how does lydia help paul and the early church

Convinced that he had to preach the gospel to the entire world, Paul visited important cities, following the commercial routes of the time. We need to note a few things. [7] Compare, for example, the lack of descriptive information about the unnamed men and women in the Macedonian cities of Thessalonica and Berea, mentioned in Acts 14:4 and 12, or even about Jason, mentioned in Acts 17:5-9. Bravisima! Cornelius was a Gentile. Where No One Stands Alone Lisa Marie Presley Duet with Elvis, Bills QB Josh Allen Describes 'Spiritual Awakening' after Hamlin Collapse: 'I Couldn't Deny' It. The women were equipped and empowered with faith, knowledge, and personal experience to tell others. But I do believe that God inspires faith. She was prepared to hear what Paul had to say. Is the home also a place where we provide . Purple dye was a symbol of power and honor in the ancient world, and it was the most expensive and sought after dye in the Roman world. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come. 2 Corinthians 5:17 ***** stephen scherr family; nigel jones philadelphia. This is the story of Lydia in the Bible. Wishing you well. If Luke was present at the beginning of the mission at Philippi, he appears to be absent when Paul and Silas meet in Lydias home in Acts 16:40 as third-person plural (they) language is used in this verse: After leaving the jail, they came to Lydias house, where they encouraged the brothers and sisters There is no we in this last important meeting that was held immediately before Paul and Silas left Philippi. 28). Have a good weekend. Covering or Testicle in 1 Corinthians 11:15? So Paul and his companions went outside the city to a river, where they thought they might find a place of prayer. After Paul was released from prison, he went to her house to say goodbye and to encourage the brethren there (Ac 16:15, 40). Lydia was originally from Thyatira, a city famous for making purple dye. After all, the rich young ruler in Luke 18 doesnt receive an explicit name reference. Paul wrote some of the most beautiful and important passages in the whole of the Bible, but his works have also been used, among other things, to justify homophobia, slavery and anti-Semitism. Most likely from the details given about Lydia, we can come to a few conclusions. Thank you for writing. 1:11), Nympha of Laodicea (Col. 4:15), and the Chosen Lady (2 John 1:1,5). After all, the money does not belong to us. A comprehensive review of the birth of the the Christian Church and its spread through the known world through the tireless work of the disciples, in particular Paul inspired by The Holy Spirit. I dont do Facebook, I try to keep my face in His Book. The meaning of the name Lydia in Hebrew means a standing pool. He. While it is true that Jesus seemed to have a fondness and special compassion for the poor, there is a place in the church for the wealthy. Third, Lydia was a courageous woman. The first church in Europe started at the house of Lydia. I slipped up once and thought the husband was the accountant and the wife was the assistant, but it was the other way round. Margaret Mowczko 2017 At that time she became ill and died. We can assume she also told business contacts, clients, and neighbours. She was not afraid to set out on her own and make a successful company. H. Zell (CC BY-SA 3.0) (Wikimedia), [16] Lydia persuades, or prevails upon, Paul to accept her hospitality. Still, she thrived in the new city, and because of her new placement, God allowed for her journey to coincide with Pauls. 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 had a new partnerthe Lord Jesus And Roman soldiers dressed Jesus in a purple robe in order to mock and humiliate him (Mark 15:16-20). Acts 2:18; 1 Cor. 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). Another member of her household? He taught one's only basis for the forgiveness of sins is faith in the merits of Christ's sacrificial death. He says he is "of the tribe of Benjamin.". The hymn that Jesus and the disciples . I appreciate your writing. The first person to hear and respond to the Good News. Lydia - a worshipper of God and a tradeswoman - is often cited as the first European convert to Christianity. 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. I came upon it while doing my own research on what the Bible *really* says about headship. Lydias life proves that one can work a worldly job and use it as a ministry. After their release from prison, Scripture tells us that they returned to Lydia's and, having met with the brethren, exhorted them. This site is a proud member of the Salem Web Network, a subsidiary of, Copyright 2023, Crosswalk.com. For example, Jesus ministry was sponsored by Mary Magdalene, Joanna, Susanna, and many other Galilean women who accompanied Jesus and ministered to him out of their own, personal resources (Luke 8:2-3). 1. Luke may not have ministered on his own; he may have ministered as Pauls companion. Lydia was most likely a wealth woman herself, which gave her the independence to be the head of her own household. Luke, the author of Acts, called Lydia a seller of purple goods. This is a trustworthy saying. Titus 3:4ff He saved us through the washing of rebirth and renewal by the Holy Spirit, whom he poured out on us generously through Jesus Christ our Savior, so that, having been justified by his grace, we might become heirs having the hope of eternal life. For more information on proseuchas a Jewish prayer-house, see https://margmowczko.com/lydia-and-the-place-of-prayer-at-philippi/. When Paul spoke, her heart was opened. The footnotes are informative too. Lydia ran a successful business selling a luxury product: purple cloth. Her house became the meeting place of the first European church. The statement that God had to open her heart was the clue for me regarding regeneration. Wealthy Women in the Roman World and in the Church However, two first- or second century inscriptions attest to women of status who used the name Lydia,[11] making the assumption of former servile status somewhat conjectural. Acts 8:3; 9:1ff; 22:4). Maybe you get distracted. Congratulations on your ordination, Constance. Samaritan. 