Today, we meet Lydia.
Lydia hailed from the city of Thyatira, located in modern-day Turkey. However, she was in Phillipi at the time of her introduction in the Book of Acts.
A Businesswoman
Known for her business acumen, Lydia sold purple cloth. Mind you, purple cloth was the fabric of choice for royalty and those who held high positions. So, this lucrative business suggested she had a degree of influence in her community.
Lydia met Paul and his friends in Phillipi. At the same time, Paul spread the gospel through Europe and Asia Minor. After arrival at Philippi, Paul and his entourage went to the riverside. There, women gathered for prayer.
Lydia was there.
At the river.
With other women.
Praying.
Paul’s Preaching
The Touch of God
As Paul began to speak, Lydia felt a stirring in her heart. Scripture says, “The Lord opened her heart to respond to Paul’s message. (Acts 16: 14)”
Of course, it was God.
Have you ever felt a stirring in your heart?
Right there.
Right then.
She and other members of her household were baptized that very day. And this was when Lydia became one of the first “converts” to Christianity.
Lydia’s home in Philippi later became a base of operations for Paul. Her home served as a gathering place for fellow believers. I can imagine how Paul felt as Lydia invited him to her house.
To be fed.
To be encouraged.
Paul and his friends.
Her role in the early church highlights her importance in the early days of Christianity. It underscores the influence women had in the early church.
Reflective Question:
Lydia’s story reminds us that faith often begins with a stirring in the heart. Have you ever felt a moment when God called you toward something new? How did you respond?
Lydia’s faith didn’t just change her life—it created a ripple effect. She opened her home, resources, and heart to the early church. But what was the lasting impact of her hospitality and leadership?
In the next post, we’ll explore Lydia’s legacy. We will see how her willingness to say “yes” helped shape the future of Christianity.
#March #WomensHistoryMonth #WomenintheBible #ObscureWomen #WomeninHistory #Tabitha #Hannah #Lydia #Shiphrah #WomanattheWell #Legacy
I and Thou Reflections 