Breaking Down the Bible: Lydia
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August 08, 2024
Breaking Down the Bible: Lydia
Buried in the book of Acts, right before a very famous story about Paul and Silas, is a short story about a woman named Lydia. At a quick glance, it doesn’t seem to be anything that significant, but when you dive in and look at the ramifications of her story in Christianity, you’ll see something much deeper.
Acts 16: 11-15: “From Troas we put out to sea and sailed straight for Samothrace, and the next day we went on to Neapolis. From there we traveled to Philippi, a Roman colony and the leading city of that district of Macedonia. And we stayed there several days. On the Sabbath we went outside the city gate to the river, where we expected to find a place of prayer. We sat down and began to speak to the women who had gathered there. One of those listening was a woman from the city of Thyatiranamed Lydia, a dealer in purple cloth. She was a worshiper of God. The Lord opened her heart to respond to Paul’s message. When she and the members of her household were baptized, she invited us to her home. “If you consider me a believer in the Lord,” she said, “come and stay at my house.” And she persuaded us.”
Here’s the little bit of background we know about Lydia: she was a wealthy supplier of purple cloth, which would have been considered a luxury. Purple dye was expensive and associated with nobility, indicating Lydia was a person of means and status. She was originally from Thyatira, but was working and living in Europe. When Paul arrived in Philippi, they went to the river to teach, where they knew people often gathered for prayer. There, they met Lydia.
It is commonly understood that Lydia was a Jew, since she was observing the Sabbath and in prayer, but she is a beautiful example of openness and how God can use anyone and any circumstance to spread the gospel. Her willingness in receiving salvation had a profound impact on Christianity. Acts 16:14 says, “The Lord opened her heart to respond to Paul’s message.” This reminds us of the importance of God’s role in softening hearts to His message.
Lydia’s response to the gospel was transformative. Not only did she and her household get baptized, but Lydia also extended an invitation to Paul and his companions to stay at her home. Her hospitality was not just a polite gesture; it was a symbol of support. Her obedience in opening her home is a great example of the kind of willingness to serve that can fuel the advancing of the Kingdom.
The scripture also tells us that she went quickly to be baptized, and that her entire household was saved and baptized as well. We go on to learn that she was the first person in Europe to convert to Christianity. We won’t know the full impact Lydia had on this side of eternity, but she is often credited as part of the reason the gospel exploded in Europe. One “yes” changed generations of people.
Lydia’s actions speak volumes about her character. She was a wealthy woman of influence who used her resources to support the early church. By offering her home, she provided a place of refuge and fellowship for Paul and his team. She actively demonstrated her commitment to the faith and her desire to be involved in the work of God.
Lydia’s story, though brief in the Bible, leaves a lasting impact. Her openness to the gospel, her hospitality, and her leadership in the early church make her a beautiful example for us today. As we dig into this story, there’s a challenge for us as believers. I pray that we all have a heart open to the Lord, a spirit of generosity, and a willingness to use our resources for His work. Lydia’s legacy reminds us that every choice and act of faith, no matter how small, can be used in a mighty way by God.
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