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). She probably gave of her own resources to help support its ministries. (Though there are other ways to understand the we passages. Well dive more into the importance of this later, but readers should take note that not every regular Gentile or Jew got a chance to wear this special color two millennia ago. Paul started a church in Galatia, where the teaching of justification by faith alone was clearly proclaimed and accepted. When Paul, Silas, and Timothy left for Thessalonica, Luke stayed behind, perhaps to help build up the church, or perhaps because he wanted to check out the famous medical school in Philippi, since he was a doctor. [4], Paul and his companions may have been surprised to see a group made up of only, or mainly, women at the prayer-house. Second,Lydia may have experienced the Diaspora, or a diaspora of sorts, if she had to travel from Thyatira to Philippi. She was generous and hospitable, opening her home to traveling ministers and missionaries. The word "helper" ( 'ezer ), when used of a person in the Old Testament, always refers to God (in 29 places) apart from one reference to David. (Part 2). According to Acts, Paul typically began a new mission in each new city by connecting with the local Jewish population. 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. [13], Even though her name tells us nothing concrete, the fact that Lydia is named at all is significant. Follow him on Twitter: @DavidLimbaugh. Someone asked me if Lydia could have been a purple-dyer rather than a purple-seller. Finally, Lydia shows us that we also need to show hospitality. One of them was a woman named Lydia. She ran a successful business and supervised a work force. [Note that Lydia was not involved in the messy dyeing process herself; she is not called a purple-dyer (porphyrobapha) in the text.] 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. Im glad you like the article, John. The role of Pauline house churches in missionary activities seems to have been dictated by Paul's missionary philosophy. Jesus, Women, and Theology: Jesus said to her The Samaritan woman gave Jesus well water, but He gave her ______ water. Aristotle believed men had far superior building blocks than that of women. [9] It has been estimated that roughly one-third of the population of the Roman Empire were slaves. Just last week my husband and I met a man and even though I was introduced as Rev. And it is thought that James and John came from a flourishing fishing business. Or a member of his household? We dont know why Lydia made the move, whether she married a foreigner or had to leave due to Roman persecution. On the practical side, Lydias experience of running a largish household and of running a business would have been useful in managing and caring for a congregation. There, Paul found a group of women and began to share the story of the Lord, Jesus Christ. She has an honest job in the marketplace and uses that to help the spread of the Gospel. This proviso of being born again applies to everyone. Second, Lydia was a bright woman who knew how to manage an organization. Anyone includes Jews and Gentiles. A Reexamination of the Purpurarii in Thyatira and Philippi, Near East Archaeological Society Bulletin 62 (2017): 3-29. The singing of the early church was scriptural. Thank you for your glowing commendation of my work. All rights reserved. [3] The word proseuchoccurs in Greek literature and in Greek inscriptions where it refers to a building belonging to, or being used by, the Jews of the Diaspora (i.e. Acts 9:36-43 introduces us to Tabitha. Now here is a place that generations of women know intimately. Timothy had recently joined Paul (Acts 16:1-3), but he is not mentioned by name during Pauls episode in Philippi. Why mention her at all, one may ask. Every congregation has a beginning. Lydia was a region on the west coast of Asia Minor, supposedly named for legendary king Lydos. God needs us to spread the Gospel to all places, and that includes ordinary workplaces. Anyway, thats what I believe. Deuteronomy 29:4 In case youre interested I have articles on King Lemuels mother here, and Euodia and Syntyche here. Three days pass and "Mary Magdalene and the other Mary went to look at the tomb" (Matthew . [8] Cynthia Westfall, Paul and Gender: Reclaiming the Apostles Vision for Men and Women in Christ (Grand Rapids, MI: Baker Academic, 2016), 268. See also Ascough, Lydia, 47. It is typically thought the author of Acts was present and an eyewitness during the we narratives, but was using the testimony of others in the they narratives. I think theres a bit (or a lot) of sexism in all of us. Women were not seen as equal to men in the society of the New Testament. What Did the Early Church Believe and Practice? [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. This was a unique achievement for a woman during the male-dominated Roman empire. a Jewish ritual performed when a boy is eight days old. how does lydia help paul and the early church. As Paul and his company were speaking with these women, Lydia was listening ( Acts 16:14 ). Hometown Thyatira, in the Roman province of Lydia. [14], Skeins dyed naturally with madder root. Dorcas. Then, she is baptized into the . The Bible says that the meat of shellfish must not be eaten (Lev. True. After a time Paul received word this church had departed from its initial foundation. As she heard the word of God she was moved to act upon the things Paul was saying. David Limbaugh is a lawyer, nationally syndicated columnist, political commentator, and the author of ten bestsellers, including Jesus on Trial, The Emmaus Code, The True Jesus, and Jesus is Risen. 2 and 3:14). Lydia appears inseveral verses in Acts 16. Retrieved from https://www.learnreligions.com/lydia-in-the-bible-4150413. But in Acts 16, God opened her heart. 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). One of them was Lydia from Thyatira, a merchant of expensive purple cloth, who worshiped God. Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The result was that she and all her household, including servants, became baptized and she invited Paul and his followers to come stay at her home while in the city. : https://margmowczko.com/tag/women-in-acts/ It takes you to a few other women in Acts as well as Lydia. Lydias wealth is also indicated by the fact that she seems to have been the owner and mistress of her own home. Lydia had a home large enough to accommodate not only Paul and his companions, but the gatherings of the new church established in Philippi. And not only did some wealthy Jewish people wear purple in Jesuss day, Aarons high-priestly garments (especially the ephod, waistband, and breastpiece) were woven from purple yarn (as well as gold, blue, and scarlet yarn) (Exod. And purple is used in a metaphor for the beloveds beautiful hair (Songs 7:5). [5] Instead, the story continues with the statement, We sat down and began to talk with the women who had gathered.