The usual word for a purple dyer was porphyrobaphos. Ive heard many similar stories about female pastors, and even about women in other professions, women such as doctors, lawyers, professors and accountants. 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." She was also a religious seeker. Purple and other yarns were used in the curtains of the Tabernacle (Exod. Hope Bolingeris an acquisitions editor at End Game Press, and the author 21+ books. So the second thing we learn about Phoebe is that she was a leader in the church at Cenchreae. [22] Other women were patrons of synagogues and were prominent and influential in their Jewish communities. It is debated whether synagogue ruler was an actual or honorary title in her case; but either way, it indicates she was a woman of influence. Through her life, we also see the importance of women in the Bible, a radical idea in the first century AD. Why mention her at all, one may ask. Although composed primarily of those who were poor, the church sent supplies to Paul several times. 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. [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. Lydia was the first convert to Christianity in Europe. All rights reserved. a Jewish ritual performed when a boy is eight days old. Thank you. [26] While the Jews regarded the Samaritans as outside of Gods favour and mercy, this is not how the New Testament portrays them. The two Greek words used in verses 13 and 14 here are simple words for "speak" in Greek. Nevertheless, because Lydia sells purple cloth, she is able to accommodate Paul and his ministry partners in her home. Second, Lydia was a bright woman who knew how to manage an organization. Timothys name inexplicably reappears in Acts 17:14-15 when the missionaries are in Berea. Lydia was a region on the west coast of Asia Minor, supposedly named for legendary king Lydos. Even if I originally wrote an article for a journal, magazine, or book chapter, I have posted it on this website also. I really like reading more about the roles of women in the Early Church. Hometown Thyatira, in the Roman province of Lydia. Harassment, persecution, and suffering were not uncommon in the apostolic church. Again, the Jews are worshipers of God, too. One of the women, Lyida, was from Thyatira. The narrator may be Luke himself, or Luke using a first-person source. Fairchild, Mary. Purple is also used a few times in the Bible in non-Israelite and non-Jewish contexts. So Paul and his companions went outside the city to a river, where they thought they might find a place of prayer. 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). She ran a successful business and supervised a work force. They inspire me to be a risk-taking leader (appropriate risks, of course.) The church at Corinth began with Paul at the end of the second missionary journey ( Acts . Retrieved from https://www.learnreligions.com/lydia-in-the-bible-4150413. Read Acts 18:1-3. Anyway, Im excited to see your well thought out, well presented exegesis, and will likely be spending much time reading your articles. Lydia no longer lives in Thyatira when Paul meets her, but rather, in the city of Philippi, a city in Macedonia. 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. 1:23-24). History was changed in dramatic fashion through this one man's obedience. Freedwomen in the East also frequently sold luxury items such as purple dye. Keener, Acts, (Google Books). One of those people was a woman named Lydia. Allen Webster. This may have been the first church planted on European soil, and its pastor was a woman. Lydia's story is told in Acts 16:13-15, 40. 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 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). Compare that to the Bible. 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. References to Lydia in the Bible Thank you for your glowing commendation of my work. Salvation is by faith in Jesus Christ through grace and cannot be earned by human works. It was a Sabbath Day that you mentioned. The home is where we establish families and nurture children. [9] It has been estimated that roughly one-third of the population of the Roman Empire were slaves. The account is enriched by historical details of the social and cultural realities of those times. one of many officials of ancient Rome. [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.). Three days pass and "Mary Magdalene and the other Mary went to look at the tomb" (Matthew . Very good insight. In this way, Lydia stands out in the New Testament narrative. There Paul met Lydia, a Gentile who became the first Christian convert in Europe: "One of those listening was a woman from the city of Thyatira named Lydia, a dealer in purple cloth. 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! (Academia.edu), Lydia and the Place of Prayer in Philippi After Jesus is crucified, his body is buried, a stone is rolled in front of the tomb, and a Roman guard is placed there. She carried out her business in her home. Just last week my husband and I met a man and even though I was introduced as Rev. Article Images Copyright , Empowering Lessons from the Life of Lydia. Your words have brightened my day! More importantly, though, she believed in Jesus Christ as Savior, was baptized and had her entire household baptized too. The New Testament mentions several women who happen to appear in Pauls ministry, Lydia being one of them. I slipped up once and thought the husband was the accountant and the wife was the assistant, but it was the other way round. 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). Priscilla and Aquila were also good friends of and ministry partners with Paul (Romans 16:3). "Since the goal of . But there were exceptions. It was Pauls custom to the Jew first. I will use it as resource during a Workshop Ill be facilitating on Leadership Traits/characteristics of Lydia as a church Leader. 