Topical Bible: Faith: Faith in Christ: Lydia

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Lydia is a notable figure in the New Testament, recognized for her faith in Christ and her role in the early Christian church. Her account is primarily found in the Book of Acts, where she is introduced as a significant convert to Christianity during the Apostle Paul's second missionary journey.

Background and Conversion

Lydia was a businesswoman from the city of Thyatira, known for dealing in purple cloth, a luxury item in the ancient world. Her occupation suggests she was a woman of some means and influence. She is described as a "worshiper of God," indicating that she was a Gentile who revered the God of Israel, similar to other God-fearers of the time.

Her encounter with Paul occurs in Philippi, a leading city of the district of Macedonia and a Roman colony. Acts 16:13-15 recounts this pivotal moment: "On the Sabbath we went outside the city gate along the river, where it was customary to find a place of prayer. After sitting down, we spoke to the women who had gathered there. Among those listening was a woman named Lydia, a dealer in purple cloth from the city of Thyatira, who was a worshiper of God. The Lord opened her heart to respond to Paul’s message. And when she and her household had been baptized, she urged us, 'If you consider me a believer in the Lord, come and stay at my house.' And she persuaded us."

Faith and Hospitality

Lydia's faith is demonstrated through her immediate response to the gospel message. The phrase "The Lord opened her heart" signifies divine intervention, highlighting that her faith was a result of God's grace. Her baptism, along with her household, marks her public declaration of faith in Christ.

Her hospitality is another testament to her faith. By inviting Paul and his companions to stay at her home, Lydia not only provides for their physical needs but also supports the mission of spreading the gospel. Her home likely became a meeting place for the early believers in Philippi, indicating her active role in the nascent church.

Significance in the Early Church

Lydia's conversion is significant for several reasons. Firstly, it represents the spread of Christianity beyond Jewish communities to Gentile regions, fulfilling the Great Commission. Secondly, as a woman of influence, Lydia's faith and actions would have had a considerable impact on her community, potentially leading others to Christ.

Her account also underscores the inclusive nature of the gospel, breaking social and cultural barriers. Lydia's faith and subsequent actions exemplify the transformative power of the gospel and the role of women in the early church.

In summary, Lydia's faith in Christ is a powerful example of how God works through individuals to further His kingdom. Her account is a testament to the openness of the gospel to all who believe, regardless of their background or status.

Nave's Topical Index

Acts 16:14
And a certain woman named Lydia, a seller of purple, of the city of Thyatira, which worshipped God, heard us: whose heart the Lord opened, that she attended to the things which were spoken of Paul.
Nave's Topical Index

Library

The Doctrines of Salvation A. Repentance. B. Faith. C. ...
... just as He opened the heart of Lydia (Acts 16 ... Man Is Regenerated by the Personal
Acceptance of Jesus Christ. ... We become "children of God by faith in Jesus Christ ...
/.../evans/the great doctrines of the bible/the doctrines of salvation a.htm

The Sower Cont.
... in preaching that honest faith in Christ is the ... the only sufficient evidence of real
faith, of genuine ... Lydia, whose heart the lord opened and who constrained ...
/.../chadwick/the gospel of st mark/chapter 4 3-9 14-20 the sower 2.htm

On the Councils, Or, the Faith of the Easterns.
... the islands of the Cyclades, Pamphylia, Caria, Lydia, from Europe ... apostolic doctrine
the corner-stone of our faith is that our Lord Jesus Christ, who is ...
/.../the life and writings of st hilary of poitiers/on the councils or the.htm

Conversion --Varied Phenomena or Experience.
... may not in the past have yielded himself unreservedly unto Christ. ... may not be so
marked, or his faith be so ... opened his heart, as the heart of Lydia, the seller ...
/.../chapter xix conversionvaried phenomena or.htm

The Parables Exemplified in the Early History of the Church.
... But the spread of the Church of Christ was not merely ... man full of the Holy Ghost
and of faith" (Acts 11 ... burning their books (Acts 19:19); in Lydia taking care ...
/.../the kingdom of heaven what is it/chapter vii the parables exemplified.htm

Acts XVI
... apostle preaching the gospel of Jesus Christ, was present. ... a sincere worshiper of
God, as Lydia was, the ... Jewish prejudice as to admit of faith, repentance, and ...
/.../mcgarvey/a commentary on acts of the apostles/acts xvi.htm

The Epistle to the Philippians.
... recorded instances of whole households (of Lydia and the ... that "the sturdy root of
their faith, famous from ... bears fruit unto our Lord Jesus Christ," and alludes ...
/.../schaff/history of the christian church volume i/section 97 the epistle to.htm

The Collection for St Paul: the Farewell
... Among the contributors might be Lydia, whose means may well have been ... Christ and
Christ, Christ much and Christ more, Christ by faith and Christ by sight. ...
/.../moule/philippian studies/chapter xii the collection for.htm

A Desperate Case --How to Meet It
... verily I say unto you, If ye have faith as a ... Nearly all the household has now been
brought to Christ. Lydia has had her heart opened; God has been much pleased ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 10 1864/a desperate casehow to meet.htm

Sincere Seekers Assured Finders
... Next to that, remember faith cometh by hearing ... very chief." Listen with all thine
ears when Christ is being ... open it, that thou mayest be like Lydia, whose heart ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 61 1915/sincere seekers assured finders.htm