“And on the Sabbath day we went out of the city to the riverside, where prayer was customarily made; and we sat down and spoke to the women who met there. Now a certain woman named Lydia heard us. She was a seller of purple from the city of Thyatira, who worshiped God. The Lord opened her heart to heed the things spoken by Paul. And when she and her household were baptized, she begged us, saying, “If you have judged me to be faithful to the Lord, come to my house and stay.” So, she persuaded us.” Acts 16:13-15 (NKJV)

A business – woman and pivotal figure in the growth of the church, Lydia of Thyatira challenges our stereotypes of women in the Ancient world. As a seller of purple cloth, she likely catered to an aristocratic clientele. If this is true, then this “certain woman” had the connections and confidence to help move the church forward.

Originally from Asia Minor (present-day Turkey), Lydia met Paul in the Macedonian port city of Philippi. A vision had prompted Paul to travel to Macedonia. Perhaps the Lord brought this influential woman to the riverside on this day for a reason. Paul needed Lydia to hear his message to the other praying women. She needed to hear Paul’s message so that the Lord could open her heart. The Lord led them both to change history.

                        ~ Judith C Evans JD ~ Writer, Author, & Wife (A very Cool Lady in Love with God).

Paavo Oso Arts will be bringing you more storyline about this phenomenal Christian woman of Asia Minor as well as the people she brought into her household for prayer and offerings to God.