- Animal Stories to Women of the Bible
- Who are these Women?
- The Woman who caused a Revival
- The Woman in room 2
- The mother of Ishmael
- The mother of Isaac
- The Leader under the Tree
- Deborah, the Woman Judge
- Three Women related to a Great Leader
- The Women in Moses’ life
- Paul and Silas meets a Business Woman
- Lydia, the Business Woman
- 7 Queens in Scripture
- 3 Queen Mothers in Scripture
- Queens from Sheba and Persia
- Queens from Babylon and Ethiopia
- Her Story
Acts 16:11-32
When the woman saw the heroes and heroines approaching, she went to them and asked whether they had information for her. They smiled and told her what they had found.
You are called Lydia and you come from the city Thyatira (modern Akshiser) in the district Lydia, in the province of Asia. You are probably named after the district. Thyatira is famous for its woollen fabrics, weavers, and linens. It is also famous for its expensive dyes.
Thyatira is also mentioned in the book of Revelation:
“And to the angel of the church in Thyatira write: ‘The words of the Son of God, who has eyes like a flame of fire, and whose feet are like burnished bronze. “ ‘I know your works, your love and faith and service and patient endurance, and that your latter works exceed the first. IRevelation 2:18–19 ESV)
Lydia you are a successful and wealthy business woman, a dealer in the fine purple cloth and dye. Purple is worn as a sign of nobility and royalty.
We do not know whether you are married, we could not find any information regarding a husband.
You had met Paul and Silas at the River Gangites (now called Angista) where a group of women came together to pray. It is the ideal place because it is private, quiet and there is water for purification rights. Paul and Silas had arrived in Phillipi, as you told the women yesterday, and joined you at the river. You listened to what Paul said and the Lord opened your heart.
Lydia, you are the first convert in Europe. When you met Paul that Sabbath at the river, you believed in Jesus Christ as your Saviour. You were baptized. Then you brought your whole household and they were saved.
The first thing you did as a new convert was to invite Paul and Silas to stay at your home. You begged them to give you the opportunity to be their host. They accepted and stayed with you the entire time. Your house became the place where Christians gathered.
Related posts:
- Paul and Silas meets a Business Woman This entry is part 11 of 17 in the series...
- Who are these Women? This entry is part 2 of 17 in the series...
- The Woman in room 2 This entry is part 4 of 17 in the series...
- The Leader under the Tree This entry is part 7 of 17 in the series...
8 comments
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Diana Lesire Brandmeyer
January 29, 2013 at 4:50 pm (UTC 2) Link to this comment
Thank yo Retha for the glimpse of Lydia. I wish I could sit and talk with her don’t you?
Oh wait, I can someday!
In Him,
Diana
Diana Lesire Brandmeyer recently posted..Is Zumba Right for you?
Retha Groenewald
January 29, 2013 at 6:18 pm (UTC 2) Link to this comment
Hi Diana, thanks for visiting and the comment. There are many I would like to visit with. Lydia is one of them.
Vanessa Terrell
January 29, 2013 at 9:14 pm (UTC 2) Link to this comment
Thanks for sharing this, I don’t recall reading about Lydia and now you have me intrigued!
Vanessa Terrell recently posted..Thank You featuring Dude, You’re Welcome
Retha Groenewald
January 29, 2013 at 9:18 pm (UTC 2) Link to this comment
Hi Vanessa, thanks for stopping by and leaving a comment. Glad you are intrigued.
Mary C. Weaver, CSCS
January 29, 2013 at 9:28 pm (UTC 2) Link to this comment
I always liked hearing about Lydia in the Scripture readings at Mass just because she was a businesswoman. Not too many such ladies in the Bible!
Retha Groenewald
January 29, 2013 at 10:54 pm (UTC 2) Link to this comment
Hi Mary, thanks for stopping by. Yes, Lydia was special.
Beth
January 30, 2013 at 5:24 am (UTC 2) Link to this comment
Great post and I am intrigued I will go read about Lydia after reading your post. I have in the past but I don’t remember it clearly.
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Retha Groenewald
January 30, 2013 at 2:15 pm (UTC 2) Link to this comment
Hi Beth thanks for stopping by and your interesting comment. Lydia was a special lady.