During Paul’s second missionary journey, he had a vision that we usually refer to as the “Macedonian call.”  In the vision, a man of Macedonia appeared to Paul saying, “Come over to Macedonia and help us” (Acts 16:9).  Paul recognized this as a call from God; thus, he immediately obeyed.

Acts 16:10 (ESV)
¹⁰  And when Paul had seen the vision, immediately we sought to go on into Macedonia, concluding that God had called us to preach the gospel to them.

The first place Paul preached the gospel in Macedonia was Phillipi.  On the Sabbath day, he came across some women who were at the riverside praying (Acts 16:13).  One of the women was named Lydia, from the city of Thyatira.  Nelson’s Bible Dictionary gives us some information about this city.

“Although never a large city, Thyatira was a thriving manufacturing and commercial center during New Testament times. Archaeologists have uncovered evidence of many trade guilds and unions here. Membership in these trade guilds, necessary for financial and social success, often involved pagan customs and practices such as superstitious worship, union feasts using food sacrificed to pagan gods, and loose sexual morality” (Nelson’s New Illustrated Bible Dictionary).

Eventually, a local church was established at Thyatira.  While the church as a whole was praised by the Lord, they did have one problem—a woman called Jezebel was corrupting some of the saints, teaching them to practice sexual immorality and commit idolatry (Revelation 2:20-23).  This shows us the influence of the pagan trade guilds and unions that pushed immoral practices, and this was the environment in which Lydia lived before moving to Macedonia.

What is it that is commendable about Lydia, and about which we can imitate today?  First, she rose above her surroundings and became a worshiper of God.  She obviously was not a Christian when Paul was first introduced into her life, but she was, at that time, devoted to God enough to go to the normal place of prayer for those who worship Him.  We learn from Lydia that our backgrounds can never serve as an excuse for how we turn out spiritually.  When Lydia heard the truth about God, she turned from the idols she was surrounded by when she was growing up in Thyatira.  Her willingness to see the truth and change would serve her well when Paul preached the gospel to her.  What about you?  Are you allowing your background to define who you are now?  If so, you need to follow the example of Lydia and do better.

Like Phoebe, Lydia was also a successful businesswoman, but she did not succumb to materialism.  She used her means to do good.  Two things point to this conclusion.  First, upon her conversion to Christ, she invited Paul and his companions to stay at her house (Acts 16:15).  Hospitality is always a good sign of a loving and generous person.  Second, Paul found her to be faithful.  That was the condition upon which they would accept her offer of hospitality (ver. 15).  If Paul found her to be faithful, we may assume that her success and business practices did not get in the way of her Christianity, but she, instead, used them for God’s glorification.  Every business person, man or woman, should follow her example.

Lydia had a heart open to the Word of God (ver. 14).  When that is the case, good things will always follow.  Let’s all try to be like her.

As you wind down for the night, think about these things.