There is not a lot to go on from our scriptural reference, but Lydia seems to take very bold steps for a woman of her day.
She is a believer and a businesswoman, which puts her in a special and unique class of women.
She deals in purple cloth, so she has many dealings with wealthy patrons.
She came with a group of women to hear Paul preach.
She has obviously been seeking something to make her life more complete and seems to find it in Paul’s teaching.
She might be a widow, as her decisiveness tells me that she does not belong to a male-dominated household.
She is so overcome with the news of Jesus Christ—she has her whole household baptized.
She encourages Paul and his entourage to stay in her home. Surely this would be unheard of! Imagine her persuasive manner (perhaps something that has made her successful in business) as she prevailed upon Paul with her hospitality.
Lydia of Thyatira
Lydia of Thyatira
Acts 16:14, 15
What a pioneer Lydia is in her time!
There is not a lot to go on from our scriptural reference, but Lydia seems to take very bold steps for a woman of her day.
She is a believer and a businesswoman, which puts her in a special and unique class of women.
She deals in purple cloth, so she has many dealings with wealthy patrons.
She came with a group of women to hear Paul preach.
She has obviously been seeking something to make her life more complete and seems to find it in Paul’s teaching.
She might be a widow, as her decisiveness tells me that she does not belong to a male-dominated household.
She is so overcome with the news of Jesus Christ—she has her whole household baptized.
She encourages Paul and his entourage to stay in her home. Surely this would be unheard of! Imagine her persuasive manner (perhaps something that has made her successful in business) as she prevailed upon Paul with her hospitality.
We need more Lydias in our churches!
Suzanne Craven, Burlington.
The official communications channel of the Anglican Diocese of Niagara.
Keep on reading
Niagara Completes the First Year with New Anti-Racism Training
Lent Beyond Sacrifice: Discovering the Prejudice of Love
New Roots Take Place in the Diocese of Niagara: Growing the Communion Forest
Certificate Program Recognizes Ecological Gardens
Working “Alongside Hope” with Mark Hauck
The Invitation of Ash Wednesday: Embracing Lent in our Daily Lives