Lydia of Thyatira

Extraordinary Women of the Bible

Women in The Early Years of the Church

"Lydia of Thyatira"

 

Lydia: First Christian convert in Europe.

 

Key Scripture: Acts 16:6-40.

Her Name Means: Probably Phoenician, and a common name meaning "bending."

Her Character: Lydia was a seeker of truth and had prepared her heart and mind to receive it. She teaches us the value of cultivating our faith and having an inquiring mind and an open heart.
 
Her Sorrow: To see Paul and Silas beaten and thrown into prison for the sake of the gospel she had embraced. Her Joy: That God's Spirit directed Paul and his companions to Macedonia, enabling her and others at Philippi to hear the gospel for the first time.

 

Pre-Story: During Paul's third journey he and Silas are in Troas when Paul has a vision. In his vision Paul sees a man from Macedonia who pleads with Paul, "Come over to Macedonia, and help us." (Acts:16: 9). One of their first Converts was Lydia, a wealthy woman from Thyatira, a dealer in purple cloth.

 

Her Story: Scripture does not supply us with any information regarding Lydia’s background apart from the fact that she lived in Thyatira which was one of the Macedonian colonies. This small city was known for its commerce in Asia Minor. It was in an area noted for its abundant crops and the manufacture of purple dye and for being a center of indigo trade.

Lydia apparently had moved to Philippi to ply her trade in that city. She was a successful businesswoman who sold a type of cloth prized for its purple color. She was the head of her household, she may have been either widowed or single.

Although sincerely religious, Lydia was not a Christian. When Paul found her, she was honoring the Sabbath, which means she was likely a Jew. The account of Lydia’s conversion says that she was gathered with a group of other women on the Sabbath at a place of prayer near the river outside of Philippi. Her faith was born through hearing the Word of God. The fact that Paul, Timothy, Luke, and Silas came to the riverside to speak to the women most likely indicates there were not enough
Jewish men in Philippi to open a Synagogue there.

Lydia was baptized, along with the rest of her household. Whether "her household" refers only her family, or if there were servants included in the number, is unclear from the biblical account. Lydia’s transformation of life was evidenced by her eagerness to give missionaries the hospitality of her home. She always had "open house" for the saints of God and her home became a center of Christian fellowship in Philippi. Lydia not only sold her dyes, she served her Savior.

This is all that is recorded about Lydia. The thing that stands out to me the most about Lydia's story is how she had been prepared, long before Paul and Silas arrived in Phillipi, to hear and accept the gospel of Jesus Christ. The scriptures tell us that she "worshiped God" even before her conversion and that the Lord had opened her heart.

The story of Lydia in the Bible is a great example of God’s providence and His care for believers. Lydia was a worshiper of God but had not yet heard the gospel. In this story, so full of divine intervention, we see the sovereignty of God in salvation.

Her Place in God's Divine Plan: Lydia was in Philippi at the right place and at the right time. Paul had a vision to lead him in his journey. It was a Divine meeting. God will change your place of residence for His Divine Will and grace for your salvation. In this story, so full of divine intervention, we see the sovereignty of God in salvation.
 Her Challenges Along the Way: Lydia was a woman alone for whatever reason, she had to fully support herself and her household.

Her Victories: Lydia was a willing servant. When God opened her heart, she believed wholeheartedly. She became a servant, tending to the needs of the missionaries.

Lessons we can learn from her legacy: I think Lydia's story shows us the value of each soul to God and His willingness to answer our prayers. I don't doubt that Lydia's prayers were one of the reasons Paul and Silas were sent to Phillipi. Her soul was precious to God and her worth great in His eyes. The Lord heard the deepest desires of her heart and answered them, probably in ways greater than she ever imagined. I think her story is a beautiful testament of God's love for His children, especially His daughters, and the degree to which He is willing to go to save just one of His children who are ready and willing to hear the truth.  

Genealogy:
Birthplace: Thyatira
Residence: Philippi
Timeline: Around 50 AD

*Lydia's home was most likely used as the meeting place for the church in Philippi and perhaps Paul had Lydia in mind when later in his epistle to the Philippians he wrote, "I thank God upon every remembrance of you. Always in every prayer of mine for you making request with joy. For your fellowship in the gospel from the first day until now." Philippians 1:3-5.