The Conversion of Lydia (pt 1)
The book of Acts could rightfully be called the book of Conversions. The inspired writer Luke chronicles the beginning of the Lord’s church as well as the evangelistic fervor that engulfed the first-century saints. Acts traces the beginning of the gospel message in the city of Jerusalem to Judea, Samaria, and the uttermost parts of the earth (Acts 1:8). The early church grew at an unprecedented rate because they were convinced of the power of the gospel message (Rom.1:16). Everywhere they went, they preached the word (Acts 8:4) and multitudes obeyed. Only a few of the conversions are recorded for us in the book of Acts, but each account of conversion is vital to our understanding of God’s plan to redeem man from his sins. It is to the account of the conversion of Lydia that we turn our attention.
While spreading the gospel in Asia Minor, Paul received a vision that we commonly refer to as the “Macedonian call” (Acts 16:9). Paul, Silas, Luke, and others immediately set course for Philippi, the chief port of the Macedonian region. Upon arrival in Philippi, Paul found a group of devout women praying down by the riverside (vs.13), among whom was a woman by the name of Lydia. This speaks volumes about the faith of these women, as it is likely the case that there were not enough Jewish heads of families to warrant the construction of a synagogue in the city. They were determined to remain faithful in worship and service to their God. Lydia’s narrative is comprised of only two verses of Scripture (vv.14-15), but her example and influence are monumental. All that we know of her is contained in this short passage of Scripture. Lydia counted Thyatira as her home but likely chose to sell her wares in Philippi since it was a very busy port city. She was a seller of purple, a very expensive dye which only the wealthy could afford. Lydia may well have been a lady of wealth and prominence. We also know that she was very religious, one who “worshipped God.” In all likelihood she was a proselyte to the Jewish faith, well acquainted with the Old Testament Scriptures, and one who was eagerly anticipating the coming of the Messiah. Immediately upon hearing the gospel preached by Paul, she obeyed the gospel, along with those of accountable age in her household (vs.15). The conversion of Lydia seems very much like the other conversions we study in the book of Acts. Here is one who hears the gospel, believes the gospel, and obeys the gospel by being baptized into Christ for the remission of sins (Acts 2:38).
- Patrick Morrison
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