Lydia

Etymology

Originally a geographical designation — she was from the region of Lydia in western Asia Minor. The name may connect to the Lydian people, who were famous for their wealth (King Croesus was Lydian) and their invention of coinage.

Who they were

Lydia is the first named convert to Christianity in Europe, and her story marks a pivotal geographical shift in the faith's expansion. Paul arrived in Philippi — a Roman colony in Macedonia — after a vision of a man calling 'Come over to Macedonia and help us.' On the Sabbath, Paul went to a riverside where women gathered for prayer. Among them was Lydia, a dealer in purple cloth from the city of Thyatira. Purple dye was one of the ancient world's most valuable commodities; Lydia was a businesswoman of significant means. Luke says 'the Lord opened her heart to respond to Paul's message.' She was baptised along with her entire household — the first recorded baptism on European soil. Then she made an extraordinary offer: 'If you consider me a believer in the Lord, come and stay at my house.' Luke adds, 'And she persuaded us.' Her home became the base for the church in Philippi — the church to which Paul later wrote his warmest letter. Lydia is a woman of commerce, conviction, and hospitality. She did not wait to be invited into the faith; once her heart was opened, she opened her home.

Character qualities

• Business acumen
• Open-heartedness
• Immediate hospitality
• Leadership of household
• Pioneering faith in new territory

Key verse

Acts 16:14-15

Where they appear

Themes

Variants & related forms

Lidia · Lydie

Related names