A businesswoman, a kind woman with a generous heart made a difference. Lydia was all this and more, and I love that she took time to pray and worship, even with her busy life. With a business and a household to run, she had a lot of obligations, and yet she took time to spend with God. We first hear 2 things about Lydia, she was a dealer in purple cloth. A very rich, expensive commodity at this time in history. You can read more about the process for making purple dye for the cloth at my article https://mustardtrees.com/2024/03/26/my-favorite-color-purple/
Gathering at the River
A link for more about Phillipi, Lydia, and the river https://www.intofarlands.com/pauls-journey/philippi-by-the-river
Secondly we learn she was a worshiper of God. Paul and his companions had traveled to the city in Phillipi, and there was no synagogue to meet in. So they went down by the river on the Sabbath to meet for prayer. Lydia was there taking time for the Lord. She wasn’t affected by the fact there was no synagogue, or a beautiful building to meet in, she gathered at the river with the women who shared her faith. Lydia was generous with her time, to come and be present at the time of worship
Open Hearts
Lydia was open-minded when listening to Paul preaching. She listened to the Word of the Lord, and she responded. Her generous heart received the word of God about Jesus and she obeyed the Gospel. Immediately her and her household were baptized. Notice the verse tells us the Lord opened her heart; we need to have our hearts open and willing so the Lord can do His work in our lives.
The Lord opened her heart to respond to Paul’s message. Matt 16:14b
NIV
Insists on being Generous
Lydia was generous with her home, insisting that Paul and his companions come and she care for them. As a dealer in purple cloth, she most likely was a wealthy woman. We know she was from Thyatira in Asia, and yet she had property in Phillippi as well. She insisted that they come stay with her, and she convinced them. Sometimes, we might need to insist on serving others, if they are reluctant. Generosity is a part of our character, it just comes from us, and spreads to others. The Latin root for generous means of “noble birth” If we have a noble heart, we will share what we have with others. This is a true sign of Christ in us.
Super cool. I love that the real history you incorporated into the lessons of Lydia and her character.
Thank you, Katie, history always interests me, so I thought I would add it. Have a great day!