[6], In Acts 16:14a, we are given several pieces of information about Lydia. Dear Marg, thanks to God for all those comments. All Rights Reserved. Crucial to this idea is the fact that the author of Acts, traditionally thought to be Luke, often uses third-person plural they language when writing about Paul and his coworkers, but at other times uses first-person plural we language. Why wouldnt pagan Gentiles or God-worshippers need their hearts opened? key biscayne triathlon 2022 Stott remarks that "the message was Paul's, the saving initiative was God's (p. 263). I come from a complementarian background. Paul would visit Philippi several times and write a letter to the church there. 26; 27:16; 36:8, 35-37). Sardis and Ephesus, like Lydias home town of Thyatira, were part of the Roman province of Asia. disgusting, hateful, revolting, disagreeable. And that is my contention with Calvinists, too. I have studied Religious Studies at the University level for 3 semesters but learned of Lydia through my lovely wife Judith who adores Lydia. There are several things I would like to point out about Lydia. 1452) Other inscriptions show that some Jewish women were called elders and mothers of synagogues. Without financial support, sometimes large contributions, the early church and the current church could not survive and grow. Gentiles, as in Cornelius, there is no mention that God opened up his heart. [26] Freedwomen in the East also frequently sold luxury items such as purple dye. Keener, Acts, (Google Books). But its also possible to come and get a lot out of the sermon because you listen eagerly, expecting to hear something that is meaningful or new or challenging. And a purple cloth was used to cover the ashes of burnt offerings in the Tabernacle (Num. Lydia's life proves that one can work a "worldly" job and use it as a ministry. She was already a person open to the word of God, a worshiper of God. As she listened to us, the Lord opened her heart, and she accepted what Paul was saying. They cared for local congregations and were vital and strategic players at the forefront of the expanding Christian mission. It seems that Philippi did not have a recognised synagogueperhaps they did not have enough Jewish men to form a quorum necessary for a synagogue[2]but they did have a proseuch, a prayer-house. Or you dont like the scripture passage that is being talked about. This is that they devoted themselves to the teaching that they received. And finally, Lydia may have been a missionary herself. Women of the Bible: Lydia, Leader of the Early Church, Understanding the Mystery of the Trinity, Women of the Bible: Priscilla, Co-worker with Paul . Lydia and Rahab: Two Faith-filled Women God "opened her heart" to pay close attention to Paul's preaching, a supernatural gift causing her conversion. We know for sure that Cornelius was a Gentile. When Paul and Silas were thrown into a Philippian prison, Lydia visited them and attended to their needs. and if theres any outstanding characteristic of the church at Philippi, it is joy. The Birth of a Nation is a landmark of film history, lauded for its . Nevertheless, because slaves were sometimes named after their place of origin, it has been thought Lydias name signifies she had once been a slave. circumcision. Us includes both Jews and Gentiles in the church at Crete. St Paul was travelling around ancient Asia Minor, teaching about Jesus and converting Jews and Gentiles. We can be grateful for the successful businessmen and women like Lydia who have supported the church over the centuries. Learn Religions, Sep. 8, 2021, learnreligions.com/lydia-in-the-bible-4150413. Prints of this portrait can be purchasedhere. (Corinth was on a narrow isthmus that connected southern Greece (the Peleponessus) with . Very good insight. Instead, she had become a "God-fearer." She had already taken a major step away from her religious upbringing and had investigated Jewish claims of one God and wanted to know more. Obviously, I dont believe that. Thanks. Furthermore, Lydia uses her own initiative and doesnt consult a male relative, when she offers the missionaries hospitality, which they accept. ch. Lydia no longer lives in Thyatira when Paul meets her, but rather, in the city of Philippi, a city in Macedonia. [15] These molluscs are predatory, intertidal snails of theBolinus (formerly Murex) genus. The parable of the Good Samaritan presents the Samaritan in a favourable light, but we must be mindful that Jesus chose the figure of the Samaritan for a provocative effect in his story (Luke 10:25ff). [1] The Greek noun used for man in Acts 16:9 (anr) is typically used for an adult male. Do not let a flaunting woman coax and cozen and deceive you: she is after your barn (Hesiod, Works and Days). If I had been in a lecture setting and heard you read this article (for lack of an appropriate word at this moment) I would be standing cheering and applauding you and saying: Brava! [25] Whether it was Luke or not, the author of Acts seems to make a point of mentioning when members of Pauls team stayed behind at new churches (e.g., Timothy and Silas stayed behind in Berea in Acts 17:14-15; Priscilla and Aquila stayed behind in Ephesus in Acts 18:19), or when members were sent to churches as Pauls representatives (e.g., Timothy and Erastus are sent ahead to Macedonia while Paul stays longer in Asia in Acts 19:22). 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. The group included Lydia, a woman originally from Thyatira. This may be an indication that whoever recorded her story was with Paul in Philippi, was an eyewitness, and met Lydia personally. These verses, all in Acts chapter 16, tell us quite a bit about her and the important part she played in the Philippian church. We often talk about how the crowds who followed Jesus were mostly made up of the poor and outcast, the sinners and the ones left out of acceptability. That was the first internal problem confronted by the early church, and it came out of the culture. And, as Lydia heard the gospel, God opened her heart so that she received the life-giving message. [3] Like many Jewish places of worship, this prayer-house was located by a water source. one of many officials of ancient Rome. We have to keep in mind that the fact the Bible named her shows a great deal of importance. Because of the wealth she accrued (at the very least, a modest enough wealth for a larger household) she helped provide for those working a holy job. What Is the Difference Between Prophetic Words and the Word of God? Have you seen this tag? 