Lydia

From Troas we put out to sea and sailed straight for Samothrace, and the next day we went on to Neapolis.  From there we traveled to Philippi, a Roman colony and the leading city of that district of Macedonia. And we stayed there several days.

  On the Sabbath we went outside the city gate to the river, where we expected to find a place of prayer. We sat down and began to speak to the women who had gathered there.

~Acts 16:11-13

In ancient times, when there was no synagogue in a city, it was the custome of those who worshiped the true God to gather for prayer outdoors preferably near running water.  Describe the scene crated in your mind when you read verse 13.

• a group of women are gathered at the river where the disciples will preach to them

What is your place of community worship like?  Where do you think your community would gather for worship if you had no church building?

• small and in the countryside
• we would probably worship in a park

One of those listening was a woman from the city of Thyatira named Lydia, a dealer in purple cloth. She was a worshiper of God.

~Acts 16:14a

What does the first part of this verse tell you about Lydia?  Which of the things you know about Lydia from these few words would you consider most important?

• that she sold dyed cloth in the markets
• that she was a worshiper of God

Try to consturct a sentence about yourself similar to this one about Lydia.  Which of the things you list about yourself do you consider your most important characteristic?

• One of those listening was a woman from the city of Elizabethville named Sarah, a teacher in music. She was a worshiper of God.
• that I am a worshiper of God

The Lord opened her heart to respond to Paul’s message.

~Acts 16:14b

What do you think is meant by the words, "The Lord opened her heart to respond"?  If you have experienced something similar, what were the circumstances and what was your response?

• Lydia became filled with the Holy spirit
• to me, it happened through singing a hymn and I was overcome with emotion

When she and the members of her household were baptized, she invited us to her home. “If you consider me a believer in the Lord,” she said, “come and stay at my house.” And she persuaded us.

~Acts 16:15

Lydia responds to the gospel message with two actions.  what are they?

• she becomes baptized and invites Paul and the disciples to her home

How did she persuade Paul and his companions to stay at her house?  Why do you think she was so anxious for them to stay with her?

• she sort of challenges them saying "If you consider me a believer in teh Lord."
• She was excited and over joyed of her new life upon her

After Paul and Silas came out of the prison, they went to Lydia’s house, where they met with the brothers and sisters and encouraged them. Then they left.

~Acts 16:40

When Paul and Silas got out of prison, they immediately went to Lydia's home again.  What does this verse say the did there?  They had been beaten severely (verse 23) and put in stocks in prison (verse 24); however, they respond not by complaining or moaning over their circumstances but by encouraging the believers in Philippi.  How do you think Lydia and her fellow believers responded to what Paul and Silas had to say to them?

• they encouraged the believers that were there, including Lydia
• they were probably sad to hear what happened to them but glad that they are still alive

It can be difficult to minister to others when your own problems and troubles are overwhelming.  How can you be an encouragement to those around you inspite of your own trials?  Mare than that, how can you be an encouragement to those around you because of your trials?

• by giving thanks to God inspite of your shortcomings
• people are able to learn from your trials