The Noble Lydia

Lydia is the first convert of Paul from Turkey in the New Testament times. Research says she belonged to the Philippi church. Her name signifies "beautiful one," "noble one," or "woman of purple." She is one of the few women mentioned in the New Testament.

While the Old Testament introduced women with the word beautiful, the New Testament focuses on things that are altogether different. Acts 16:14–15 says:

One of those listening was a woman from the city of Thyatira named Lydia, a dealer in purple cloth. She was a worshiper of God. The Lord opened her heart to respond to Paul’s message.

15 When she and the members of her household were baptized, she invited us to her home. “If you consider me a believer in the Lord,” she said, “come and stay at my house.”

The Bible here introduces us to a woman who is independent, strong, and bold. Now we are talking about women having financial independence and becoming entrepreneurs. But Lydia was selling purple cloth then. It was similar to selling silk clothes. And she was able to accommodate ministers of God at her home. Isn't it wonderful to see what a woman can do for God's work when she has financial independence and stability?

She listened to God's word with an open heart. She worshiped God with all her heart. How do we feel when we read our Bible or when we listen to the sermon on the Bible? Are our hearts open to receive the word, or are we reading with distractions?

Lydia proves to be good soil, who received the living word of God well into her heart. She is one of the women leaders from the church of her times. We men and women want to do something for the Lord. We can learn a lot from Lydia. Be independent. Let God open your heart and work on you when you listen to His words.

Dear God, strengthen our hands to have independence like Lydia to do great things for Your kingdom. May our hearts be opened when we hear Your word. May we find success in whatever our hands find to do. We pray all these in Jesus' name. Amen.