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Apr 22, 2024 · Lydia of Thyatira is a woman introduced in the New Testament who is considered the first recorded convert to Christianity in Europe. Several Christian denominations have sanctioned her as a saint. She is regularly known as “St. Lydia” or simply “The Woman of Purple.”
Jul 5, 2022 · Lydia appears in Acts 16. Described as “a dealer in purple cloth,” Lydia is a successful businesswoman—and very hospitable (Acts 16:14). After converting to Christianity, she opens her home to Paul and his companions. Both Tabitha and Lydia filled leadership roles in the early Christian church.
In Acts 16, Lydia of Thyatira shows us the importance of praying, listening, and obeying. She is a woman who shows courageous hospitality. The story of Lydia in the Bible reminds us to open our hearts, homes, and churches to all people.
Feb 16, 2019 · Updated on February 16, 2019. Lydia in the Bible was one of thousands of minor characters mentioned in Scripture, but after 2,000 years, she is still remembered for her contribution to early Christianity. Her story is told in the book of Acts.
Like all of Lydia, Thyatira was noted for its dyeing industry and production of purple dyed garments which were highly prized and costly. She doubtless was the agent in Philippi of a local firm in her native city. Her trade implies that she was a woman of some means. She may have been carrying on the business of her deceased husband.
Apr 5, 2017 · We learn in Acts 16 that, while born and reared to believe in the gods and goddesses of Thyatira, Lydia did not worship the pantheon of gods venerated in her hometown. Instead, she had become a “God-fearer.” She had already taken a major step away from her religious upbringing and had investigated Jewish claims of one God and wanted to know more.
According to Acts 16:14, Lydia was born in Thyatira, a city in southern Asia Minor (modern day Turkey). Thyatira was situated along a major Roman trade route that linked Africa and Europe. It had a strong military presence and was probably a place of diverse ethnicities.
