God presented LYDIA not only with the gift of salvation but with the gift of hospitality as well, and she set up her home in Philippi to be a church open to missionaries. Paul and Silas, after their stint in prison, felt free and welcome there.

Lydia was Paul's first noted European convert there at Philippi, showing us, in part, that the Bible never degrades women; instead, the Scriptures honor them. What a blessing to go down in Biblical history with that as part of one's testimony! The first gospel hearers for Paul, in fact, were not famous Kings, Princes, statesmen nor orators; they were people like you and me, who gathered to have prayer meetings and learn more about God. The gospel was and is universal with our glorious God who is no respecter of persons.

In Lydia's secular work in which she continuously prospered, LYDIA did her business as unto the Lord and did not allow it to interfere with her spiritual walk nor the use of her home as a headquarters for the missionaries. Her affections were not set too high on earthly things. Her first priority became Jesus Christ. By reading the Epistle to the Philippians, we see that the church there at Philippi thrived.

Special Note:

A look again at Verse 14 of Chapter 16 says this:

• First of all, Lydia was already a believer.
• Secondly, she already knew God answered prayer, therefore often took advantage of prayer opportunities.

• Look at your own life for a moment and think about when God went from being a reality to you to being an integral part of your life.
• When did you really hear Him and sense his presence in your heart?
• When did you find yourself responding to the teachings from his word?

"The kind of attention which consists in having the whole mind engrossed with it, and in apprehending and drinking it in, in its vital and saving character."¹

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