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. But there were exceptions. What does submission in everything mean. Very few businesswomen are mentioned in the New Testament. Allen Webster. Finally, the Bible doesnt look down upon her trade. A certain woman named Lydia, a seller of purple, of the city of Thyatira, one who worshiped God, heard us; whose heart the Lord opened to listen to the things which were spoken by Paul. I always love reading about women in the Bible who sometimes defied the odds to be in leadership. "If you agree that I am a true believer in the Lord," she said, "come and stay at my home." Thank you. 3.3 Paul and Friends Meet Lydia of the Bible, a Dealer of Purple Cloth. Many synagogues and prayer-houses were built near water sources, such as rivers, to facilitate ritual washings. And cloth dyed with blue and purple was among the plunder taken by Judas Maccabee, a devout Jew. Thank you for your time and research and heart! Paul and Silas established their gospel mission headquarters in Lydia's house and no doubt preached there regularly. Fairchild, Mary. madison 60 (CC BY-SA 3.0) (Wikimedia Commons). abominable. These women played a pioneering role in the spreading of the gospel. She and her entire household were baptized, as was the custom in those days. [22] Other women were patrons of synagogues and were prominent and influential in their Jewish communities. She was a worshiper of God. And when Paul and Silas, who were staying in her home and teaching about a new religion, were arrested and put in jail, she did not put the church out of her home, but continued to host these men and the church that had begun meeting there. Romans often persecuted and scattered the Jews. I did a Bachelor of Christian Studies at Robert Menzies College Sydney. Ways women participated in the early Church. Is it True for Christians That 'Once Saved, Always Saved'? Thyatira, Lydias home town, was well-known for the production of dye from madder roots. Lydia also shows us that God calls some of us into worldly jobs. (As an unmarried Gentile woman, she had been prevented by Jewish law from becoming a convert to Judaism.) tribune. Lydia is the only Philippian convert who is named in Acts, and we know that the Philippian church met in her home. If Lydia didnt lead the fledgeling church in Philippi, who did? Thank you so much for the information about Lydia. So the second thing we learn about Phoebe is that she was a leader in the church at Cenchreae. 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. A third possibility is that the author occasionally switches to we language to give the narrative a more vivid and immediate feel. Many thanks for your blog, Marg. Second, Lydia was a bright woman who knew how to manage an organization. Her faithful pursuit of God as a Jew caused the Holy Spirit to make her receptive to Paul's message of the gospel. We learn in Acts 16 that, while born and reared to believe in the gods and goddesses of Thyatira, Lydia did not worship the pantheon of gods venerated in her hometown. The Jews would not walk through____________ because they despised the people who lived there. earlier, the apostle John lived to a very old age, possibly over 100 years. The word regeneration is only used twice in the whole bible. So, she is the most likely person to have led and cared for the first congregation at Philippi.[24]. This meant that there were very few Jews in the city, because it only required ten men to establish a synagogue. And many blessings on your ministry. This does not mean she played a minor role in Pauls ministry or in the New Testament. Here are verses in Acts that mention devout Gentile adherants of Judaism here. She carried out her business in her home. Compare that to the Bible. During that time, she would have received (directly and indirectly) a theological and pastoral education from the apostle so that she was equipped to care for the church when Paul moved on to bring the gospel to other Macedonian cities. [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. Lydia's story shows God works through people by opening their hearts to help them believe the good news. Scripture says we all make up the body of Christ (1 Corinthians 12), which means, we also have different inclinations to a variety of occupations. Paul describes his own life in Philippians 3:5-6, where he lists seven things ascribed to him or achieved by him: He states that he was "circumcised on the eighth day.". Furthermore, she seems to have been a spiritually receptive person. [16] There is no mention of a husband or a father in her story. See footnote 5.). I believe that grace is the gift THRU your faith, not a God given faith. cf. Priscilla: a woman co-founds the Church. [22] For example, a second-century CE inscription from Smyrna mentions a woman named Rufina who was a synagogue ruler. Paul started more than a dozen churches, and he's traditionally considered the . It was located on a major commercial and military highway, the second most important one in the Roman Empire. Used with permission of the artist. 4:23-24). Only members of the royalty and other wealthy people could afford this cloth, because the dye was so expensive to make, and so it was a prosperous trade. Her house became the first house church in Europe. (2021, September 8). If they were, the narrator gives no hint of this. I am a Pastor and am so thankful for brothers and sisters like you in the body of Christ. Paul's missionary methods (pp. For instance, a congregation member may hold another in higher esteem if they choose to pursue missionary work as opposed to a job such as accounting. 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. (The same verb occurs in Luke 24:29 in a similar context.). Brown Judaic Studies, 36. Its a word only used twice in the whole bible. It's also possible Lydia may have returned to her home town of Thyatira and was active in the church there. Scriptures to Show How Important Grandparents Are. Lydia also credited God with her earthly blessings and was quick to share them with Paul and his friends. First, she was in a posture to receive the gospel. Its good for me to know what readers are thinking and to know where they are at. I wish you well in your leaning towards egalitarianism. Lydia was a worshiper of God but, like Cornelius in Acts 10, had not yet heard the gospel. The church at Corinth began with Paul at the end of the second missionary journey ( Acts . No matter the case, she probably had some frustrations from uprooting from her hometown. I wish (if okay), to learn from you and your site. Gentiles dont need that. Would that be asking too much? Lydia is probably my favourite New Testament woman. 