Digging Deeper: Lydia – Going Public
14 One of them was Lydia from Thyatira, a merchant of expensive purple cloth, who worshiped God. As she listened to us, the Lord opened her heart, and she accepted what Paul was saying. 15 She and her household were baptized, and she asked us to be her guests. “If you agree that I am a true believer in the Lord,” she said, “come and stay at my home.” And she urged us until we agreed.
Acts 16:14-15 (NLT)
LYDIA: GOING PUBLIC
In Acts 16, Paul and Silas came across what amounts to a women’s small group Bible study. They meet a woman named Lydia, whom the Bible describes as a “worshipper” or “God-fearing woman.” Lydia believed in God, but she was not yet saved. According to Pastor Matt Chandler, “God-fearing” means she had rejected paganism and was worshipping the Father. Lydia had come to believe that there is one God. She listened to the teachings of the Jews, trying to grasp what it meant to live a God-fearing life; she wanted to live out her faith in the context of her family and her business. It was into this setting that Paul appeared, and Lydia listened to his teaching. Lydia eventually became the first Christian convert in Europe.
Lydia understood that the gospel wasn’t just for her; it was for the world, beginning in her home. Lydia made the decision to believe in Jesus and be baptized. She then introduced her family and everyone in her household to the gospel. What started in Lydia’s house eventually spread to the nation. Lydia went public with her faith.
Reflection
Have you ever heard someone say, “I believe faith is a personal matter”? Do you think Lydia believed her faith and baptism were a personal matter? It was a personal decision that affected everyone around her. How has your faith and baptism impacted your household lately?
Prayer
Praise God for His ability to completely change our homes. Tell God you are willing to go public with your faith. Ask God to help your faith be contagious to the people around you.
Dr. Larry Grays is the father of four and lives in the Canton area. Larry consults with churches, schools, city governments, and businesses nationwide. He’s been a member of the NorthStar family for over 20 years.