Lydia Who Was A Seller of Purple Goods
Do you know Why Lydia doesn’t have a husband?
There is information about Lydia’s life in the Bible, but there is no mention of her husband. It is very surprising that in that period a woman who ran a business and her home was the center of the preaching of Christianity. But her husband is not mentioned. It is very suspicious and it is a puzzle that Lydia had a husband or not or maybe her husband is dead or divorced. There are many questions having no answers.
Introduction
Lydia was a very important person. She belonged to the city of Philippi. This was the area of Macedonia. Lydia used to sell purple clothes. She was one of the early converts. When Paul went on his missionary journey, Lydia accepted the faith during this time. She was the woman who helped Paul and his companions. Her role is very important. She is mentioned in the New Testament.
Verse
“One of those listening was a woman from the city of Thyatira named Lydia, a dealer in purple cloth. She was a worshiper of God. The Lord opened her heart to respond to Paul’s message.” (Acts 16:14)
Background of Lydia
Lydia was one of the best traders. She used to sell purple clothes. Purple cloth was very valuable. Common people could not afford it. It was always used by royal people and rich people. Therefore, Lydia’s business was going very well and she was also financially sound. She was not Jewish, but she still worshiped one God. She was from Thyatira. Lydia was considered a successful merchant and was a woman of great integrity.
Verse
“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 Thyatira named Lydia, a dealer in purple cloth. She was a worshiper of God. The Lord opened her heart to respond to Paul’s message.” (Acts 16:13-14)
Lydia’s Meeting With Paul
Lydia used to worship one God. According to her, there is only one God who is running this earth, but she was not a follower of any particular religion. Once Paul and his companions went to the riverside to preach Christianity. Paul had to preach to a group there. Luckily, Lydia was also there. She listened carefully to Paul’s words. Lydia was impressed by his words and she came to believe in Christ. In fact, Lydia’s heart was already open and she was a thoughtful woman, so she quickly understood Paul’s words and believed in him. After that, she was baptized with her family. It shows that she had fully embraced the Christian religion.
Verse
“One of those listening was a woman from the city of Thyatira named 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. (Acts 16:14-15)
Hospitality of Lydia
Lydia was very hospitable. After converting to Christianity, she invited Paul and his companions to her home. When they came home, Lydia gave them a warm welcome. Lydia asked Paul to stay at her house. Paul refused, but Lydia then confided that if they believed her to be a believer; they would certainly stay at her house. It was a matter of honor for her. At this Paul and his companions stayed. This shows that Lydia was a very generous and loving woman. God chose her house for missionary work because of her good intentions. Therefore, whenever someone came to Philippi to preach, Lydia’s house was known as a center.
Verse
“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. (Acts 16:15)
Foundation of Philippi Church by Lydia
To convey the word of God to the people, God works from the rich to the poor, from the special to the common people. This is the example of Lydia. Her house became a strong refuge for the Christians. And it became the foundation of the early church. All the people would gather there who came with the intention of bringing the message of Christianity to the people. Even when Paul was released from prison, he came to Lydia’s house and there were already a large number of Christians there. This shows us that if the intentions are pure then God can do great things even from the common person.
Verse
“After Paul and Silas came out of the prison, they went to Lydia’s house, where they met with the brothers and sisters and encouraged them. Then they left.” (Acts 16:40)
Frequently Asked Questions
Conclusion
Lydia is still known for her honesty, love, faith and hospitality. She was an ordinary woman who ran a purple cloth business. From which God made the work of Christianity. God honored him and made his house a center for preaching Christianity. His house became the first Christian church. Lydia’s heart was pure and full of God’s love, so God chose her for His service.
Verse
“One of those listening was a woman from the city of Thyatira named 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. (Acts 16:14-15)
Verse
“After Paul and Silas came out of the prison, they went to Lydia’s house, where they met with the brothers and sisters and encouraged them. Then they left.” (Acts 16:40)