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. Perhaps she had helped to organise the meetings of women at the proseuch(Jewish prayer house). Thank you so very much! When Paul and Silas (and possibly Luke) first arrived in Philippi, they spent some time in the city and then went to a river bank, hoping to find a place of worship. While Paul might have preached a little bit, it seems to imply that this was a conversation. In this article, well dive into who she is, why she receives a special mention in the New Testament, and what we can learn from her example. Finding a group of women, Paul engaged one of them, Lydia, in conversation. In this way, Lydia stands out in the New Testament narrative. I said, I AM the pastor. I wish he were going to be in church on Sunday. She has both a practical job and a heavenly one here on earth. One of the women, Lyida, was from Thyatira. It is likely she became both a patron and a leader of the church in Philippi.[23]. Salvation is by faith in Jesus Christ through grace and cannot be earned by human works. Priscilla and Aquila were also good friends of and ministry partners with Paul (Romans 16:3). Everyone who believes that Jesus is the Christ has been born of God, and everyone who loves the Father loves whoever has been born of him. 1 John 5:1 Enter your email address to subscribe to this blog and receive notifications of new posts by email. A church was established in Philippi because of Lydias open heart and her open home, and it grew because of her patronage, her initiative, her courage, her ministry. These may appear like minor details, but we should note that even important people in the early Church maybe got a verse or two of dedication from Paul. Lydia Paul's Send-Off. When she and her household had been baptized, she prevailed upon the men to . I appreciate that you were the very first person to subscribe to my new blog. In chapter 4, he also mentions Euodia and Syntyche, whom Paul tells the people to help these women who labored with me in the gospel. She and her household take the first step of obedience and get baptized (Acts 16:15) by Paul. Lydia does sound like the Proverbs 31 woman. There is Lydia, the seller of purple, whom Paul met at Philippi. And, the way I see it, there are lots of terms that describe salvation. But when the kindness and love of God our Savior appeared, he saved us, not because of righteous things we had done, but because of his mercy. Does the Bible Say Anything about Dieting? I also have relevant Categories and Tags under the headings of each article that link to more articles. But, Paul discusses, referencing the Hebrew scriptures, that the Gentiles will understand, whereas, the Jews wont. 34-37) "The oral proclamation of the gospel was a fundamental element of the missionary work of the early church.". But they conclude that everyone must be regenerated in order to be saved. Craig Keener notes, Many purple-dye merchants in Rome were freedwomen in this period. God had to open up the heart of Lydia, where that didnt happen with Cornelius. Yesterday, someone expressed doubt that a Jewish person would wear purple or sell purple because shellfish are unclean. Thank you, James. This is unusual as women in Bible times were often identified by their relationship to a man: a father, a husband, an adult son, or even a brother. She established her business in a foreign country. Because ancient Philippi had no synagogue, the few Jews in that city gathered on the bank of the Krenides River for sabbath worship where they could use the water for ritual washings. Keywords hospitality, spiritual generosity, missio Dei, Lydia, Acts 16, Holy Spirit She came to be viewed as a saint by many Christian denominations. When she took Paul, Silas, Timothy, and Luke into her house, she created one of the first home churches in Europe. [12], Lydia may have been just one of her names, and there is some speculation that either Euodia or Syntychetwo female coworkers of Paul named in Philippians 4:2-3might be Lydia. The fellowship in Philippi was the first European church founded by Paul. Your research sounds interesting. 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. [6] The word gathered is translated from a feminine participle of the Greek verbsynerchomai, a word which is often used in Acts (and in 1 Corinthians) with the idea of a deliberate, purposeful gathering that also implies community. Ivoni Richter Reimer, Women in the Acts of the Apostles: A Feminist Liberation Perspective, Linda M. Maloney, trans. The church in Jerusalem was meeting in the house of Mary, the mother of John Mark (Acts 12:12). The woman and man sin together (Genesis 3:1-7). [15] A relatively less expensive and more reddish dye, known today as Turkey red, was extracted from the root of the madder plant (Rubia tinctorum). It was Pauls custom to the Jew first. In just the act of taking the time to talk with her, Christ began breaking down the barriers to her heart. In the New Testament, Tabitha is the only woman to be called a disciple. See Bernadette J. Brooten, Women Leaders in the Ancient Synagogue: Inscriptional Evidence and Background. William Tarn,Hellenistic Civilisation, ThirdEdition (New York, NY: World, 1952), 98. Lydias name was not an uncommon one, and it may not provide any real insight into her status or identity. That was how Lydia listened. Required fields are marked *. Acts 16:19-22). In the Book of Revelation, Thyatira is one of the seven churches that is addressed as a center of Christianity. It was only the wealthy elite who wore garments dyed purple or trimmed with purple, or had soft furnishings in their homes, such as couch covers, that were purple. Yet the Lord hath not given you an heart to perceive, and eyes to see, and ears to hear, unto this day. how does lydia help paul and the early church. Everyone includes Jews and Gentiles. The New Testament mentions several women who happen to appear in Pauls ministry, Lydia being one of them. This is before Pauls departure. Or you just dont care about the topic. The expenses involved in her occupation as a merchant of luxury textiles indicates she was a woman of some wealth. 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). [25] I wonder if Jesus and Paul were sent on their journeys because God saw the hearts (and heard the possible prayers) of these women who were ready to put their trust in Jesus as Messiah. God can use a witness in accounting just as much as he can use a missionary in a country that has not yet heard the good news of Christ. 2:14; 3:3-4). Thyatira, in the Roman province of Lydia. 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. Lydia the Purple-Seller. Your email address will not be published. battle of omdurman order of battle. 11:15? Acts 16:40).