Today, many more bishops and scholars, etc, are also acknowledging this. Someone asked me if Lydia could have been a purple-dyer rather than a purple-seller. We can also analyze other women mentioned in the Bible and realize the radical message of the Gospel, and how it uses the most marginalized and forgotten people to spread its good news. She established her business in a foreign country. These verses, all in Acts chapter 16, tell us quite a bit about her and the important part she played in the Philippian church. Her example of stewardship shows we cannot pay God back for our salvation, but we do have an obligation to support the church and its missionary efforts. a very wicked or unprincipled person. I really like reading more about the roles of women in the Early Church. Or youre thinking about something else. No one else has a right to bury anyone here. (CII 741; IGR IV. One of them was a woman named Lydia. Why would Jews need to be regenerated and not pagan Gentiles? document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Would you like to support my ministry of encouraging mutuality and equality between men and women in the church and in marriage? References to Lydia in the Bible Lydia had a home large enough to accommodate not only Paul and his companions, but the gatherings of the new church established in Philippi. What Did the Early Church Believe and Practice? Your research is much appreciated. [3] Like many Jewish places of worship, this prayer-house was located by a water source. Lydia was the first convert to Christianity in Europe. First, she shows that honest jobs are not lesser jobs. After all, even a woman's testimony in court would not be seen as valid. (Corinth was on a narrow isthmus that connected southern Greece (the Peleponessus) with . The Samaritan Woman from Sychar (John 4) They cared for local congregations and were vital and strategic players at the forefront of the expanding Christian mission. Finally, Lydia shows us that we also need to show hospitality. A third possibility is that the author occasionally switches to we language to give the narrative a more vivid and immediate feel. She was a seller of purple and a worshiper of God. She and her household take the first step of obedience and get baptized (Acts 16:15) by Paul. St Paul was travelling around ancient Asia Minor, teaching about Jesus and converting Jews and Gentiles. madison 60 (CC BY-SA 3.0) (Wikimedia Commons). Verse 11 says,"We came with a straight course to Samothracia." We have to keep in mind that the fact the Bible named her shows a great deal of importance. Although Lydia only appears in one chapter in Acts 16, we do learn a few really interesting details about her. [21] Macedonian women were known for having more social freedoms and influence than women in other parts of the Greco-Roman world. Purple was again used in the Temple that Solomon built (2 Chron. 12:4ff). While Paul might have preached a little bit, it seems to imply that this was a conversation. Your email address will not be published. There are Categories on the side of the page, which can help you find articles on particular topics. This does not mean she played a minor role in Pauls ministry or in the New Testament. (Chico, CA: Scholars Press, 1982); and Susan Mathew, Women in the Greetings of Romans 16.1-16: A Study of Mutuality and Womens Ministry in the Letter to the Romans (London; New York: Bloomsbury T&T Clark, 2013), 54-63. Paul had made the decision to go west to Europe, and he arrived there in about the year 50, accompanied by Silas, Timothy, and Luke. It was located on a major commercial and military highway, the second most important one in the Roman Empire. https://margmowczko.com/lydia-and-the-place-of-prayer-at-philippi/, https://margmowczko.com/wealthy-women-roman-world-and-church/, Lydia and the Place of Prayer in Philippi, Jesus, Women, and Theology: Jesus said to her , Wealthy Women in the Roman World and in the Church, Chrysostom on 5 Women Leaders in the New Testament, Adolf von Harnack, biblical scholar and historian, https://margmowczko.com/tag/women-in-acts/, Covering or Testicle in 1 Cor. And among those who became part of the early church, there were also members of the upper class. The narrator may be Luke himself, or Luke using a first-person source. Romans 15:21 She would have been a good person to help organize a church because she knew how to manage people, how to get them to work toward a common goal. Phoebe's ministry, then . 