Lydia
femaleNew TestamentMeaning: “From Lydia (in Asia Minor)”
A businesswoman and seller of purple at Philippi whose heart the Lord opened to Paul’s gospel — the first recorded convert in Europe, who hosted the new church.
Biography
Lydia, a seller of purple cloth from Thyatira living in Philippi, holds the distinction of being the first recorded Christian convert on European soil. Her conversion and hospitality launched the church at Philippi.
A heart opened
On the Sabbath, Paul met a group of women praying by the riverside. Among them was Lydia, "a seller of purple… which worshipped God." As she listened, "the Lord opened" her heart "that she attended unto the things which were spoken of Paul" (Acts 16:14). She and her household were baptized.
Hospitality to the church
Lydia immediately opened her home: "If ye have judged me to be faithful to the Lord, come into my house, and abide there. And she constrained us" (Acts 16:15). Her house became a gathering place for the believers, and after Paul and Silas were released from prison, they returned there to encourage the brethren (Acts 16:40).
Life Timeline
Her heart opened by the Lord; she and her household baptized
Opens her home to Paul and the new Philippian church
Themes & lessons from Lydia
Biblical themes that run through the passages where Lydia appears.
People they appear with
Places in their story
Scripture Appearances
3 verses in 2 booksEzekiel1 verse
Ezekiel 30:5
Ethiopia, and Libya, and Lydia, and all the mingled people, and Chub, and the men of the land that is in league, shall fall with them by the sword. Libya: Heb. Phut men: Heb. children
Acts2 verses
Acts 16:14
And a certain woman named Lydia, a seller of purple, of the city of Thyatira, which worshipped God, heard us: whose heart the Lord opened, that she attended unto the things which were spoken of Paul.
Acts 16:40
And they went out of the prison, and entered into the house of Lydia: and when they had seen the brethren, they comforted them, and departed.
Frequently asked about Lydia
Who was Lydia in the Bible?
A businesswoman and seller of purple at Philippi whose heart the Lord opened to Paul’s gospel — the first recorded convert in Europe, who hosted the new church.
What does the name Lydia mean?
The name Lydia means “From Lydia (in Asia Minor)”.
What did Lydia do in the Bible?
Lydia served as seller of purple.
Where does Lydia appear in the Bible?
Lydia is mentioned 3 times across 2 books: Ezekiel, Acts.
What can we learn from Lydia?
The story of Lydia touches on themes of philippi, baptism, criminals, ethiopia — explore each to study the lessons drawn from Lydia's life.
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