a willing heart and an open door. 

• Your home can be holy ground.
  

Whether it’s an apartment, a townhouse, a mobile home, or a mansion—your space can be used for God’s purposes. A Bible study around the kitchen table. A prayer group in the living room. A quiet conversation over tea. Every home can become a church.

• Hospitality is a spiritual calling.

We sometimes underestimate the power of simply making people feel welcome, safe, and seen. In an age of isolation, hospitality is healing. It’s ministry with open arms.
God uses ordinary people in extraordinary ways.

Nympha was not a priest or prophet, but she played a vital role in building the early church. She reminds us that serving God doesn’t always require a title—just obedience.

Application for Today:

Maybe you feel like your contribution is too small. Maybe you think no one notices your efforts. But like Nympha, your willingness to host, to serve, to pray, to care—it matters.

1. That encouragement you gave to a friend? It’s ministry.
2. That meal you shared with a struggling neighbor? It’s ministry.
3. That time you prayed quietly for your family before bed? Yes, it’s ministry.

God honors the faithful things done in faith-filled ways.

 A Final Word:

Nympha’s name is easy to skip past in the Bible. But her legacy isn’t. She made space for the gospel to grow. She welcomed God’s people in. And she lived her faith in a way that touched lives for eternity.

Maybe that’s the lesson.
You don’t have to be everywhere, do everything, or know everyone.
Just be faithful right where you are.
And when God knocks on your door—open it wide.

Discover More:

🌸 Want to explore more inspiring stories of faithful women?
Visit our Women of the Bible page to read powerful accounts of courage, grace, and unwavering faith. Let their lives encourage and uplift you on your own walk with God.