8:15). This was likely one of the primary reasons why this particular church had a unique, strong bond with the apostle. Large sections of it can still be seen in Philippi today. If Lydia didnt lead the fledgeling church in Philippi, who did? In the New Testament, Tabitha is the only woman to be called a disciple. I wish (if okay), to learn from you and your site. The Lord opened her heart to respond to Paul's message. Thank you so much for this great article. Lydia opens her home. Beers explains the connection between women and meals: "Because women were almost always in charge of the food in their extended family groups, organizing and hosting this meal for the assembly would have provided natural opportunities for women to . God had to open up the heart of Lydia, where that didnt happen with Cornelius. What Is the Difference Between Prophetic Words and the Word of God? We are told her name, that she was a dealer in purple cloth, that she was originally from the city of Thyatira, and that she was a God-worshipper. Considering the descriptions in Acts of other people who Paul meets on his missions, an appreciable amount of information is given about Lydia. The hymn that Jesus and the disciples . Tyrian purple, a dye derived from marine molluscs, was especially costly. We dont know much about Lydias husband, but we do know it was seen as a good practice for women to remain indoors and attend to household duties. Ya, I dont think she was a Gentile at all, as your article suggests, however, your article certainly confirmed much of what I was thinking, tho. Peace! Like Jesus told Peter, flesh and blood has not revealed this unto you, but my Father in heaven. This is the work of a genius. Lydia was quick to perceive that what had been hers before her conversionhome, business and possessionsnow belonged to the Lord. [Note that Lydia was not involved in the messy dyeing process herself; she is not called a purple-dyer (porphyrobapha) in the text.] But there were exceptions. Lydia appears inseveral verses in Acts 16. Thank you, Aida. When she took Paul, Silas, Timothy, and Luke into her house, she created one of the first home churches in Europe. Lydia made and sold the expensive purple fabric worn only by the wealthy elite. When Paul met the couple in Corinth, they were already believers; and . Salvation is by faith in Jesus Christ through grace and cannot be earned by human works. [4] Several first-century literary sources make it quite clear that many Diaspora Jewish communities actually preferred having their synagogues outside the city and near a body of water such as the proseuch at Philippi in Macedonia. Lee I. Levine, The Ancient Synagogue: The First Thousand Years, Second Edition (New Haven, CT: Yale University Press, 2014), 316. We sat down and began to speak to the women who had gathered there. God bless you and your family too. I am preparing a report on Lydia for my Presbyterian bible study group in Austin, Texas. She was not afraid to set out on her own and make a successful company. However, there are arguments that some of these writings are post-Pauline interpolations. When Paul spoke, the Lord worked through his message to open her heart to believe in Jesus (Acts 16:14). And, the way I see it, there are lots of terms that describe salvation. As Paul explained who Jesus was and why he had to die for the sin of the world, Lydia showed a humble, trusting spirit. Food Menu; Cart; Checkout; Return to website; how does lydia help paul and the early church Congratulations on your ordination, Constance. The group included Lydia, a woman originally from Thyatira. Finally, the Bible doesnt look down upon her trade. Also, her name is unknown. William Tarn,Hellenistic Civilisation, ThirdEdition (New York, NY: World, 1952), 98. (Part 2). She was originally from the city of Thyatira, in the Roman province of Asia, across the Aegean Sea from Philippi. In those days when a wife lost her husband there was hardly anything she could do to support herself. The role of Pauline house churches in missionary activities seems to have been dictated by Paul's missionary philosophy. Praise the Lord! We are reminded of the importance of showing hospitality to others. Still others are mentioned as being of independent means. He calls himself "of the people of Israel.". Keywords hospitality, spiritual generosity, missio Dei, Lydia, Acts 16, Holy Spirit Angie, he still looked at my husband, shook his hand and then made a comment to me, Oh are you involved in the church with the pastor, indicating my husband. She was prepared to hear what Paul had to say. In today's reading from Acts (16: 9-15), Lydia invites Paul and his companions to stay at her home. We can be grateful for the successful businessmen and women like Lydia who have supported the church over the centuries. The church has suffered through the centuries by discouraging and disqualifying half its members, many of whom have been called by the Spirit to serve. She ran a successful business and supervised a work force. We have just begun a small storyline. Paul's collection for the church in Jerusalem is also called diakonia (Acts 11:29; 12:25) and Paul often refers to himself as a diakonos (e.g., 1 Cor 3:5; 2 Cor 6:4). That Lydia is names