Acts 16:14

Now a certain woman named Lydia heard us. She was a seller of purple from the city of Thyatira, who worshiped God. The Lord opened her heart to heed the things spoken by Paul.

1. So far the specific examples of conversion have been groups (Pentecost, Samaria) or men (Saul, Cornelius, Ethiopian). Here, we have an example of a woman convert.

2. Lydia - What do we know about her?

1. She is a seller of purple - meaning she sell expensive cloth. Garments for the wealthy. Purple was usually obtained from some shellfish. It was expensive, so only the richest or those in power could afford this material.

2. She is from Thyatira - This city (and church) would be addressed later in the book of Revelation. Thyatira is one of the seven churches of Asia Minor.

3. She worshiped God - We do not know for sure that she was Jewish. We know that she was not an idolatrous pagan. She worshiped God.

4. Her heart was opened - There is a lot of discussion about this phrase.

1. John Calvin taught that man is totally depraved and can only come to God when God operates on the heart. In some denominations this is called the direct operation of the Holy Spirit.

2. Others suggest that her heart was receptive, open and ready to receive the word. Just as a farmer prepares the soil to make it ready to plant the seed, so her heart was prepared to hear the gospel message.

3. Some suggest that some providence of God led her to be at this place, at this time, and in a place in life where she was searching for salvation.