Woman of the Bible · Early Church
Lydia
Seller of purple cloth and first convert in Philippi
Lydia was a businesswoman from Thyatira who sold purple cloth and worshiped God. While she prayed by the river in Philippi, the Lord opened her heart to Paul's message, and she and her household were baptized. She urged Paul and his companions to stay at her home, which became a gathering place for believers.
Key verse: Acts 16:14
Strengths
- Successful in business
- Open heart to the gospel
- Used her home for ministry
Struggles
- Worshiped God without yet knowing Jesus
- Built her trade far from her home city
What Lydia teaches you
Faith. Keep showing up to pray, because God meets people who are seeking and opens hearts at the right time.
Family. Your decision to follow Jesus can lead your whole household to faith, so lead them by example.
Business and calling. Let your business fund and host the work of God, and treat your success as a resource for His people.