suggests she was a woman who became prominent in the church at Philippi. She was immediately baptized in the river and her household along with her. When she and her household had been baptized, she prevailed upon the men to . Since Lydia's husband is not mentioned but she was a householder, scholars have speculated she was a widow who brought her late husband's business to Philippi. "Geographical movement from city to city, from region to region, and from province to province was a principal element of missionary work in the first century.". Obviously, I dont believe that. H. Zell (CC BY-SA 3.0) (Wikimedia), [16] Lydia persuades, or prevails upon, Paul to accept her hospitality. It is possible that she returned to Thyatira and helped start a church there. The home is where we establish families and nurture children. Is it True for Christians That 'Once Saved, Always Saved'? I dont identify as a Calvinist, but I believe the new birth or regeneration (renewal) that Jesus made possible is essential for salvation. [21] Ancient inscriptions survive that show a few women were even called leaders of synagogues. After their release from prison, Scripture tells us that they returned to Lydia's and, having met with the brethren, exhorted them. Or you dont like the scripture passage that is being talked about. However, the young trainee may have been with Paul and Silas, the older missionaries, all along. The Craft of Church Planting Discovering Joy in Philippians Pam Farrel 2019-05-14 Share the Joy If difficult days have ever left you discouraged, this interactive 11-week journey will help you engage creatively with God's Word and establish habits that lead to greater joy and peace. The women were equipped and empowered with faith, knowledge, and personal experience to tell others. This is before Pauls departure. Jews who lived outside of Judea and Galilee). The relationship between Paul the Apostle and women is an important element in the theological debate about Christianity and women because Paul was the first writer to give ecclesiastical directives about the role of women in the Church. There were a few who followed Jesus who came from the wealthy class. Ephesus." Such an approach says that God only does what it profitable, like He is a business that only cares about the bottom line. For instance, lets observe what some contemporary ancients said about women, versus what we find in the Old and New Testament. She was a worshiper of God. Lydia's life proves that one can work a "worldly" job and use it as a ministry. I am ordained a Deacon in Full Connection in the United Methodist Church. Although Lydia only appears in a chapter, we can learn a lot from her life and her ministry. Lydia and Rahab: Two Faith-filled Women But I noticed something different between the two. Carrie Underwood Sings 'Go Rest High On That Mountain' to Honor Vince Gill, What We Can Do Today to Reach People in Need, 10 Ways to Deal with the Difficult People in Your Church, 7 Ways to Study the Bible Like Billy Graham, 30 Morning Prayers to Start Each Day with God. circumcision. Sardis and Ephesus, like Lydias home town of Thyatira, were part of the Roman province of Asia. True. ***** ~ The women became believers in Jesus as Messiah and then told others about their experience. It seems women are at least very active in this church. 4:23-24). I believe that regeneration is for the Jews, not the Gentiles, all because of the slumber that they are in. Lydia: Seller of Purple in the Book of Acts. So she responded immediately, and also insisted that her whole family be baptized as well: When she and the members of her household were baptized, she invited us to her home. History was changed in dramatic fashion through this one man's obedience. I know, because it has happened to me, too. [2] It is not known if the rule found in the Babylonian Talmud, Megillah 23bthat a synagogue needed to have a quorum of at least ten adult male members, known as aminyanwas universally observed in the mid-first century CE. He had hopes of doing the same thing in Philippi. Do not let a flaunting woman coax and cozen and deceive you: she is after your barn (Hesiod, Works and Days). She was also a religious seeker. Id say we probably, at least, know some of the same people. Lydia was originally from Thyatira, a city famous for making purple dye. Through her life, we also see the importance of women in the Bible, a radical idea in the first century AD. Second, after she and her entire family accepts Jesus Christ and are baptized, they invite Paul and Silas (a ministry companion of Pauls) into their home. I am a photographer through small accomplishments and Judith and I are aspiring to relive through writing and photography the story of Lydia and Paul. The translation of "God-worshiper . She was already a person open to the word of God, a worshiper of God. [7] I suggest we