[18]. heresy. It was large enough to accommodate Paul and his fellow missionaries (who included Silas, probably Timothy, and perhaps Luke and others) as well as her own household. When she and her household were baptized, she begged us, saying, "If you have judged me to be faithful to the Lord, come into my house, and stay." Since Lydda was near Joppa, the disciples, who heard that Peter was there, sent two men to him with the . Chapter 2 records the beginning of the Church. Her household may have included family members, servants, and hired laborers. Refresh your delight in the Lord through: After all, even a woman's testimony in court would not be seen as valid. After Jesus is crucified, his body is buried, a stone is rolled in front of the tomb, and a Roman guard is placed there. [18] Other New Testament women, who seem to be homeowners and independent of husbands or fathers, were Martha of Bethany (Luke 10:38), Mary of Jerusalem (Acts 12:12ff), Chloe of Corinth (1 Cor. Timothys name inexplicably reappears in Acts 17:14-15 when the missionaries are in Berea. Lydia opens her home. See Richard S. Ascough, Lydia, Pauls Cosmopolitan Hostess (Pauls Social Network: Brothers and Sisters in the Faith) (Collegeville, MN: Liturgical Press, 2009), 2-3; and especially Craig S. Keener, Acts: An Exegetical Commentary, Vol. 8:15). The Apostle Paul first encountered Lydia at Philippi, in eastern Macedonia. [12] Ascough, Lydia, 6-7. 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. The church at Jerusalem began on Pentecost with the coming of the Holy Spirit and the preaching of the apostles ( Acts 2 ). And Lydia invited Paul and his companions to stay in her home, and they accepted her offer of hospitality. Or youre put off by the sermon title. Paul would soon have run out of team members if he did. Being a Christian could be difficult and women were not exempt from persecution (cf. She was devoted to good works and acts of charity. However, since she is described literally in Acts 16:14 as a purple-seller (porphyroplis), Lydia may have dealt with Tyrian purple. Praise the Lord! 1:23-24). Almost every article Ive ever written, about 400, is posted somewhere on this website. "Since the goal of . When Lydia heard Pauls teaching, she was immediately attracted to it and converted to Christianity. (1) Women helped prepare the Lord's Supper. Tyrian purple, a dye derived from marine molluscs, was especially costly. This lead to the conversion of her and her family. Teacher, community activist, social worker and PNM affiliate, Lydia Paul, was buried on December 14, 2009. "On the Sabbath we went outside the city gate to the river, where we expected to find a place of prayer. I really like reading more about the roles of women in the Early Church. Become a Patron! She was a seller of purple and a worshiper of God. If Macedonia produced perhaps the most competent group of men the world had yet seen, the women were in all respects the mens counterparts; they played a large part in affairs, received envoys and obtained concessions for them from their husbands, built temples, founded cities, engaged mercenaries, commanded armies, held fortresses, and acted on occasion as regents or even co rulers. Why would Jews need to be regenerated and not pagan Gentiles? We can learn a lot from Lydia. As for me, I marvel about the degree of granularity, and inspiration of your writing. In today's reading from Acts (16: 9-15), Lydia invites Paul and his companions to stay at her home. But, the Jews are in a spirit of slumberuntilGod has to open up their eyes. Peace! Elsewhere Paul applies the word to himself and to others who engage in the preaching and teaching ministry of the early church (see 1 Cor 3:5; 2 Cor 3:6, 6:4, 11:23; and Phil 1:1 for other examples). She was a successful businesswoman who came to Philippi to carry on her trade. The unnamed jailer mentioned in Acts 16:22ff? Lydia was quick to perceive that what had been hers before her conversionhome, business and possessionsnow belonged to the Lord. And it changed her life. We're talking monikers like the Vanderbilt's, the Astor's, the Kennedy's, and so on. They use the word to say that God must first give you faith in order for you to believe, and they call that regeneration. [1] Contents And when Paul came and spoke about Jesus, she eagerly listened to his message. I believe that regeneration is for the Jews, not the Gentiles, all because of the slumber that they are in. Lydia made and sold the expensive purple fabric worn only by the wealthy elite. Luke 10:5-7). He said of himself that the reason that he got mercy was due to his ignorance in unbelief. More than 1400 of her works have been featured in various publications. The account is enriched by historical details of the social and cultural realities of those times. The early church continued steadfastly in the Apostles' doctrine. 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. I dont identify as a Calvinist, but I believe the new birth or regeneration (renewal) that Jesus made possible is essential for salvation. Paul made it his practice to select urban centers along busy highways for his missionary efforts and had great success. The seat of Solomons chariot was purple (Songs 3:10-11). james wilks self defense training . (Academia.edu), Lydia and the Place of Prayer in Philippi Having a group of foreign men stay in her house might potentially cause scandal. There were a few who followed Jesus who came from the wealthy class. Often churches can place holier jobs on a pedestal. Lets take a closer look at the descriptions in Acts 16:14. See Judges 8:26, Ezekiel 27:7 & 16, Jeremiah 10:9, Esther 1:6, and Revelation 18:11-17. Hosting meetings where they worshipped a new Jewish messiah, and not an emperor or any of the ancient and socially respectable pagan gods, could have ruined her reputation and her business. 16:7). Exploring the biblical theology of Christian egalitarianism, Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window), Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window), Click to share on Tumblr (Opens in new window), Click to share on WhatsApp (Opens in new window), Click to share on Pinterest (Opens in new window), Click to share on LinkedIn (Opens in new window), Click to share on Reddit (Opens in new window), Three Scholars with Two Views on Eves Role as Helper, Lydia of Thyatira: The founding member of the Philippian Church. However, the young trainee may have been with Paul and Silas, the older missionaries, all along. Hesiod believed if a woman flirted with you, she was simply a gold digger. In his first letter to the Thessalonians, Paul refers to the persecution he experienced in Philippi (1 Thess. For instance, this article about Lydia is in the Category of Bible Women, but is also tagged with Brave Bible Women. Purple is also used a few times in the Bible in non-Israelite and non-Jewish contexts. Women such as Lydia were not at the margins in the first decades of the Jesus movement. Thank you, Marg! Its only mentioned twice. First, she sells purple cloth. Purple symbolised royalty and prestige. How Do We Know What God's Best for Us Is? 