After experiencing the vision of the Macedonian plea for help (cf. 16:9-10), Paul – along with the company of Silas, Timothy, and Luke – journeyed to Philippi to preach the gospel. God’s plan to preach the gospel to the Jews led Paul firstly to the synagogue upon entering a city. However, Philippi had no synagogue, so the worshipers gathered to the riverside “where prayer was customarily made.” It is there where Paul preached.

Amongst “the women who met there” was Lydia, “a seller of purple from the city of Thyatira.” Luke records, “The Lord opened her heart to heed the things spoken by Paul.”

Much discussion has arisen about this verse concerning what the Holy Spirit means by “The Lord opened her heart.” To understand this we must consider what happened before, and after this phrase. Before, she had already heard the apostle Paul. After, she was baptized. Thus she heeded the things spoken by Paul. “Heed” in this verse is defined as, “to apply oneself to, adhere to” (Strong). She had already heard, and what she heard opened her heart to obedience! This occasion is no different than any other. Obeying faith comes from hearing the word of God (cf. Romans 10:17). The word is sufficient for it is “the power of God to salvation for everyone who believes” (Romans 1:16). Had Lydia not heard Paul’s message, she would not have been inclined to obey the gospel.

After having obeyed the gospel, Lydia immediately contributed to the work of the kingdom by having Paul, and his companions, stay with her. We are reminded that baptism is the birth of a new creature “created in Christ Jesus for good works” (Ephesians 2:10). Let us imitate Lydia’s behavior!