Lydia of Thyatira
- James Collazo
- Feb 12, 2020
- 5 min read
Updated: 6 days ago
Introduction
Lydia of Thyatira (Greek: Ludia ton Thuateirо̄n) flourished circa AD 50 in the Roman province of Asia. In the Acts of the Apostles, the evangelist Luke refers to her as "a dealer in purple cloth . . . a [Gentile] worshiper of God" (Acts 16:14). The apostle Paul met Lydia in Philippi, a Roman colony located in the predominantly Greek region of Macedonia. Because she sold purple fabric, most scholars think Lydia was a wealthy woman and the head of her household—an unusual role anywhere in the Roman Empire. While we take synthetic colors for granted today, the ancients had to rely on natural resources to make dyes for their clothing.
Purple, dark red, and blue dyes were extremely rare because processing them required up to 250,000 sea mollusks. Archaeologists refer to the dye as Tyrian purple, named after the coastal city of Tyre, which the Bible often mentions, as it was a major center of production. Since the dye was so rare, only the wealthy and powerful could wear purple clothing. The common madder plant (Rubia peregrina), native to Thyatira and Philippi, offered a cheaper alternative for the middle class. Lydia probably worked in a dyers' guild and maintained many business connections, including Jews who used blue sea-mollusk dyes for their sacred fringes (Hebrew: tzitzit, H6734, cf. Deut. 22:12; Num. 15:38–39).
The Historical Lydia
Luke describes Lydia as a "dealer in purple cloth" (porphuropōlis, G4211), highlighting her role as a businesswoman rather than a mere worker. She likely took her name from the ancient region of Lydia in Asia Minor. Lydia was a Gentile God-fearer (sebomenē, G4576). Luke and Paul met her on the Sabbath when they "went outside the city gate to the river, where [they] expected to find a place of prayer. [They] sat down and began to speak to the women who had gathered there" (Acts 16:13). The Greek noun proseuchēn (G4335), translated in the New International Version (NIV) as "place of prayer," refers to a designated area where Jews could pray in the absence of a formal synagogue. Jewish tradition requires a synagogue to include a minyan, a quorum of ten adult members. Philippi's Jewish population was too small to host a synagogue, so they used a place of prayer instead.
Paul's usual practice was to preach at the local synagogue whenever he visited a new city (Acts 13:14, 14:1, 17:1, 10, 18:19, 19:8). In Philippi, he sought out the Jewish congregation. Luke notes, "On the Sabbath we went outside the city gate to the river, where we expected to find a place of prayer. We sat down and began to speak to the women who had gathered there" (Acts 16:13), showing that Paul waited for the Sabbath to address Jewish worshipers. Lydia's presence there suggests that she was likely an influential community leader, possibly directing prayer services for women.
Lydia's influence extended to both Jews and Gentiles in Philippi. Luke notes, "When she and the members of her household were baptized" (Acts 16:15). The Greek word for "household," oikos (G3624), can refer to a literal building or a family's symbolic residence. In this case, oikos is metaphorical, showing that Lydia led her household. Under the Roman household code, the man typically headed the home, with the wife, children, and slaves forming the rest of the hierarchy, as seen in passages like Ephesians 5:22–6:9 and Colossians 3:18–4:1. By saying Lydia had her household, Luke indicates two things: she was a landowner, and the members of her household followed her religious beliefs. Female landowners were rare in the Roman Empire but not unheard of.
It was also customary for household members to follow their master's religion. While it may seem troubling today that Lydia's household was baptized out of obligation rather than personal conviction, we can take comfort in the belief that God's grace transcends human limitations and cultural pressures, working even through imperfect circumstances to draw people closer to him. Understanding this historical context reminds us of the transformative power of faith and the universal call to embrace it willingly and authentically.
An Open Heart
Regarding God's sovereignty, Luke writes, "The Lord opened her heart to respond to Paul's message" (Acts 16:14). This may challenge modern ideas about consent and individual choice, but it reflects that God does not open the hearts of all people (see "God's Will & Our Free Choices"). The text indicates that Lydia was already a worshiper of God, devoted to him, although she lacked the saving knowledge of Christ. When she encountered the gospel, she responded with joy and was baptized in the name of Jesus. Lydia then invited Luke and Paul to stay at her home, suggesting she may have led a prayer group: "If you consider me a believer in the Lord, come and stay at my house" (Acts 16:15). Luke continues, "and she persuaded us." By the time Paul and Silas escaped from prison, Lydia's household had already become a church (cf. Acts 16:40). This new church in Philippi became a place of refuge and the community to which Paul later wrote his letter to the Philippians. John also mentions a church in Thyatira, which Lydia may have helped establish (Rev. 2:18–21). In this way, Lydia's faith stands in sharp contrast to Jezebel's idolatry.
Conclusion
Lydia's story in the Acts of the Apostles illustrates the life of a remarkable woman who challenged societal expectations and emerged as a leader in her community. She worked as a dealer in purple cloth, a luxury item worn by the wealthy, demonstrating her success as a businesswoman. Lydia was also a devoted worshiper of God, and she created a place of prayer for women, demonstrating her leadership in the early church. She showed resilience and determination in a male-dominated society, proving that faith and hard work can break barriers. As a Gentile believer, she connected people across cultural and religious divides, helping to spread Christianity in Philippi. Lydia's faith, entrepreneurship, and strength continue to inspire people today, reminding us that one person's dedication can leave a lasting impact.
Prayer
Blessed are you, LORD our God, King of heaven and earth! We honor Lydia for her faith, courage, and devotion. Help us to follow her example of holy living, to show compassion, lead with integrity, and serve others with dedication, so that our lives may reflect your love as faithfully as hers did. We pray this through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, forever and ever. Amen.
Bibliography
Andrews, Evan. "Why Is Purple Considered the Color of Royalty?" History. May 27, 2025. link.
Ascough, Richard S. Paul's Social Network—Lydia: Paul's Cosmopolitan Hostess. Collegeville, MN: Liturgical, 2009.
Dobson, Kent. NIV First-Century Study Bible: Explore Scripture in Its Jewish and Early Christian Context. Grand Rapids: Zondervan, 2014.
Graves, David Elton. "What Is the Madder with Lydia's Purple? A Reexamination of the Purpurarii in Thyatira and Philippi." Near East Archaeological Society Bulletin 62 (2017): 3–29. link.
Kaiser, Walter C., Jr., and Duane A. Garrett, eds. NIV Archaeological Study Bible: An Illustrated Walk Through Biblical History and Culture. Grand Rapids: Zondervan, 2005.
Keener, Craig S., and John H. Walton, eds. NIV Cultural Backgrounds Study Bible: Bringing to Life the Ancient World of Scripture. Grand Rapids: Zondervan, 2016.
Mowczko, Margaret. "Lydia of Thyatira: The Founding Member of the Philippian Church." Marg Mowczko (blog). November 30, 2017. link.