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. I will use it as resource during a Workshop Ill be facilitating on Leadership Traits/characteristics of Lydia as a church Leader. Furthermore, if we rely on the evidence of the first to the third person narrative, and assume Luke is present during the we passages in Acts 16, it seems he did not stay around in Philippi when Paul and Silas were imprisoned. Lydia was a seller of purple, that is, she was a businesswoman who sold luxury textiles dyed purple. Large sections of it can still be seen in Philippi today. Naturally, when members of these families tied the knot, major $$$ was spent and, of course, the gowns were to . Your email address will not be published. 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. It does not seem to have been the usual practice for one of Pauls coworkers to stay with a new church when the rest continued on their journey. Luke 10:5-7). Through her life, we also see the importance of women in the Bible, a radical idea in the first century AD. [19] This description is an idiom that tells us Lydia was a Gentile adherent to Judaism rather than a full convert. It was a Sabbath Day that you mentioned. When Paul left earth in the end of his life he not only left some church plants, he left the DNA of a movement that would eventually spread to the extent that even the Roman Empire itself would surrender to Christianity (for better or worse). Junia, as one example, experienced this first-hand when she was imprisoned (Rom. In the story of the Rich Man and Lazarus, the rich man, who is presumably Jewish, is described as being dressed in purple and fine linen (Luke 16:19). [20] In the first decades of the churchs existence, almost all Christian converts were either Jews or they were Gentiles with some kind of affiliation or sympathy with Judaism. Today, many more bishops and scholars, etc, are also acknowledging this. That Lydia is names suggests she was a woman who became prominent in the church at Philippi. Paul and his party may have spent several weeks staying with Lydia (cf. Check out her books at hopebolinger.comfor clean books in most genres, great for adults and kids. The Birth of a Nation, originally called The Clansman, is a 1915 American silent epic drama film directed by D. W. Griffith and starring Lillian Gish.The screenplay is adapted from Thomas Dixon Jr.'s 1905 novel and play The Clansman.Griffith co-wrote the screenplay with Frank E. Woods and produced the film with Harry Aitken.. Romans 15:21 The second woman was an unfortunate, demon-possessed slave girl exploited by her owners for their own material profit. He tells his readers that he is "a Hebrew of Hebrews.". She opened her home to Paul and his fellow travelers. While its sometimes frustrating to feel like I have the same conversations again and again about women in church leadership, it is certainly encouraging to see change! She was also a religious seeker. God rerouted Paul and friends and also ensured that Lydia would be in the right place at the right time to encounter Paul and hear the good news of Jesus. I was prayed for by my spiritual father during my ordination, and he mentioned that I am Lydia the woman with the purple. They say that faith is a gift from God, and not a work of man, that God must first regenerate you before you can even believe. a belief different from the accepted belief of the church. There are Categories on the side of the page, which can help you find articles on particular topics. Marg, you are such an encouragement to me! "The Lord opened her heart to listen eagerly to what was said by Paul," (Acts 16:14b). No doubt, that man was well-known in his region for his wealth. Im going to pull this out next time someone tells me women in church leadership is a modern thing. [21] Ancient inscriptions survive that show a few women were even called leaders of synagogues. 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. Watercolour and ink portrait of Lydia bySarah Beth Baca. The Word was their primary focus of getting together. All rights reserved. This may have been the first church planted on European soil, and its pastor was a woman. Thank you for taking the pain to do this work and may God almighty reward you beyond your widest imagination. You can support my work for as little as $3 USD a month. 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. She ran a successful business and supervised a work force. One of the trade guilds in Thyatira made expensive purple dye, probably from the roots of the madder plant. a very wicked or unprincipled person. God bless you and your family too. Either that happened to Lydia and her family, or she married someone from Philippi or decided to take her trade there for an unknown reason. The story of Cornelius was before Lydia. Ephesus." Such an approach says that God only does what it profitable, like He is a business that only cares about the bottom line. As Paul explained who Jesus was and why he had to die for the sin of the world, Lydia showed a humble, trusting spirit. Porphyropols (masc) and porphyroplis (fem) were the usual words for a dealer in purple. The two Greek words used in verses 13 and 14 here are simple words for "speak" in Greek. References to Lydia in the Bible Lydia and Paul first met outside the gates of Philippi, a city in Macedonia, now part of modern Greece. 2:2), and he alludes to the persecution the Thessalonian Christians themselves suffered because of their new faith (1 Thess. Thyatira was addressed by Jesus Christ in the Seven Churches of Revelation. Introduction to the Catholic Religion: Beliefs, Practices and History, Stephen in the Bible Was the First Christian Martyr, General Biblical Studies, Interdenominational Christian Training Center. Women served as judges (Deborah), the first eyewitnesses to Jesus resurrection, and even as Deacons (Phoebe). In some parts of the Roman Empire, women could play prominent roles in their Jewish communities, especially in places where women already had some social freedoms. Sadly, apart from Acts 16, we dont see any other explicit instances where Lydia appears. Harassment, persecution, and suffering were not uncommon in the apostolic church. Paul and his party may have spent several weeks staying with Lydia (cf. 