August 30, 2026: Lydia, The Generous Hostess | Acts 16:11-15, 40

Have you ever made plans only to have them changed at the last minute?  Paul and Silas meet up with Timothy and eventually Luke, to travel through Asia Minor.  It is between 49-52 AD- which takes some doing, so changing plans is not necessarily easy.  This is Paul’s second missionary trip. He wants to check on established churches and start up more.  God, however, changes the plan!  It is good to remember that God, in His wisdom, knows His better plans and purposes. God’s plans included not just Paul, but everyone that was  and will be changed by their faith in the preaching of Jesus. 

  God has not changed.  God uses whomever He wants, whenever, wherever, and for whatever He chooses. There is no small or insignificant work in God’s economy.  God continues to call men and women to His purpose.  We are familiar with stories of many mighty men of God.   In this lesson,  we discuss Lydia. A woman believer whose faith opened the door for many believers. Let us not forget that women are also called to a purpose - different purposes, but called nonetheless.

 In this lesson, we have added some quotes, the testimonies of a few women that have been called and endured difficulty for the name of Jesus. These are but a very few as there are many many men and women whose callings were not made public, yet their faithful obedience did not go unnoticed in the courts of Heaven. We learn the most from those around us.   We am sure you know men and women that have keep the faith, fought the fight, and have left reminders in your hearts of their words and actions.  Consider them, as you study this lesson. 

"We have all eternity to celebrate the victories but only a few hours before sunset to win them."  Amy Carmichael (1867-1951), missionary to India for 55 years.  Author of 35 books.

Therefore loosing from Troas, we came with a straight course to Samothracia, and the next day to Neapolis; And from thence to Philippi, which is the chief city of that part of Macedonia, and a colony: and we were in that city abiding certain days.

What started with the expectation of more extensive work in Asia, is interrupted by a dream that changes  travel plans. God, through the Holy Spirit, hinders the preaching in Asia Minor and Bithynia that Paul so desires.  Instead, Paul is given a vision of a man asking for help in Macedonia. Though not the direction the group had intended, the new plan has them crossing the Agean Sea.  It will take the gospel for the first time, into Europe. Though Paul doesn’t know it at the time, he will later write Philipians, 1 & 2 Thessalonians, and parts of 2 Corinthians letters because of this new venture.

 And on the sabbath we went out of the city by a river side, where prayer was wont to be made; and we sat down, and spake unto the women which resorted thither.

Interestingly, the sabbath is being observed down by the river.  By Jewish custom, at least 10 men  or a minyan (hebrew word), are required for a community to create a formal place of worship -  a synagogue.  Women are present, but as yet, it can be assumed that there are not enough men to build a house of worship. The traveling ministers spend time with these ladies. No doubt, discussing Jesus, the true Sabbath.

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.

Their obedience introduces us to Lydia the first European convert.  Lydia will occupy only a very few lines of scripture. As with many other women in the Bible, Lydia will go on to remind us of the value placed by God on doing what one is called to do. Whether man or woman, there is no greater  service. 

“The fact that I am a woman does not make me a different kind of Christian, but the fact that I am a Christian makes me a different kind of woman.”  Elizabeth Elliott (1926-2015)- An American Chrisitan missionary serving 2 years in Equador to the peoples that murdered her husband.  Public Speaker. Author of 20 books. 

 And when she was baptized, and her household, she besought us, saying, If ye have judged me to be faithful to the Lord, come into my house, and abide there. And she constrained us.

Very little is actually known about Lydia.  She is a seller of purple, which at the time was considered a very profitable trade. The color purple was reserved for the wealthy and royal.  She is a business woman.  She has also been a worshiper of God and now she knows Jesus.  Her first act after conversion is to provide a place for Paul, Silas, Timothy, and Luke to stay. She opens her home and her food in the work of spreading the gospel.  She is, as the lesson calls her, a generous hostess.  But she is more than that.  She is in a trade that allows her to share her new faith with many.  

“Don’t bother to give God instructions, just report for duty.”  Corrie Ten Boom (1892-1983) Christian watchmaker, writer and public speaker.  Survivor of Nazi Concentration Camps. 

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. 

At the ending of Acts Chapter 16, we find that Paul and Silas have been beaten and placed in prison.  As they sing praises to God, the Lord opens the prison.  Rather than run to escape, they see to the conversion of the jailer and his family.  When Paul and Silas  are finally released, they return to Lydia’s house to recover.  They will continue on their journey from there.  

There are many things to take from the story of Lydia.  It is for certain that the Christian walk is at times filled with trials, pain, and suffering.  Paul and Silas needed Lydia’s comfort.  Truth be told, we all need each other.  Whether man or woman, it is simply our honor to do the best with whatever God has allowed us.  No excuses.  No need to disqualify ourselves.  God knows the better plans.  We are saved through our faith in Jesus.  It is our life’s pleasure to learn to honor Him with His abundance. 

“Don’t worry about your education. [When you get to heaven,] God won’t ask you for your certificates; He’ll only ask if you’ve been faithful to your call.”

– Gladys Aylward ( 1902-1970) -Brittish Christian Missionary to China

Colossians 3:23–24 KJV

23 "And whatsoever ye do, do it heartily, as to the Lord, and not unto men;

24 Knowing that of the Lord ye shall receive the reward of the inheritance: for ye serve the Lord Christ."

Thank you for studying with us! God bless!