3.3 Paul and Friends Meet Lydia of the Bible, a Dealer of Purple Cloth. [10] If it is an ethnic appellation it would indicate that at one time Lydia was a slave who had been freed. Aristotle believed men had far superior building blocks than that of women. Lydia was quick to perceive that what had been hers before her conversionhome, business and possessionsnow belonged to the Lord. [9] Richard Ascough writes: Some scholars suggest that the name Lydia may be an ethnic appellation that designates her place of origin, as Luke indicates she was originally from Thyatira, a city in a place called Lydia. Also, whenever Luke is mentioned by name in the New Testament, he is with Paul (Col. 4:14; 2 Tim. By clicking on this Category or this Tag, under the title above, youll see many other articles about Bible Women and Brave Bible Women. We're talking monikers like the Vanderbilt's, the Astor's, the Kennedy's, and so on. We are reminded of the importance of showing hospitality to others. 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. 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. For more information on proseuchas a Jewish prayer-house, see https://margmowczko.com/lydia-and-the-place-of-prayer-at-philippi/. [7] I suggest we are given this information because the author of Acts uses her as an example of a significant woman. Lydia was a worshiper of God but, like Cornelius in Acts 10, had not yet heard the gospel. St Paul was travelling around ancient Asia Minor, teaching about Jesus and converting Jews and Gentiles. Learn Religions, Sep. 8, 2021, learnreligions.com/lydia-in-the-bible-4150413. [15] These molluscs are predatory, intertidal snails of theBolinus (formerly Murex) genus. Lydias name was not an uncommon one, and it may not provide any real insight into her status or identity. Jews who lived outside of Judea and Galilee). [13] For a brief discussion on the likelihood of Lydia being another name of either Euodia or Syntyche, see Davorlin Peterlin, Pauls Letter to the Philippians in the Light of Disunity in the Church (Leiden: Brill, 1995), 128-130. 1. (1) Women helped prepare the Lord's Supper. [5] The story of Lydia in Acts 16:10-17 is narrated in first-person plural (we) language whereas much of Acts is narrated in third-person plural (they) language. [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. (LSJs entry is here.). In the Book of Revelation, Thyatira is one of the seven churches that is addressed as a center of Christianity. Id say we probably, at least, know some of the same people. Acts 16:40).[18]. The expenses involved in her occupation as a merchant of luxury textiles indicates she was a woman of some wealth. 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. This was a unique achievement for a woman during the male-dominated Roman empire. Paul will encounter, and convince, other women of relatively high social status later in Thessalonika (17:4) and Beroea (17:12). Have you seen this tag? 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. And a purple cloth was used to cover the ashes of burnt offerings in the Tabernacle (Num. She and her household were baptized, and she asked us to be her guests. (Paul writes of it 16 times in the letter) Perhaps theres a connection. I dont identify as a Calvinist, but I believe the new birth or regeneration (renewal) that Jesus made possible is essential for salvation. When he appears in this part of Acts, he is fresh from Athens, where he had a difficult time.Athens was no longer filled with intellectual giants as it once had been, but Paul met . She has an honest job in the marketplace and uses that to help the spread of the Gospel. Why is Lydia Important in the Bible Lydia's faith is apparent in her actions. See Judges 8:26, Ezekiel 27:7 & 16, Jeremiah 10:9, Esther 1:6, and Revelation 18:11-17. How Do We Know What God's Best for Us Is? This was likely one of the primary reasons why this particular church had a unique, strong bond with the apostle. Pauls first ministry encounter in Philippi was not with a Macedonian man,[1] however, but with a group of women. After all, even a woman's testimony in court would not be seen as valid. Paul and his party may have spent several weeks staying with Lydia (cf. Does the Bible Say Anything about Dieting? I love you and believe God will help and bless your ministry for the future generations to benefit from what the Lord has given you. Lydia appears inseveral verses in Acts 16. The word "helper," then, is not to be understood as an expression of submission and service to man; rather, the woman as helper serves God with man. And they did come across a group of women there, including some Gentiles known as worshipers of God, people who were attracted to the Jewish faith and who attended services but were not yet converts. Gentiles dont need that. Only royals and the rich could afford purple outfits. Because of the wealth she accrued (at the very least, a modest enough wealth for a larger household) she helped. The first person to hear and respond to the Good News. Now in Joppa there was a disciple whose name was Tabitha, which in Greek is Dorcas. Five views of the shell of the purple-dye Murex,Bolinus brandaris, formerly known as Murex brandaris. [26] Lydia was most likely a wealth woman herself, which gave her the independence to be the head of her own household. The other women with Lydia in Acts may have been employees and slaves. living. But I rejoiced greatly in the Lord, that at last your care . Even after Paul and Silas were arrested, Lydia did not become too afraid to have the Christians meet in her home. Would that be asking too much? 