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.