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. I know, because it has happened to me, too. Especially if God has granted us more abundance than other believers, we need to show generosity to those who do not have as much. I am ordained a Deacon in Full Connection in the United Methodist Church. It says, "One of those listening was a woman named Lydia, a dealer in purple cloth from the city of Thyatira, who was a worshiper of God." I hadnt thought of that before. Paul was on his second missionary journey when he had a vision of a man who pleaded with him, Come over to Macedonia and help us! The apostle responded to the vision by gathering his team and quickly setting off across the Aegean Sea for Macedonia, the northern region of modern-day Greece. It is helpful to flesh out more about their lives, cultures, and the ancient language aspects relevant to the extant texts we read in English today. See Map of Paul's journeys at end of this page.. She established her business in a foreign country. The usual word for a purple dyer was porphyrobaphos. Phoebe's ministry, then . While preparing a sermon, I came across your writing and I wanted to take a moment to tell you how much I appreciate your work. Paul was a devout follower of Jesus, whose dealings with women indicated that they could teach and lead in whatever way God led them. The Samaritan Woman from Sychar (John 4) [7] I suggest we are given this information because the author of Acts uses her as an example of a significant woman. 65581. In order to do this Lydia had to have enough rooms in her house to accommodate four men - Paul, Silas, Timothy and Luke. The message clicked and Lydia realized she needed the power of Jesus that they spoke about. According to v.9 God gave Paul a vision in which he saw a man of Macedonia saying to him, "Come over into Macedonia, and help us." Taking this to be God's directive, Paul and his team immediately went to the port at Troas and they found a ship all ready to sail to Macedonia. For instance, lets observe what some contemporary ancients said about women, versus what we find in the Old and New Testament. Lydia, Paul's first recorded European convert, was an independent businesswoman of honorable character and godly piety. (Paul writes of it 16 times in the letter) Perhaps theres a connection. This special event began when the place where the apostles and other disciples were gathered was suddenly filled with the sound of a . Lydia was one of the women there who "listened" (Acts 16:14) to what Paul was saying. Your research is much appreciated. Lydia had come from Thyatira, in western Asia Minor, and was a dealer in purple cloth. Ive heard many similar stories about female pastors, and even about women in other professions, women such as doctors, lawyers, professors and accountants. The translation of "God-worshiper . [17] Lydias house is most likely a domus. And for the most part, that is true even of the apostles. [17] Her home was also large enough to hold church meetings. Yes, we are all new creatures ONCE we believe. God-worshippers (or God-fearers) was an idiom that referred to Gentile adherents to Judaism. This was likely one of the primary reasons why this particular church had a unique, strong bond with the apostle. Further, she was baptized and brought salvation to her entire household, an early example of how to win the souls of those closest to us. living. Acts 16:15which begins with, When she and her household (ho oikos auts) were baptisedmakes it clear that it was her household. Lydia may have been a patron of the Jewish community at Philippi. We sat down and began to speak to the women who had gathered there. 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? "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.". Its possible to come to church and listen to a sermon and not even hear what is said. Why is Lydia Important in the Bible Lydia's faith is apparent in her actions. She would have been a great co-worker with Paul and his companions. Lydia is identified as a God-worshipper (sebomen ton theon), sometimes translated as God-fearer. Read Acts 18:1-3. This is a well written, scholarly article. 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 . Lydia presumably told members of her household, who followed her lead and were baptised with her. She and her household were baptized, and she asked us to be her guests. First, Lydia most likely accrued a great deal of wealth from selling purple cloth. Her story is recorded in Acts 16: Reuters. He played a crucial role in spreading the gospel to the Gentiles (non-Jews) during the first century, and his missionary journeys took him all throughout the Roman empire. Whatever her marital status, Lydias home was relatively spacious. Lydia, a successful business woman and homemaker, responded to Paul's gospel message, and her entire household became believers. His mission in Philippi was no exception. Lydia lived and worked in Philippi, dealing in textiles colored with the purple dye for which the region was famous. Thanks for your taking the time to leave your comment, Drew. Lydia in the Bible was one of thousands of minor characters mentioned in Scripture, but after 2,000 years, she is still remembered for her contribution to early Christianity. Lydia- The Purple Cloth Seller. David E. Graves, What is the Madder with Lydias Purple? The narrator may be Luke himself, or Luke using a first-person source. 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. Id say we probably, at least, know some of the same people. Fairchild, Mary. Lydias life is significant to the Gospel in a number of ways. [14] In Pauls letter to the Philippians and in Acts chapter 16 there are more names given of women who belonged to the Philippian church (Lydia, Euodia, Syntyche) than names of men (Epaphroditus, Clement). It is possible that she returned to Thyatira and helped start a church there. The home is where we establish families and nurture children. She left her home country and established her business in Philippi, in a different country, even on a different continent. ~ Both Paul and Jesus were supernaturally guided to Philippi and Sychar, respectively: Paul through a vision, Jesus through some kind of compulsion. They inspire me to be a risk-taking leader (appropriate risks, of course.) She was immediately baptized in the river and her household along with her. And a church was established in Samaria (Acts 9:31; 15:3 CEB; cf. We are reminded of the importance of showing hospitality to others. The names of other Philippians, such as the slave girl or the jailer, are not given even though we are told some of their stories in Acts 16:16-20 and 22ff.

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