Lydia

Acts 16 is but a sampling of the evangelism that took place at Philippi. We have the conversion of 2 households – Philippian jailer & Lydia. Paul and Silas remained there a number of days – and a number of converts resulted. (16:40) It is safe to assume much happened in Philippi that we are not told.

I.  Paul & Silas were on the 2nd Missionary Journey

A.    Acts 15:36 – decision for 2nd missionary journey.

B.    16:1-10 – Travel across Asia Minor, head to Macedonia.

C.    Philippi was a “Roman colony.”

1.     Philippians were proud of their Roman citizenship.

D.    16:13 – went outside the gate to the riverside looking for a place of prayer.

1.     River 1 mile W of Philippi – Gargites. No synagogue in city.

II. An introduction to Lydia.

A.    16:13 –the only worshippers of God in all of Philippi?

B.    16:14 – Lydia was a “worshipper” of God. From Thyatira.

C.    16:14 – a seller of purple fabrics.

1.     Purple dye came from shell fish juice.

2.     To be arrayed in purple & fine linen was to be rich.  Her service would have been in great demand.

III. What can we learn about Lydia?

A.    16:14 - Lydia was eager to learn.

1.     As Paul/Silas sat down to teach 16:14 says she was listening.

2.  How is our hunger for gospel teaching?

a)    Mt. 5:6 – do we truly hunger & thirst for righteousness?

B.    16:14 - Not only eager to learn – but quick to respond.

1.     How many invitations have you spurned?

2.     2 Pet 2:20-22 – hell will be worse for former Christian because of remorse/regret.

C.    16:14 – She had an open heart.

1.     In 16:14-15 we have a simple conversion story. 

a)    16:14a – she was listening.

b)    16b – the Lord opened her heart.

c)    16c – She responded to the things spoken by Paul.

2.     The opening of her heart is testimony to the providence of God.

3.     One more point on the opening of her heart.  A figure of speech…

E.     16:15 – Lydia immediately began serving her fellow Christians.

1.     She wanted to give something back.

2.     She opened her home. Christians are to practice hospitality.

a)    Rom. 12:13; 1 Pet. 4:9

IV. The power of Lydia’s influence:

A.    A remarkable story – and what a significant part Lydia played. 

1.     Did she use her resources to help spread the gospel of Christ?

B.    She was in the right place at the right time, with the right heart and right attitude.

1.     God is looking for men & women of influence in this generation.

2.     What can God do with you?  You fit in His plan.  Do you trust in His providence?

Conclusion:

A.    Philippians 1:3-5 – Paul’s reflection on the Philippian congregation.

B.    Could this have been due to the influence of Lydia?