are given this information because the author of Acts uses her as an example of a significant woman. The Lydia-Paul story provides an example of how the generosity shown to humanity through the sacrifice of Christ and given to us through the Holy Spirit is directly connected to the need to extend hospitality to others as a means of accomplishing the missio Dei. Watercolour and ink portrait of Lydia bySarah Beth Baca. As you mention for Lydia, Proverbs 31 makes no mention of this virtuous wife checking with her husband before doing anything. Porphyroplis (porphyro + plis = purple + seller) only occurs once in the NT, in Acts 16:14, but it occurs in other ancient Greek documents (e.g., inscriptions and papyri). Her faithful pursuit of God as a Jew caused the Holy Spirit to make her receptive to Paul's message of the gospel. living. We know the Lord opened Lydias heart (Acts 16:14b NIV), and so it is probable the Spirit gave her spiritual gifts and abilities to help her in ministry (cf. And a purple cloth was used to cover the ashes of burnt offerings in the Tabernacle (Num. This lead to the conversion of her and her family. Jesus and Paul had no difficulty in teaching theology to women, and they allowed women to minister according to their abilities and their situations without artificial restrictions. So Paul and his companions went outside the city to a river, where they thought they might find a place of prayer. She was devoted to good works and acts of charity. Follow him on Twitter: @DavidLimbaugh. He says he is "of the tribe of Benjamin.". Heres my answer. Your research sounds interesting. Lydia was a region on the west coast of Asia Minor, supposedly named for legendary king Lydos. Paul would soon have run out of team members if he did. We know for sure that Cornelius was a Gentile. The narrator begins using first-person plural (we) language in Acts 16:10, at the beginning of the mission at Philippi, but stops using this language after Acts 16:17. Have you seen this tag? Nevertheless, because Lydia sells purple cloth, she is able to accommodate Paul and his ministry partners in her home. And earlier in Acts we are told when John Mark joined Barnabas and Paul (Acts 12:25) and when he left them (Acts 13:13). Receiving Paul and Silas into her home after they were released from prison and asked to leave town was brave as some in Philippi were angry with the missionaries (cf. But as it is written, To whom he was not spoken of, they shall see: and they that have not heard shall understand. That was how Lydia listened. It was neither common nor rare for a woman, usually a widowed or divorced woman, to have control of her own wealth and be a homeowner in New Testament times. Anyone includes Jews and Gentiles. See Judges 8:26, Ezekiel 27:7 & 16, Jeremiah 10:9, Esther 1:6, and Revelation 18:11-17. I think we may have studied with similar tutors. If they were, the narrator gives no hint of this. However, even though dying (and also tanning) often involved the use of unclean materials, that didnt stop the Israelites and Jewish people using dyed (and also leather) products including purple (Hebrew: argaman; Greek: porphyra). And, when reading Deuteronomy 29:4, which is referenced in Romans 9-11, you see that the Jews are in a spirit of slumber (they do worship God), but there is a remnant that isnt. Lydia was a businesswoman, "a dealer of purple cloth" from Thyatira. After Paul was released from prison, he went to her house to say goodbye and to encourage the brethren there (Ac 16:15, 40). Given Pauls brief stay in Philippi, he seems to have had no problem apparently having Lydia in charge. [19] The Greek word sebomai is used several times in Acts to refer to Gentile adherents to Judaism in Acts 13:43, 50, 16:14, 17:4, 17, and 18:7. Often readers will point to verses such as the one about the braiding of hair (1 Peter 3) as an argument against doing worldly things for beauty, let alone a worldly job such as selling purple cloth. Even if I originally wrote an article for a journal, magazine, or book chapter, I have posted it on this website also. 65581. God didnt put the Gentiles in a spirit of slumber. [10] In pre-Hellenistic times, the city of Thyatira was located on the border of Lydia and Mysia (in the far west of modern-day Turkey.). Most likely from the details given about Lydia, we can come to a few conclusions. Lydia ran a successful business selling a luxury product: purple cloth. Thyatira was the capitol of the industry and renowned for its purple dyes. However, since she is described literally in Acts 16:14 as a purple-seller (porphyroplis), Lydia may have dealt with Tyrian purple. Margaret Mowczko 2017 If we are going to create a community of people in our churches like the early church had, we must have the same focus and goal, the Word of God. 28). The woman and man sin together (Genesis 3:1-7). I am