The Untold Stories Of Women And The Churchናሙና

Lydia of Thyatira

If our knowledge of Priscilla is slim, our knowledge of Lydia is minuscule. Only two verses mention her in the Bible. In those verses, we’re told that Lydia, a seller of purple goods (purple was a big deal at the time), worshiped God. When she heard Paul preach the Gospel, the Lord opened her heart to Paul’s words, and soon after, she and her whole household were baptized. Following her baptism, she insisted on Paul and his companions stay at her house during their time in the city.

That’s it. And while it might not seem like much to go on, there’s more to unpack here than you might think.

It’s important to note that Lydia is the first recorded European convert to Christianity. This means, at the time of her conversion, she didn’t have the support of believing friends and family. She didn’t have dozens of churches available to attend in the city. She didn’t have hundreds of Bible plans available to her. She didn’t even have a Bible. All she had was the Word as preached by Paul and a conviction, given to her by the Lord, that Paul’s words were true.

And that was all she needed to come to faith in Christ.

But she didn’t stop there. Once she knew the truth, she brought that truth to her family. Her conviction was so great that they were persuaded to believe in Christ—a belief which was entirely new to their part of the world—and to be baptized along with her. And following her family’s baptism, Lydia would not rest until she had convinced Paul and his companions to stay in her home as an act of hospitality.

Lydia didn’t wait for months or years before she started serving and sharing the Word. Within hours of her conversion, Lydia was already pursuing acts of service and the Great Commission. Likewise, God doesn’t expect us to reach a certain spiritual maturity level before we’re able to use the gifts He’s given us. Whatever gifts we have, He wants us to put them to good use now.

And if, like Lydia, God’s given you a gift of hospitality, look for chances to extend it. Try opening your home to your friends or hosting a small group at your house. God will give you opportunities to use the gifts He’s given you.

Pray: God, thank You for giving us opportunities to be a part of Your story. Help me practice hospitality to the people in my life, and reveal to me new opportunities to use the gifts You’ve given me. In Jesus’ name, amen.