Lydia, a successful businesswoman, is one of the influential women in the Bible. In the second missionary journey of Paul, she became a disciple of the Lord Jesus Christ in Philippi. (Acts 16:13-15)
Migrant from Thyatira to Philippi
Lydia is originally from the city of Thyatira. The city was famous for dye and fabric. She got her professional skills. She migrated to Philippi to do business. She imported the clothes from Thyatira and marketed them in Philippi.
Luxury products
As Lydia marketed expensive goods such as purple, a luxury textile derived from sea snails, used by the rich, powerful, and mighty, she was influential in the city.
No Synagogue in Philippi
Philippi did not have a sizable Jewish population to build a synagogue. When there is no Jewish synagogue, they used to meet in some places, like beaches and gardens, for worship. Hence, on the Sabbath day, they met on the shores of the river. Paul, who was well-versed in the way of life of Jews, went to the River Front to find some Jewish people to evangelise them.
Lydia teaches some life lessons
Spiritual: She was a seeker of truth, and was not a slave to traditions and customs. God opened her heart, she received the message, repented, and was baptised. She was the first convert in Europe.
Professional life: She excelled in her profession. Among her peers, she was regarded and respected.
Entrepreneur: Like the men who received five and two talents, who multiplied, Lydia multiplied the wealth. She was able to migrate from one city, Thyatira, to Philippi for the sake of her business. It was an enormous risk she took, but she was successful. She was willing to earn and spend for others, generously and sacrificially.
Hospitality: Lydia responded to the gospel message in faith and was baptised along with her household. She requested Paul, Silas, Timothy and Luke to stay in her home, instead of lodging outside. Her home became a dynamic place where people were transformed by the power of the gospel.
Do I use the talents, gifts, and skills for His glory?