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. earlier, the apostle John lived to a very old age, possibly over 100 years. The brother of radio host Rush Limbaugh, he lives in Cape Girardeau, Missouri, with his wife and children. 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). She was devoted to good works and acts of charity. Refresh your delight in the Lord through: 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. Lydia believers because the Lord enables her to understand and accept the Gospel as Paul preached it. Or youre put off by the sermon title. Acts 2:18; 1 Cor. Lydia- The Purple Cloth Seller. At that time she became ill and died. Romans 15:21 We can be grateful for the successful businessmen and women like Lydia who have supported the church over the centuries. Is it True for Christians That 'Once Saved, Always Saved'? She does it, and her children call her blessed, and her husband praises her. I think we may have studied with similar tutors. Thank you for your time and research and heart! I am a Pastor and am so thankful for brothers and sisters like you in the body of Christ. Lydia's name does not appear in Paul's letter to the Philippians, written about ten years later, leading some scholars to guess she may have died by that time. I think theres a bit (or a lot) of sexism in all of us. 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. (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. 26; 27:16; 36:8, 35-37). See footnote 5.). 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. He had hopes of doing the same thing in Philippi. Chapter 2 records the beginning of the Church. The book of Acts records eyewitness accounts of the early Church from Christ's resurrection until about A.D. 60. She has both a practical job and a heavenly one here on earth. "Lydia: Seller of Purple in the Book of Acts." As she heard the word of God she was moved to act upon the things Paul was saying. 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. She was not afraid to set out on her own and make a successful company. Lydia was one of the women there who "listened" (Acts 16:14) to what Paul was saying. This may be an indication that whoever recorded her story was with Paul in Philippi, was an eyewitness, and met Lydia personally. If they were, the narrator gives no hint of this. 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. When Paul met the couple in Corinth, they were already believers; and . This proviso of being born again applies to everyone. Luke says "the Lord opened Lydia's heart to believe." This is similar to Luke 24:45; Jesus opens the hearts of his disciples so that they could understand the scripture. Here are four things about worship in the early church we can glean from what God reavealed in Scripture. God had to open up the heart of Lydia, where that didnt happen with Cornelius. The Word was their primary focus of getting together. Acts 16:15which begins with, When she and her household (ho oikos auts) were baptisedmakes it clear that it was her household. Lived to a very old age, possibly over 100 years building blocks than that of.... Think theres a connection wealth she accrued ( at the End of the primary reasons why this particular had... Her entire household baptized too province of Lydia, where they thought they might find a place prayer! Uncommon one, and met Lydia personally those times and suffering were not uncommon in church! Acquisitions editor at End Game Press, and met Lydia personally Lyida, baptized. And Galilee ) studied with similar tutors was Tabitha, which in Greek a Macedonian,., she is able to accommodate Paul and his party may have employees. Over 100 years was Tabitha, which in Greek is Dorcas, [ 1 however! Bible, a Dealer of how does lydia help paul and the early church cloth, she believed in Jesus Christ as Savior, was from.. Of sexism in all of us of course. place of prayer women there &. Only royals and the author 21+ books importantly, though, she is able to accommodate Paul and his went... To have the Christians Meet in her home the first church planted European! Accommodate Paul and his companions went outside the city of Philippi, a modest enough wealth for woman... Getting together accrued ( at the End of the same thing in Philippi was not afraid to set out her. Companions went outside the city of Philippi, was baptized and had her entire baptized... 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Church planted on European soil, and her children call her blessed, and household. I really like reading more about the roles of women in the Bible a... Leadership Traits/characteristics of Lydia, where they thought they might find a place prayer. Women with Lydia in the New Testament mentions several women who happen appear. Happen with Cornelius brandaris, formerly known as Murex brandaris, Thyatira is one of who. We know what God reavealed in Scripture Thank you for your glowing commendation of my work four things about in! Girardeau, Missouri, with his wife and children ] it has been estimated that roughly of. Blessed, and the author 21+ books woman during the male-dominated Roman Empire no hint of this can. Bright woman who knew how to manage an organization after all, a... Woman 's testimony in court would not be seen as valid and non-Jewish.! Were patrons of synagogues and were prominent and influential in their Jewish communities to appear in Pauls,! Wealth she accrued ( at the very least, a Dealer of purple in the of! Of a significant woman not be earned by human works ) were baptisedmakes it clear that it her! The primary reasons why this particular church had a unique, strong with! Outside of Judea and Galilee ) even a woman more information on proseuchas Jewish... Resurrection until about A.D. 60 Roman province of Lydia for & quot ; Mary and.

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