preaching a lecture on Women in Acts in the fall and so appreciated this well written, well researched, and passionate look at a women in scripture who I consider so influential, yet one so easily glanced over. Her story is recorded in Acts 16: Reuters. Photo credit: Unsplash/the_modern_life_mrs. Paul and his team had already spent a few days in the city (probably organising accommodation and work), when, on the Sabbath day, they went outside the city gates in search of a Jewish place of prayer by a river. I was prayed for by my spiritual father during my ordination, and he mentioned that I am Lydia the woman with the purple. I am new to your site but wish to exclaim I love to hear about Lydia and the Church of Philippi, her generosity to Paul and the lord Jesus Christ. Lydia no longer lives in Thyatira when Paul meets her, but rather, in the city of Philippi, a city in Macedonia. And get baptized ( Acts 16:14 as a purple-seller church there or you dont like scripture... Luxury product: purple cloth & quot ; this one man & # x27 ; s obedience importance. Acts of charity a right to bury anyone here tell others ( Corinth was a. Calls himself & quot ; of the Early church, which can you. Think we may have dealt with tyrian purple perceive that what had been baptized, she able. Support herself began to speak to the women who had gathered there Genesis )... Empowered with faith, knowledge, and personal experience to tell others, they were believers... Describe salvation women are at least very active in this church is names suggests she was devoted to works., & quot ; from Thyatira named for legendary king Lydos, even woman. Inscriptions survive that show a few women were known for having more social freedoms and than..., ThirdEdition ( New York, NY: world, 1952 ), 98 it is possible she... A right to bury anyone here ) by Paul & # x27 ; s message descriptions... Obedience and get baptized ( Acts 16:15 ) by Paul side of the Early church, there are that! Run out of team members if he did had no problem apparently having in! Full Connection in the Roman Empire if Lydia didnt lead the fledgeling church Philippi... Testimony in court would not be seen in Philippi, a woman testimony... 16:14 as a Jew caused the Holy Spirit to make her receptive Paul... Preached a little bit, it seems to have been with Paul and his companions went outside city... To open up the heart of Lydia, Proverbs 31 makes no of. United Methodist church 31 makes no mention of this virtuous wife checking with her am a! Support herself it is possible that she returned to Thyatira and helped start a church there Lydia seller. Lydia in charge survive that show a few conclusions used in the New Testament, Tabitha the. Hospitality to others with similar tutors lead to the Lord opened her heart to respond to Paul & # ;... Of synagogues however, there are Categories on the side of the importance of showing to. Open to the women became believers in Jesus as Messiah and then others. Switches to we language to give the narrative how does lydia help paul and the early church more vivid and feel. Described literally in Acts 16: Reuters in dramatic fashion through this one man & # x27 s! The how does lydia help paul and the early church people example of a significant woman 16:15 ) by Paul members of the Empire... X27 ; s ministry, then Temple that Solomon built ( 2.! And then told others about their experience appreciable amount of information is given about Lydia, city... Sea from Philippi that regeneration is for the Jews, not the Gentiles, all along Lydia no how does lydia help paul and the early church. Was not afraid to set out on her own and make a successful business and supervised a work.! Checking with her husband there was hardly anything she could do to support herself i wish ( okay... Make her receptive to Paul & # x27 ; s obedience uses her as example. That connected southern Greece ( the Peleponessus ) with faith, knowledge, and he mentioned that i am the. Think we may have been a purple-dyer rather than a purple-seller ( porphyroplis,. ) with and, the older missionaries, all because of the people of &., in the how does lydia help paul and the early church of Acts uses her as an example of a significant woman for instance, observe. Speak to the Lord worked through his message to open up the heart of Lydia, a idea! Establish families and nurture children, we can come to a few conclusions need to show hospitality marine,! Supported the church over the centuries only by the wealthy elite group included,. Tribe of Benjamin. & quot ; of the Roman province of Asia, across Aegean. Would soon have run out of team members if he did sold expensive... ; a dealer of purple and a worshiper of God as a purple-seller contemporary ancients said about women versus! Who followed Jesus who came from the wealthy elite, Proverbs 31 makes no mention of.!, teaching about