Lydia
was a wealthy businesswoman. She was also a worshiper of God. Paul
met her and some other women gathered for prayer outside Philippi on
the day of worship. When Paul shared the good news of Jesus with
them, God opened Lydia’s heart to believe and be baptized,
committing her life to Christ.
Lydia
was a faithful believer in God, but she had not heard the good news
about Jesus, the Son of God who came to pay for our sin so that we
could be saved and have new life. When God opens our hearts to
believe this amazing message, we are filled with joy, comfort, and
new life. The Lord changes us from the inside out, and we want
to live joyful lives of gratitude because of that transformation.
It’s not a burden; nor is it done just out of obligation. We
delight in obeying and praising God as an expression of the change
within.
Lydia’s
dynamic coming to faith resulted in her household being baptized as
well. She persuaded Paul and his companions to stay at her home while
they were in Philippi. She extended hospitality as a true expression
of her new faith in Jesus. And by staying in her home—a non-Jewish
home—Paul was also showing the grace and love of God.