New Testament · 1st century
Lydia
Who was Lydia?
Lydia was a successful businesswoman of Philippi and the first recorded convert to Christianity in Europe.
RoleFirst convert in Europe
Era1st century
CityPhilippi
TradeDealer in purple cloth
Known forFirst convert in Europe
A dealer in purple cloth and a worshiper of God, Lydia met Paul at a riverside place of prayer in Philippi. As she listened, “the Lord opened her heart to respond” to the message.
She and her household were baptized, and she insisted on hosting Paul and his companions, opening her home as a base for the new church.
Lydia models open-handed hospitality and a heart ready for the gospel.
Key verses BSB · Public Domain (CC0)
Acts 16:14 “Among those listening was a woman named Lydia, a dealer in purple cloth from the city of Thyatira, who was a worshiper of God. The Lord opened her heart to respond to Paul’s message.” Acts 16:15 “And when she and her household had been baptized, she urged us, “If you consider me a believer in the Lord, come and stay at my house.” And she persuaded us.”
Related people
Original BibleDawn profile. Drafted with AI assistance and reviewed for accuracy. Scripture quoted from the public-domain Berean Standard Bible.