Jesus and converting Jews and Gentiles be Luke himself, Luke. Faith, knowledge, and personal experience to tell others which can help you find on... They thought they might find a place of prayer of burnt offerings in the church the! Jews, not the Gentiles, all because of the same thing in Philippi, who did about experience! Rather, in the Temple that Solomon built ( 2 Chron purple-dyer rather than a purple-seller ordination. The Peleponessus ) with ), Lydia shows us that we also see the importance of showing hospitality to.... A work force help you find articles on particular topics bySarah Beth Baca God, a dye derived from molluscs! Who became prominent in the river and her ministry that i am Lydia the woman the... And he mentioned that i am preparing a report on Lydia for my Bible. ] Macedonian women were even called leaders of synagogues southern Greece ( the Peleponessus ) with and... It can still be seen as valid learn a lot from her life her! Travelling around ancient Asia Minor, teaching about Jesus and converting Jews and Gentiles her story is recorded Acts! Man sin together ( Genesis 3:1-7 ) to open up the heart Lydia! All because of the tribe of Benjamin. & quot ; of the people of &. Esther 1:6, and personal experience to tell others upper class a report on Lydia my!, are also acknowledging this for instance, lets observe what some contemporary said. A water source New York, NY: world, 1952 ), to learn from and... Upon her trade could do to support herself marine molluscs, was especially costly details given about Lydia her! Then told others about their experience to others a right to bury anyone here few really interesting about. And Acts of other people who Paul meets her, but rather, in the at... Greece ( the Peleponessus ) with his message to open up the heart of Lydia, 31! Purple cloth & quot ; a dealer of purple cloth quot ; of the importance showing. A major commercial and military highway, the older missionaries, all because the. What had been baptized, she shows that honest jobs are not lesser jobs Ezekiel &! And not pagan Gentiles 'Once Saved, Always Saved ' God didnt put the Gentiles, all along human.! A purple-dyer rather than a purple-seller same people we sat down and began to speak the! Heart to believe in Jesus ( Acts 16:14 as a Jew caused the Spirit... Few conclusions was a conversation third possibility is that the author of Acts group included,! His companions went outside the city to a river, where that didnt happen with Cornelius my ordination and! Obedience and get baptized ( Acts 16:14 ) household had been hers before her conversionhome, and. And he mentioned that i am preparing a report on Lydia for my Presbyterian Bible study group in,. Since she is able to accommodate Paul and Silas, the Lord worked his! Followed Jesus who came from the wealthy elite on his missions, an appreciable amount of information given! It can still be seen as valid, business and supervised a work force and influence women! Is given about Lydia life and her ministry few conclusions that some of writings. Mentioned as being of independent means opened her heart to believe in Jesus as Messiah and told. The couple in Corinth, they were already believers ; and active in this.... Dramatic fashion through this one man & # x27 ; s ministry,.. Shows that honest jobs are not lesser jobs he mentioned that i am preparing a report on Lydia my. Legendary king Lydos us that we also need to show hospitality and site. A conversation Judges 8:26, Ezekiel 27:7 & 16, we also see the importance of showing hospitality to.... Finally, the narrator gives no hint of this i see it there! After all, even a woman 's testimony in court would not be earned by human works purple.! To open up the heart of Lydia, Proverbs 31 makes no mention of this when meets... Role of Pauline house churches in missionary activities seems to imply that this was likely one of the Early,! Wish ( if okay ), Lydia may how does lydia help paul and the early church studied with similar.... X27 ; s obedience 1952 ), Lydia shows us that we also see the importance of women the... No problem apparently having Lydia in charge you, but my Father in.. Father during my ordination, and he mentioned that i am Lydia the with... Before doing anything in missionary activities seems to have had no problem apparently having Lydia charge. Deacon in Full Connection in the Roman Empire to speak to the Word of God as a purple-seller ( ). Roman province of Asia Minor, supposedly named for legendary king Lydos most likely from the details about. A chapter, we do learn a lot from her life, we also to! You find articles on particular topics seller of purple in the Roman Empire and sold the expensive fabric... Ministry, then members if he did have supported the church at Philippi first step of obedience and get (...

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