Backdrop:
Paul, on his second missionary journey, and under the influence of the Holy Spirit, was directed in a vision to come to the area where Lydia abode. (See Acts 9:4, 5) He and his missionary brothers had been in the process of establishing, confirming, and visiting various churches. At the same time that they were headed in her direction, the Holy Spirit placed it on Lydia's heart to go down to the river to worship and pray with the other religious women who had come for that same purpose. (These particular places by the river were often used on the Sabbath because of the baptisms that were held. They were enclosures in a grove-like area, with a pile of stones built up to be used as an altar.) Lydia was a highly "religious" woman (She had become a Jewish proselyte). Before she arrived at the river, God opened her heart to LISTEN to what would be said by Paul when he came there to speak. God knew she was ready (You can just about visualize the wonderful grin that must have been on his face a the glow that must have overwhelmed our Lord's heart!) and LYDIA became born again. Lydia's heart and life were completely revolutionized.

What did she do next? In obedience to the Word of God, she asked Paul to baptize her right there to seal her faith. (Throughout the New Testament we read how the new believers took the next step after receiving God's Word by submitting to baptism.)

"Then Philip opened his mouth, and beginning from this Scripture he preached Jesus to him. As they went along the road they came to some water; and the eunuch said, 'Look! Water! What prevents me from being baptized?' [And Philip said, 'If you believe with all your heart, you may.' And he answered and said, 'I believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God.'] And he ordered the chariot to stop; and they both went down into the water, Philip as well as the eunuch, and he baptized him." Acts 8:35-38 NASB

After Peter preached: "So then, those who had received his word were baptized; and that day there were added about three thousand souls." Acts 2:41 NASB

Lydia then took hold of her new-found faith and began spreading it in her home which was full of servants. Her life became a testimony to them, and they too became believers and were baptized! This showed just how powerful her witness was. It only takes a little spark!

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