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In Acts 16:14, Paul encounters Lydia worshiping with a group of faithful women by the river outside the city gates of Philippi. Like much of the book of Acts, what the location of the story underscores is the fact that the expanding Jesus movement is not restricted to Jewish men. Right away, Lydia is called as “a worshiper of God” – a description used for devout Gentiles – clearly, she has been on her own spiritual journey before Paul came to town.
Moved by her growing faith, Lydia responds generously, inviting Paul and his entourage to move into her home. Her hospitality does not stop with her care of and support for the missionaries. By the end of Paul’s stay in Philippi, a new church is meeting regularly in Lydia’s home. Studying, growing, and spreading Gospel in that region took place under Lydia’s protection and care. It’s likely that when Paul left the area, a certain woman named Lydia had become the overseer and patron – maybe even the pastor? – of the first church plant in Europe.
May we all be as moved by the Spirit to use our resources and connections to share the Good News as Lydia!
This message is excerpted from “Lydia – a bold woman” by Sue Schneider from the March 14, 2024, blog of the Women of the ELCA. Today we commemorate Lydia, Dorcas and Phoebe, witnesses to the faith.